Food & Farm News
Real Audio» August 12, 2005 «
Almond production lower
Almond production declined about 3 percent in the fiscal year ending July 31, according to the Almond Board of California. Total production was 998 million pounds just shy of a billion. Almond exports declined more than 8 percent, but the 652 million pounds shipped is still the third largest ever. Domestic consumers used 6 percent more almonds than the previous year and made up 34 percent of the almond marketing total.
Farm milk price declines
Declining cheese and butter prices will cause lower earnings for California dairy farmers next month. The on-farm price of a gallon of milk will drop about 5 cents September 1 to an average of $1.32 a gallon. Ironically that decrease is the same as the August 1 increase. The price drop follows two monthly increases. The California Department of Food and Agriculture expects volatile milk prices to continue.
Committee looks at future farming
Farm Bureau has a study committee looking at the future of agriculture. Making American Agriculture Productive and Profitable in 2019 or MAAPP is reviewing all aspects of the agricultural economy. Members come from 30 different states and represent a variety of farm commodities. Committee members hope their findings will help farmers know what challenges to expect for their businesses in 2019.
Chicken production increased
California chicken producers have increased production about 3 percent. That brings most ranches to their capacity. Growers have been getting good prices for the last few years, and demand remains strong. The California Poultry Federation says that it is unlikely that Golden State farmers will ever be able to satisfy consumer demand in the state. Land values are too high to permit new poultry farms to develop production profitably.
On the Calendar:
Discussions of federal farm policy will dominate a Farm Bill Forum scheduled today (Friday) in Fresno. The California State Fair opens in Sacramento and the San Mateo County Fair begins in San Mateo. On Saturday, Yuba City hosts a Tomato Festival.
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