Food & Farm News
Real Audio» June 7, 2007 «
Assembly passes bill to deter metal thefts
A bill aimed at slowing thefts of copper wire and other metals won unanimous approval in the state Assembly yesterday (Wednesday). Farms, utilities, businesses and individuals have all suffered from a rash of metal thefts. A California Farm Bureau spokeswoman the bill would deter thefts by requiring recyclers to pay for metal by check and by tightening other rules. The bill now moves to the state Senate.
Pest fighters announce more apple-moth treatments
Pest fighters will open a second front in their battle against the light brown apple moth. State officials said yesterday they will start eradication treatments for the moth next week in the Contra Costa County community of Oakley. About the same time, a similar treatment plan will start in Napa. Authorities say they're aiming treatments with an organic insecticide in areas where they can prevent the moth from spreading its range outward.
Sierra hay growers cope with June snowstorm
A June snowstorm covered hay fields on the Eastern slope of the Sierra in half an inch of snow Tuesday. A farmer in Sierra County said a small amount of his hay had been cut before the snow hit, but he said he expects his crop to be salvageable. The storm system also brought heavy rain and hail to some parts of the Sacramento Valley. Observers in Colusa County say the storm appeared to cause little if any damage to crops.
Sweet potato farmers end planting season
They were slowed at times by cool, windy weather, but sweet potato farmers say they've now managed to plant virtually their entire crop. Cooler-than-average temperatures are slowing crop development. Most California-grown sweet potatoes come from Merced and Stanislaus counties. Supplies of sweet potatoes in storage from last year are winding down, so farmers hope they will be able to harvest some of the crop by mid-July to meet consumer demand.
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