Food & Farm News
» January 22, 2009 «
Farmers concerned about milk price drop 
The scheduled 55-cent-per-gallon drop in what farmers earn for their milk February 1 is causing great stress for dairy farmers. The new price is far below the farmers' cost of production. Declines in demand as a result of slowing economies worldwide are helping drive milk prices lower. California dairy farmers have actually been producing less milk than a year ago. Dairy farmer organizations are seeking government help, perhaps in loan guarantees.
Football fans will 'wing it' on Super Bowl Sunday
Chicken processors are gearing up for the big Super Bowl demand for chicken wings. The National Chicken Council says that Americans will consume more than 1-billion chicken wings or about 90 million pounds during the Super Bowl weekend. California growers will supply many of the chicken wings sold in this state, but not all. Consumers may check for the California-grown label for locally grown wings. Chicken wings are popular throughout the year, but peak demand is Super Bowl Sunday.
Consumers can color their world with cauliflower
A Monterey County-based farm company is producing a full line of colorful cauliflower. Salyer American says consumers will find purple, green and orange cauliflower in retail stores as well as at farmers markets. The flavor of each is described as slightly different. For example, orange cauliflower has a slightly nutty flavor with a creamy texture; the green variety is a bit sweeter. All varieties are said to provide larger doses of nutrients. None has any artificial colors.
Spotlight shines on dried plums
Throughout January the California Dried Plum Board has been touting the health benefits of the fruit, as it is California Dried Plum Digestive Health Month. A recent study suggests eating dried plums slows the development of atherosclerosis. Dried plums have been called a superfruit due to their health benefits and affordability. Ninety-nine percent of the dried plums from the United States are grown in California.
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