Food & Farm News
» January 8, 2008 «
Fierce winds cause scattered farm damage ... 
As farmers survey their fields following last weekend's rain and windstorms, it appears that older orchards took the hardest hit. That's particularly true in Northern California, where officials reported almonds and other trees blown down. One grower reported half of his orchard was blown over. In Kern County, wind blew sand into newly planted fields of carrots, which will need to be replanted. The damage will cause problems for individual farmers but won't likely affect supplies to consumers.
... while storms boost Sierra snowpack
The weekend storms had a huge impact on the Sierra snowpack. The state Department of Water Resources says the statewide snowpack now stands at 111 percent of average. Surveys taken the day before the storms showed the snowpack at only 60 percent of average levels. Additional precipitation is forecast for later this week in the northern and central Sierra. That should further increase the snow levels.
Nurseries note interest in grape varieties
California winegrape growers are beginning to buy more vines for new vineyards. Nursery operators say they notice particular demand this planting season for two varieties, pinot gris and pinot noir. In addition, demand is increasing for traditional favorites such as chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. Demand for winegrape vines is especially strong from farmers with ground in the Lodi and delta regions.
Peak day nears for avocado consumption
Although the National Football League playoffs have just begun, here's an early prediction for the Super Bowl: The Hass Avocado Board says Americans will consume 49.5 million pounds of avocados on Super Bowl Sunday. Most of the consumption will come in the form of guacamole. The avocado board calculates the guacamole to be eaten that day would be enough to cover a football field 19 feet deep. Super Bowl Sunday is the top day for avocado consumption.
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