Food & Farm News

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Comments about the fight against the Asian citrus psyllid

Turkey demand hits seasonal peak

Turkey farmers say demand has improved the last few months, going into their peak sales period during the holidays. The California Poultry Federation says turkey supplies will be plentiful for Thanksgiving and that farmers sold turkeys at favorable prices. But the federation says consumers probably won't notice much difference in the retail price of the Thanksgiving bird, because grocery stores typically run specials on turkey before the holiday.

Export market drives pecan production

A strong export market could attract more California farmers to plant pecans. Buyers from China purchase most of the pecans grown in the state, and farmers say the Chinese would buy more if they could find them. Pecans remain a relatively small crop in California, with about 4 million pounds produced in the Central Valley. Farmers say they expect to plant more pecans, but note that new trees take seven to 10 years to come into production.

Wool prices rise

Improved worldwide demand has contributed to increased wool prices. The head of a cooperative that markets California-grown wool says prices have risen to their highest levels in more than 20 years. Marketers say California farmers can now sell wool for as much as $1.90 a pound … or more than double the average price they earned last year. California farmers marketed 2.7 million pounds of wool during 2009.

Citrus farmers work to keep pest at bay

So far, citrus farmers have been able to stave off a serious threat to their trees. Officials say they're encouraged by their progress as they battle an insect known as the Asian citrus psyllid. The pest has been found in parts of Southern California but has been keep out of commercial growing regions. And none of the insects found in California has carried a disease that kills citrus trees. The disease has caused severe losses in Florida citrus groves.

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