Food & Farm News
» November 29, 2007 «
Dry pastures encourage early cattle sales
Dried-out rangelands have forced cattle ranchers to reduce their herds, and the extra supply on the market has caused cattle prices to drop. Beef prices have declined at the retail level as well, but the California Beef Council says that's more a reflection of customary seasonal patterns. Stores often feature special prices around now, on roasts and other beef cuts associated with colder weather. Long term, the range conditions could lead to tighter beef supplies and higher retail prices.
California increases tangerine production 
California is becoming a larger force in the domestic tangerine market, as new acreage comes into production. A U.S. Agriculture Department report issued yesterday (Wednesday) says California fruit will account for 40 percent of domestic tangerine production this season. Florida remains the top tangerine producer, but very little new acreage has been planted there. In California, farmers have been planting new groves especially of clementines and other mandarin-variety tangerines.
UCD earns nation's top entomology ranking
Its work to protect crops from insect pests and to protect people from insect-borne illness helped the University of California, Davis, Entomology Department earn the nation's top ranking. The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked 375 universities that offer doctoral programs in entomology. The Davis staff has developed many forms of integrated pest management and researched the welfare of honeybees. UC Riverside finished fourth in the rankings.
Study confirms heart-health benefits from beans
Newly published work adds to the evidence that eating beans contributes to heart health. A government study showed that people who consumed one-half cup of cooked dry beans every day saw reductions in their cholesterol levels. The new study, in which volunteers added pinto beans to their diets, confirms earlier findings showing that eating beans lowers cholesterol.
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