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Comments about water from the Farm Bureau Leaders conference

More water storage needed

Water was a major issue of discussion at the Farm Bureau Leaders conference in Sacramento. Government leaders detailed the need for additional storage facilities and improved conveyance systems. Attendees were told the biggest issue impeding water flows is the need to protect endangered species. Change must happen to provide water for food crops and protection for endangered species. Farmers were told their need for water to produce food is a national security issue.

Horse disease in California confirmed

The first case of contagious equine metritis in the state has been confirmed in a 12-year-old mare. The horse is being treated for the highly contagious disease, which is treatable with antibiotics. The animal remains under quarantine. The California Department of Food and Agriculture says veterinarians are testing 35 California mares that have been exposed to the disease. They are all under quarantine. The disease is considered a foreign animal ailment. How the disease got into the country has not been determined, but previous outbreaks have been quickly eradicated.

Pruning change improves dry plum production

Yields of dried plum trees have increased more than 25 percent in an experimental trial of pruning the orchards differently. Mechanical devices prune the trees in a "V" shape. Taking that step allows light to get to fruit growing lower on the trees. The mechanical approach also reduces the farmers' pruning costs. The results are only for three years of study and long-term effects are yet to be determined, but the promising results may have implications far beyond the prune business. (reading time :23)

Glassy-winged sharpshooter fight successful

It's taken eight years, but the Sacramento County agricultural commissioner says the glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation in the county has been eradicated. That exotic insect carries Pierce's disease, which kills grapevines as well as other plant species. Sacramento County has a winegrape crop valued at more than $75 million. The insect also appears to have been eradicated from of Santa Clara County.

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