Food & Farm News

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Impact removal of the diversion may have on Sacramento Valley farmers

2007 was a banner year for California ag

California farmers and ranchers saw a 15-percent gain in the sale value of its products in 2007, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. They received a record $36.6 billion last year, up from $31.8 billion in 2006. Dairy producers saw a major recovery as their receipts increased 63 percent. Dairy remains the state's top commodity followed by grapes, nursery products, lettuce and almonds. Fresno County is still the top agricultural county in the nation.

Irrigation cuts trigger long-term concerns

The Central Valley Project announcement that the Red Bluff Diversion Dam would be removed Wednesday (Sept. 3) caught farmers by surprise. There is concern that the small amount of water that can be pumped from the river will not be enough to satisfy demand. Farmers say they must irrigate orchards after harvest so the trees will set a crop for next year. Those with late-maturing crops are still irrigating. The diversion dam provides up to 2,800 cubic feet per second of irrigation water.

Change in import quotas may not ruffle too many feathers here

Should Russia make good on its threat to stop importing U.S. poultry, California producers would not feel an immediate impact. Demand for California-grown poultry is so strong most of it stays in the state. However, in the longer term it could have an effect. Meat not shipped to Russia would go into the domestic market, creating more supply than demand. Consumers then could see a short-term decline in poultry prices.

Grill it up great this Labor Day!

Nearly three-quarters of all Americans will fire up the grill this Labor Day holiday--and steak is more than likely on the menu. For the tastiest results, chefs say to remove the steaks from the refrigerator about a half hour before grilling. Serve with a full-bodied California red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel or petite syrah.

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