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Farmer's comments about how the impact of the water curtailment

Farm water supplies remain uncertain

Uncertainty remains the byword for San Joaquin Valley farmers, as the State Water Project resumes limited water pumping. Water project officials said (Friday) they would begin pumping at about 10% capacity, as threatened fish move away from facilities in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Pumping also remains limited on the federal Central Valley Project. Farmers who depend on the water continue to search for sources of water to nourish their crops.

Lab will track apple-moth DNA

DNA detective work will help scientists trace the origin of California's light brown apple moth infestations. The moth has been found in nine Northern California counties and officials plan to start two eradication efforts this week. A new U.S. Agriculture Department lab in Texas will identify the DNA of the moths. That will determine whether the insects originated in the United Kingdom, Hawaii or their native Australia.

Ranchers seek vaccine to protect cattle

A higher population of ticks troubles California cattle ranchers, who say that has led to increasing cases of disease in their animals. The ticks carry a disease, anaplasmosis, which can cause anemia and death in cattle. Last year's mild, moist winter increased the number of ticks that carry the disease. The California Cattlemen's Association says it has offered help to state officials, to meet licensing requirements for a vaccine that can prevent the ailment.

On-farm milk prices to rise in July

Worldwide demand for milk products will be reflected in another increase for the on-farm price for California milk. Farmers will earn an additional 26 cents a gallon for milk starting July 1st. The state Department of Food and Agriculture says the average price will increase to $1.99 a gallon. On-farm milk prices have risen about 78 cents a gallon this year. Farmers say the increase will help them recover from a year of red ink.

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