Food & Farm News
» May 25, 2011 «
Farm groups urge passage of trade deals
Farm exports bring jobs to both the country and the city, according to farm leaders who urged Congress to pass three trade agreements. During a news conference (Tuesday), American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman said U.S. farm exports could increase by nearly $2.5 billion dollars a year through free-trade deals with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. He said competitors are "staking claim" to those markets that could be served by American farm goods.
Horse virus causes concern 
Horses in a dozen California counties remain under quarantine, as officials track the progress of a contagious virus. Officials say they expect the quarantine rules to stay in place for up to two weeks after new cases of the virus EHV-1 stop appearing. Veterinarians have advised that horse owners not transport their animals unless they have to, and a number of horse events have been canceled.
Survey charts honeybee losses
Calling the results "marginally encouraging," bee experts said total losses from managed bee colonies during the past winter totaled 30 percent. That's about the same as in the past four winters, according to survey results released by the U.S. Agriculture Department. Experts said the results may indicate that the mysterious bee malady known as colony collapse disorder at least may not be worsening.
Cool weather slows melons
Cooler-than-average temperatures may delay the start of the California melon harvest. Usually, harvest of California-grown melons begins around the first of June. But this year, farmers say the start may be postponed for seven to 14 days. All melon varieties are affected by the delay. California leads the nation in production of honeydew and cantaloupe and is second in watermelon production.
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