Food & Farm News

Audio Actuality

Planting native and drought resistant plants
mp3 | Real Audio (Real Player required)

Archives

2013
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

» April 11, 2008 «

On-farm milk prices to decline

California dairy farmers will earn about 9 cents a gallon less for their milk starting May 1. The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced the average farm price for milk would be $1.62 a gallon Declining prices for butter, dry milk and whey caused the decrease. The 9-cent drop follows a 10-cent increase in April and experts anticipate the volatile market will continue. Farmers will be earning 39 cents a gallon less for their milk in May than they did in December.

Demand grows for drought tolerant plants

Nursery growers say the demand for native and drought tolerant plants is growing. News reports of dry weather and water cutbacks are having an impact as consumers plan their landscaping. Growers say there are many plants in that category that will provide color. Nursery operators say the best time to plant native and drought tolerant plants is in fall so nature provides the water. But most consumers like to brighten their yards in spring, and should know those plants do require more water initially until they become established.

Organic cherry production grows

Organic cherry production in California is expanding. But, growers are finding it takes careful planning and years of work to produce organic cherries. Organically grown cherries are still such a small portion of the total crop that production figures aren't readily available. Most organically grown cherries are sold at farmers markets. However, as production expands the organically grown fruit market will expand as well.

Mango consumption increases

Americans are eating more mangoes. The National Mango Board hopes to double American consumption by 2012. Mangoes are popular with Americans of Hispanic or Asian backgrounds, but other Americans are becoming aware of the fruit after trips to the tropics, or watching the food network. The mango is the most widely consumed fruit in the world. There are a few mango farmers in California. Their acreage is near the Salton Sea. Harvest time is August and September.