Food & Farm News
» October 1, 2008 «
Egg prices continue to fluctuate
California egg production increased in August and so did the price farmers earn for their eggs. Production of eggs increased 6 million from July. Prices farmers earned went up to 85 cents per dozen, a 21-cent increase from July and 8 cents more than farmers earned last August. That is enough increase to make most growers profitable. Market volatility is expected to continue for the rest of this year.
Survey says: Californians prefer fresh food
Californians enjoy cooking with fresh food rather than canned or frozen, according to a survey by Mediamark Research. Four of the top 10 U.S. markets where consumers say they prefer fresh food are in California, the only state with more than one market on the list. The San Francisco Bay Area tops the list, followed by Monterey/Salinas. Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo is fourth and the San Diego market is ninth.
Wool is still less expensive than synthetic threads 
Prices wool producers earn have softened by about 10 percent since spring, but they are still much better than they've been in recent years. The slowing economy has dropped farm gross earnings to around $1.50 a pound. Those prices are not enough to encourage farmers to expand. Production costs have also increased. Demand for wool increased when oil prices made polyester and other fibers from petroleum more expensive than wool. Even though oil has declined some, synthetic threads are still more expensive than wool.
Researchers hopeful about additional red wine benefit
Researchers say a compound found in red wine has shown promise in treating an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Test mice gained weight after being given the compound. Weight loss is one of the telltale signs of the disease. More study is needed to see if there are beneficial effects for humans, but researchers are hopeful. Research continues in many university laboratories around the world for ways to combat MS.
Top
