California on a Path to Success with Almonds?

In 2008 the California Almond market saw 1.61 billion pounds of almonds. Getting close this year, with more than a 10 million pound difference from 2009, California Almond Growers will be happy to see the 1.53 billion pounds of nuts come out this year, according to federal farm officials.
While the feds say one thing, many county growers in San Joaquin disagree with such numbers, considering they produce 80% of the world’s supply of almonds. In 2008 San Joaquin County boasted $175 million.
Marginal weather including heavy spring rains is why some growers don’t seem as optimistic as the farm officials. With expecting almost .6 billion less in harvest, it is a question as to what will come out of 2010 almonds. With some saying the southern part of CA is receiving a higher, more bountiful crop, time will tell if CA is able to hold true to its high hoped predictions.

Water Delivery Discussion: Stand Up for Agriculture

On Wednesday, March 24th, 2010, some of the top agricultural water specialists will be meeting to help sort out some of the largest issues with the California Water Delivery. After limping through the last three years, water conservation is at the top of every discussion, media board, and farmer’s mind.

With so many farm workers losing their jobs and farmers going belly-up, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has scheduled a meeting this week to discuss the federal and state water delivery allocations.

Representatives from the Westlands Water District, San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority, Australian Water Officials from the State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Northern Victoria Irrigation Renewal Project all plan on attending and will provide presentations of some sort.

It’s important to note that this meeting will be open to the public and the media. Anyone concerned with this issue, which is every farmer in California, in our opinion should attend to put out the voice for California Agriculture. A large attendance of California farmers would be a large voice as to say, “We’re standing up for Ag!”

The meeting will be held March 24th, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 1220 ‘N’ Streeet., Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. [Link to Google Maps]

If you do attend, feel free to leave a comment detailing how the meeting went in your own opinion!

Final EIR: Apple Moth Battle

The light brown apple moth, the agricultural demon that was found in Manteca has created quite a rush for those in the area. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reported that the eradication program was “less likely” to cause human harm or environmental damage than not taking the action. Reasoning was that if the infestation had spread, more harsh chemicals and pesticides would have been required.

It was stated that if the moth were to become established, that a production loss of over $100 million could be the result of inaction.

The CDFA has considered that using pheromone twist ties on areas where the moth’s breeding occurs will best serve in disrupting the wild moth breeding activity.
The agencies final EIR is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/envimpactrpt.html. If you would like more information you can contact Yolo County Agriculture Commissioner John Young (530) 666-8148.

Ag News: Mexican tariffs could hurt California farmers

"California farmers may feel the impact of Mexico's retaliatory tariffs more than growers in other states. Those tariffs will make California strawberries, cherries, pears, onions and wine more expensive. Mexican consumers have created strong demand for the smaller sizes of California-grown pears. Growers usually don't start shipping strawberries until mid-May. California cherries have been in demand in more affluent Mexican cities. Both governments have expressed a desire to resolve the trade issue quickly."

Source: cfbf.com

The 2009 World Ag Expo

It’s all about The 2009 World Ag Expo this week and we are very excited to be out there meeting a lot of growers and sharing your personal experiences in the world of agriculture.

Be sure to stop by Pavilion C, Booth 3421, located on the Westside wall. Register to win a portable GPS navigation system by dropping your card in the bowl.