Gallstones harvested from cattle are a precious Chinese herbal medicine. They can be found in gallbladders after the bile is filtered without special processing. The gallstones are then ready for sale to buyers simply after being dried to remove all moisture. Gallstones are sold at the retail level either in their natural form without being processed, or as a propriety …

The flock of sheep at Tablas Creek Vineyard are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW, demonstrating transparency and sustainability. Tablas Creek Vineyard is the first farming business in California to achieve all three certifications for their sheep.   One of a portfolio of leading farm certifications offered …

“Big Dairy.” One of the strangest terms attached to the industry. As seen in fear-mongering headlines, Big Dairy is used to de-personalize individual dairy farmers and imply some large, faceless force foisting an agenda on unsuspecting consumers. So, who exactly is it? Maybe by figuring out what Big Dairy is – or isn’t – some light could be shed on …

SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS: Winter grain crop planting is finished. Winter grain plants are beginning to emerge from the soil. Some wheat, oats, and barley fields are being treated for weed control, as the winter wheat germination will increase due to high moisture.   DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES: Almond and pistachio harvest have ended. Dead and …

Willis Wolf recently won the 2019 American Star Farmer award at the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention held in Indianapolis in October. He is the first Californian to win the award since 1952! The California FFA member is from the Merced-El Capitan Chapter. He was recognized for his goat production operation where he helps meet the rising demand for goat products, while also …

Weather Temperature highs ranged from the low 50s to low 80s in the mountains, low 60s to high 80s in the valley, low 60s to high 90s along the coast, and mid 60s to high 90s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from the low 20s to low 40s in the mountains, mid 20s to mid 60s in the desert, …

California Department of Food & Agriculture — A total of seven California horses have tested positive in recent weeks for West Nile Virus, with six of the cases in the Central Valley and one in Riverside County. Two of the horses were euthanized due to the severity of their symptoms. Horse owners are reminded to have their animals vaccinated to make …

Weather Temperature highs ranged from the high 60s to high 90s in the mountains, low 70s to mid 100s along the coast, high 70s to mid 100s in the valley, and mid 80s to mid 110s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from low 40s to mid 70s in the mountains, low 50s to mid 60s along the coast, mid 50s to high …

September 28 and 29, alpaca business owners throughout North America will celebrate the 12th annual National Alpaca Farm Days. Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA) invites you to visit participating member farms and ranches during this fun-filled family event. Alpaca owners will open their doors to the public to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the …

Small Grains, Other Field Crops: Cotton fields are in full bloom and bolls are filling. Alfalfa hay continues to be cut and baled. Corn for silage and related summer row crops are being harvested, and land is being fertilized in preparation for the next crop. Dried beans are being shipped to Southern California. Black-eyed beans are maturing and drying in fields. Deciduous …