Food & Farm News
» July 2, 2007 «
Report: State's corn plantings up sharply
Corn acreage in California surged to an all-time high, as farmers reacted to strong demand and high prices for the crop. A government report (Friday) said the state's farmers planted 670,000 acres of corn, up 29 percent from last year. The report lists other large swings in plantings. Wheat and barley acreage have also risen sharply, but California plantings of upland-type cotton have dropped to their lowest on record.
Revised forecast shows record almond crop
All signs point to a record California almond crop. A revised government estimate (released Friday) says the crop appears even larger than it did when the first forecast was issued in early May. The new survey pegs the almond crop at more than 1.3 billion pounds. The report credits the large crop to cooperative weather, adequate bee presence for pollination and improved growing techniques by almond farmers.
Drought disasters declared in two more counties
Two more California counties have been declared primary agricultural disaster areas because of dry winter and spring weather. The U.S. Agriculture Department declared drought disasters in Calaveras and Colusa counties (Friday). In all, 18 counties have been designated as primary disaster areas due to the effects of the dry winter on range grasses and other crops. The declarations allow eligible farmers or ranchers to apply for low-interest emergency loans.
Holiday grilling boosts sales of barbecue meats 
Planning to fire up your grill on the 4th? You won't be alone. Marketers say Independence Day marks the number-one grilling holiday for American consumers. That will mean increased sales of beef, chicken and other barbecue favorites. The California Poultry Federation says all available chicken from California farms has been sold to retailers in advance of the holiday. Supermarkets often offer special prices on barbecue meats to entice shoppers to their stores.
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