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Bees needed for almond pollination next spring

State Water Project customers to get 5 percent of allocations

As dry weather continues, the State Water Project told customers they can expect only five percent of their allocations in 2010. That's the lowest initial allocation in project history. Last year the initial amount was 15 percent and by May that had increased to 40 percent. The initial allocation reflects low carryover storage levels in the state's major reservoirs. The allocation will be updated monthly reflecting how much precipitation falls. The State Water Project delivers water to customers in the southern San Joaquin Valley and southern California.

Bee decline continues

Beekeepers continue to report bee losses in California and other states due to colony collapse disorder, mites and other infestations. A University of California bee expert says the number of healthy hives continues to decline. Drought conditions throughout the country had made 2009 the lowest honey producing year ever. California almond farmers need bees in their orchards in February to pollinate their trees. How many bees are needed is uncertain because of water shortages in almond growing areas.

California produces large amounts of seed

Many plants grown in California farm fields and gardens start from seed... and the first comprehensive assessment of the California seed business shows that it accounted for nearly $3 billion dollars in sales last year. The University of California study said companies in the state represented 8 percent of the worldwide seed market. Centers of seed production exist in both Southern and Northern California, as Imperial and Yolo counties lead the state.

Farm Bureau 91st annual meeting convenes in Anaheim

Hundreds of farmers and ranchers will gather in Anaheim next week for the 91st annual meeting of the California Farm Bureau Federation. Solutions to challenges facing farmers and ranchers will be discussed as delegates adopt policies for the organization to follow in 2010. American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman will deliver the keynote address, offering his insights on the first year of the Obama administration.

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