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Dairy farmers' comments about challenges they face

Dairy farmers hope for a better '07

After enduring a tough 2006, California dairy farmers say there's hope for a better new year. Farmers say they faced sustained low prices for milk, record high prices for feed ... plus a severe summer heat wave that killed thousands of dairy cows. Analysts say on-farm milk prices may rebound in 2007. The state government sets on-farm prices, and says dairy farmers will see those prices rise about 4 cents a gallon come New Year's Day.

More farmers, vintners use sustainable practices

More than half of California-grown wine now is produced under a code of sustainable winegrowing practices established just four years ago. The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance says the number of vineyards and wineries participating in the program has jumped 24 percent since 2004. The alliance says the code promotes "environmental stewardship and social responsibility in the state's wine community."

State's diesel fuel prices rise rapidly

Farmers, ranchers and others who depend on diesel fuel have seen prices rise rapidly this month. The California Energy Commission reported that diesel prices had jumped an average of 15 cents a gallon last week. It attributes the hefty hike to rising crude oil prices and fuel inventories that are lower than last year at this time. The average price for California diesel fuel reached $2.86 a gallon, 20 cents higher than the national average.

Mushroom extract may help protect poultry

A new approach may soon become available, to help poultry producers maintain their birds' health. Government researchers have found that a mushroom extract will protect poultry from a serious parasitic disease. The mushroom extract can be given to birds in drinking water or can be injected into eggs before the birds hatch. Chickens who contract the disease lose weight and could die if not treated.

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