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Farms and ranches being included in the climate change bill

Dried plum crop described as 'excellent'

California's dried plum farmers will produce 32 percent more fruit this year compared to 2008, according to a federal government report. It predicts a crop of 170,000 tons from 64,000 acres of dried plum—or prune—trees. Growers have been thinning fruit because of the large set. Weather at bloom was ideal and has been great ever since. The crop is reported to be of excellent quality. California leads the nation in dried plum production, harvesting 99 percent of the total crop.

Farmers and ranchers point out role in carbon reduction

Farm and ranch leaders are asking that the Congressional climate bill recognize the role that farms and ranches can play in carbon reduction. Farm leaders have alerted members of Congress how farm crops are being included in carbon offsets under California's climate change law. Farm leaders want the U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists to have the primary role in developing protocols for greenhouse gas reduction for farms and forests. Congressional leaders have expressed interest in including farms and ranches.

Apricot harvest ending

Harvest of fresh apricots in California will end early in July. Consumers will find California apricots in stores for a short time after harvest ends. Weather has been near perfect for the crop. Farmers are reporting little pest pressure and good yields. Some orchards were damaged by frost early in the year, but since then there have been no other weather issues. Growers have been able to obtain needed water for the post-harvest irrigation, which will help assure a good crop next season.

Winter wheat harvest is more than half complete

About 60 percent of California's winter wheat has been harvested, according to a federal government report. That's up from about 50 percent a week ago and ahead of last year's pace when 58 percent of the crop was harvested by now. The report says 95 percent of the crop is reported as in good or excellent condition, and only 5 percent is reported as fair. Weather has been favorable for harvesting wheat. California is a small wheat producer, harvesting only about 18 percent of the nation's total.

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