*It's been a “double whammy” for many olive growers this year. California farmers expected a smaller crop because olive trees often alternate between years of large and small production. But then weather problems cut the crop even further. Some smaller-scale olive oil producers describe their harvest as a “scavenger hunt.” Observers say the maturation of new olive trees may help prevent a sharp drop in overall California olive oil production.

*Farmers reap the fruits of technology these days, as they replace manual labor with mechanization, where possible. A study by the U.S. Agriculture Department showed that American farmers have increased their productivity during the past three decades, while using less land and less manpower. Labor usage decreased by about one-third, and acreage designated to farming in the U.S. has dropped by three percent since the early 1980s.

*The ag commissioner's office reports: "Winter wheat, alfalfa and oats continue to be planted, with good germination of winter grains. Flood irrigation is being applied to sustain the growth. Alfalfa fields are in winter dormancy. Grape harvest has ended with the vines going into their dormancy stage. Plastic covers used to shield grapes from rain, are being removed and recycled. Cold storage inventories of grapes are getting low. Nut trees are being pruned. Almonds are being exported to India, Chile, Israel and Germany Pistachios are being exported to Hong Kong and the European Union. Pecans are being exported to Kuwait and Lebanon. Navel oranges are being exported to China, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Taiwan and Korea. Cara Cara oranges are beginning to be packed. Pummelos are being exported to Japan and China.”