Food & Farm News

Audio Actuality

Dairy cows returning to normal production after the heat wave
Real Audio (Real Player required)

Archives

2013
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

» August 16, 2006 «

Milk production begins to recover

Milk production is recovering on California dairy farms, after dropping markedly during the intense July heat. Farm advisors say most farmers report their cows now produce at least 90 percent of what they had before the heat wave. Milder temperatures and cooling systems have helped the recovery. Although the amount of milk per cow is returning to typical levels, total production will remain lower because heat stress killed thousands of cows during July.

Fewer horses suffer from West Nile virus

The number of California horses suffering from West Nile virus has dropped significantly. Five additional cases of equine West Nile virus were reported last week, bringing the total for the year to 13. Last year at this time, nearly 150 horses had been affected. One statistic that hasn't changed: About half the horses that contract the disease die from it. Six horses have died of West Nile virus so far this summer.

Carrots resist pests that attack roots

Plant breeders at the University of California say they've developed carrots that resist a serious root pest. Root-knot nematodes live in soil and can ruin growing carrots. UC researchers say the carrots they've developed will resist damage from the nematodes that live in the San Joaquin Valley and in desert growing regions. Farmers now must fumigate their soil to fight the nematodes, and UC says the resistant carrots would provide cheaper and more-reliable pest management.

New nutrition research center opens

They say they specialize in fighting America's number-one nutritional problem: obesity. Now, researchers have a new facility on the UC Davis campus. University and U.S. Agriculture Department officials dedicated the new Western Human Nutrition Research Center yesterday (Tuesday). Along with new techniques to battle obesity, researchers at the center discover how nutrients in foods can combat heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.