For 2009, California recorded a net loss of 109 dairies. The weakened state of the economy combined with higher than average feed costs, consistently low prices paid to producers, and the numerous herd buyout programs, all contributed to the loss of dairies operating in California. Merced County recorded the largest net decrease of 29 dairies. Tulare County had a net loss of only three dairies. The state's valley region showed the largest change in the number of dairies, recording a net loss of 56 dairies (compared to last year's net loss of 36 dairies).
A new University of California online publication outlines strip-tillage, a management practice with potential to save farmers money in fuel, labor and equipment costs while decreasing the amount of soil disturbed and dust generated as fields are prepared for planting. The eight-page publication, Strip-Tillage in California's Central Valley, may be downloaded in pdf format free at http://ucanr.org/strip-till.
To prevent damaging insects, weeds and diseases from entering California, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest an additional $13 million in grant money. Deputy U.S. Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the grants during a visit to the state. She also said USDA will focus on additional help for financially stressed dairy farmers and on updating forest policies.
A Garlic and Onion Symposium put on by the UC Cooperative Extension and the Garlic and Onion Research Advisory Board will be held at the Tulare County Agricultural Building, 4437 South Laspina St. in Tulare, beginning at 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday. The symposium will focus on latest research affecting crop production, pest management, water and feterlizer efficiencies. Information: 684-3300.
California milk producers produced 3.28 billion pounds of milk in December 2009. This was 5 percent above November 2009, and 5 percent below December 2008. Monthly milk per cow averaged 1,860 pounds in December 2009, 85 pounds more than in November 2009, and 10 pounds below a year ago.
Scientists are asking for help from the public to stop the spread of an invasive insect called the goldspotted oak borer. It has already killed more than 20-thousand oak trees in San Diego County. Researchers believe the insect is spread in firewood. Unsuspecting owners remove dead oak trees and cut them for firewood, not realizing the insects are deep in the wood. University of California researchers say they hope to find natural enemies of the goldspotted oak borer to control its spread.
Under a $3.7 billion deal, Nestle is buying from Kraft the assets of Tombstone, Jack's and DiGiorno plus the California Pizza Kitchen trademark in the United States along with the Delissio brand in Canada. Kraft estimates the pizza business generated $1.6 billion in net revenues in 2009. The sale will transfer approximately 3,400 employees to Nestle.
Despite the recession, Americans ate more ice cream last year than the year before, according to the market research firm Packaged Facts. Sales of ice cream and other frozen desserts increased 2 percent to $25 billion. Experts say that's because ice cream is a comfort food and right now that is what Americans need. Marketers also helped keep volume up with a wide variety of discounts. Several ice cream manufacturers in California report good sales years.
The San Joaquin Valley Dried Plum Day put on the UC Extension will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 19, at the Tulare County Agricultural Building, 4437 South Laspina St. in Tulare. Information: 685-3319.
California Farm Bureau Federation contributed to this report.