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Light brown apple moth infestation in Santa Cruz County

Apple moth discoveries worry farmers

An explosion in new discoveries of the light brown apple moth worries farmers in Santa Cruz County. Inspectors had found 865 moths in the county as of Friday, most trapped at plant nurseries in Soquel. The main infestation site is only about seven miles from commercial apple and strawberry fields. The moth, an invasive pest, threatens some 250 crops, including nearly every crop grown in Santa Cruz County.

California cheese production increases

Cheese production in California topped 2.2 billion pounds last year, as the state edged closer to overtaking Wisconsin as the nation's top cheese-producing state. Overall production rose 3 percent in California, according to a government report (issued Friday). Wisconsin continues to be the nation's leading cheese-producing state with almost 26 percent of production. California now produces about 23 percent of the nation's cheese.

Study looks at dairy foods and weight loss

A group of overweight Californians is helping researchers learn more about the role that dairy foods play in healthy weight loss. Government and university nutritionists in Davis have been studying the volunteers for 15 weeks. The dieters have been eating varying amounts of dairy foods as part of their everyday meals and snacks. The study aims to learn more about how calcium in low-fat dairy foods enhances weight loss. Results will be available early next year.

Onion supplies begin to recover

After record-high prices caused by poor growing weather in several parts of the country, onion prices may soon start to decline. Wholesale prices have come down by about one-third, to $14 a bag. Observers say retail prices should also begin to drop. Farmers in the Imperial Valley and in south Texas have started harvesting. In Georgia, farmers have started harvesting Vidalia onions for the specialty market.

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