Salmonella – we all know it’s bad for us but why? What is it? Where does it come from? Why should we care? Does my company have a plan in place if something tests positive? With all the news lately about one recall after another, it is easy to be tormented with endless questions. I am here to tell you that …

As the California Farmland Trust (CFT) works with more farmers and protects more farmland, the team is growing to meet the demand. The Elk Grove-based agricultural non-profit is pleased to announce Chelsea Molina as their new Conservation Project Coordinator. Chelsea has a dynamic style and the experience needed to deeply connect farmers and CFT. A deep connection is paramount to …

A team of researchers, including two from the University of California, Riverside, has identified the genes responsible for the hallmark sour taste of many citrus fruits. Published Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Nature Communications, the research could help plant breeders develop new, sweeter varieties. Modern citrus varieties have been bred over thousands of years to generate a broad palette of sour …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced last week that the January 2019 income over feed cost margin was $7.99 per hundredweight, triggering the first payment for eligible dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, …

(Santa Barbara, CA) – The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) kicked off their new fiscal year yesterday during the Annual Membership Meeting at their 83rd Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara, California. The event featured the election of the Board of Directors and Chairman, as well as industry and committee updates. The Board of Directors is made up of 44 men …

Each year, a special group of young women are selected to represent the state’s more than 1,300 dairy farm families who contribute to making California number one for milk production in the U.S. These Dairy Princess ambassadors and alternates are selected during events at Districts throughout the state, where they showcase speaking skills, knowledge of dairy and plans to represent …

(Week Ending on March 9) SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS: Recent rains have benefited wheat and alfalfa crops. Dairy forage crops are still flourishing from the additional rain. Some fields are beginning to be planted for spring silage as weather permits. DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES: Bee hives are still being placed in almond orchards. Petal-fall on almonds …

Much can happen in a year, as a major collective effort underway by the organic community is proving. Scores of organic companies and stakeholders have enthusiastically stepped up to invest almost $1.5 million in programs to advance organic food and farming — initiatives to promote organic, educate consumers about organic’s benefits, assist organic farmers and foster critical organic research. And …