Food & Farm News
» August 8, 2007 «
State officials monitor UK disease outbreak 
Authorities say constant vigilance by livestock ranchers remains the best protection against foot-and-mouth disease. An outbreak of the disease in the United Kingdom has focused attention on the threat, but foot-and-mouth is also present in much of Africa and South America. Quarantines keep animals from infected nations out of the U.S., but the California state veterinarian suggests individual ranchers frequently review "biosecurity" measures to protect their animals.
Apple-moth eradication program expands
Eradication work to eliminate the light brown apple moth expands to new locations this week. Crews began work in San Jose yesterday (Tuesday) and start in Sherman Oaks today (Wednesday), to disrupt mating of the pest. They do that by installing twist strips containing an attractant that confuses male moths. The light brown apple moth threatens hundreds of California-grown crops and plants. It has turned up in 11 counties since its first discovery last spring.
Oriental fruit flies turn up in Santa Clara County
Two Oriental fruit flies have been found in Santa Clara County. The California Department of Food and Agriculture says one fly turned up in Cupertino last week and a second in West San Jose yesterday. An eradication program will begin later this week. Crews place small dabs of attractant and pesticide high up on utility poles and trees. If left unabated, the Oriental fruit fly will attack more than 200 California-grown fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Wild rice farmers anticipate larger crop
There's a worldwide shortage of wild rice, so farmers in California planted more. The California Wild Rice Advisory Board says harvest has started in the Central Valley. Weather problems have cut California production the past two seasons, but the advisory board says growing conditions have been ideal this year. Farmers report a good-looking wild-rice crop, but it is too early in the harvest to determine what the yield per acre may be.
Top
