Food & Farm News

» February 22, 2012 «

Number of California farms holds steady

The number of farms operating in California held steady last year, according to a newly released US Agriculture Department report. The study showed 81,500 farms in the state—the same as the previous year—while the number of farms in the nation as a whole dropped slightly. The report also shows that the average size of a California farm, at 312 acres, is more than 100 acres smaller than the national average.

Dairies produce more milk

California cemented its position as the nation's top dairy state last year. According to data released by the US Agriculture Department, California cows produced nearly 41 and a half billion pounds of milk, up almost 3 percent from the previous year. California recorded slight increases in both the number of dairy cows and the amount of milk each cow produced.

Mandarin damage looks worse than thought

Damage from cold weather in December and January has become more apparent to citrus fruit growers, who say mandarins took a beating. California Citrus Mutual reports than about one-third of the mandarin crop will ultimately be lost to freeze damage. Mandarins are particularly susceptible to the cold, and farmers can see the damage now that temperatures are warming. The losses result from a record number of frosty nights during the previous two months.

California student wins national competition

A student from California State University, Fresno, has won the national Collegiate Discussion Meet. Tino Rossi, a freshman from Bakersfield, won the event in Michigan last weekend. The Discussion Meet is designed to encourage constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while discussing agricultural issues. In the final round, Rossi discussed social media strategies for connecting consumers with farmers and ranchers.