Food & Farm News
» May 13, 2009 «
Smaller almond crop predicted 
California's almond crop will be about 10 percent lighter this fall, according to a federal government report. It cites wet weather during the bloom period and damage caused by freezing temperatures in March as reasons for the decline. The projected drop is in spite of an additional 30,000 acres of almond trees coming into production this year. Some farmers think the production decline will be even larger than the government prediction. California is the leading almond-producing state in the nation.
Apricot growers concerned about water for next year
Early varieties of California apricots are available now in retail outlets. The Patterson variety, which provides about 65 percent of the fresh crop, won't reach markets until early June. Most apricots are grown on land that obtains irrigation water from the Central Valley Project, and farmers say there is enough for this year's crop. However, the trees need water after harvest to set a good crop for next year, and farmers are concerned there may not be enough for trees to produce apricots for 2010.
Strawberry growers may set another record
California strawberry growers are projected by a federal government report to set a new production record this year. Whether that four-percent increase materializes depends on the weather. That's what the California Strawberry Commission and strawberry farmers say. So far weather has been good and production has increased—which means consumers across the country have plenty of delicious California-grown strawberries available in retail outlets. California leads the nation in strawberry production.
On-farm milk price declines
Dairy farmers will earn less for their milk next month, which ironically is Dairy Month. The price will drop about 8 cents a gallon to $1.01, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which sets the milk price each month. Cheese prices dropped dramatically on the Chicago Board of Trade, and those numbers are what the CDFA uses in calculating the monthly price. Milk prices for farmers peaked in December 2007 when they earned a dollar more per gallon than they will next month.
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