February 2013 - California Agriculture News Today

Allocation May Be Above 20 Percent

Because the Tracy pumps have been significantly been turned down throughout December and most of December, the San Luis Reservoir has not been refilled as it should be, which will impact Farmers on the West Side of Fresno County. Patrick Cavanaugh has more

The reduce pumping has triggered an early prognostication last week, that farmers on the West Side could be looking at as low as a 20 percent allocation, but it is not the official allocation from the Bureau of Reclamation for this season.

Joe Del Bosque is a West Side Fresno County Farmer who is severely impacted by the water cutbacks. He told AgNet West that he’s waiting for the official announcement.

Del Bosque noted that The Bureau may make an official early allocation this week.

He said there should be more water coming.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:47:16-07:00February 22nd, 2013|

Lawmakers Considering Nitrogen Tax on Farmers

Saying farmers should pay an added fee for all Nitrogen Fertilizer products to help fund repairs to California water systems in certain areas of the state where there is nitrate contamination, but agriculture officials are pushing back.

A new report from the state’s water board is urging the Legislature to enact the new fees

Manual Cunha is President of the Nisei Farmers League in Fresno. He said that lawmakers should just hold on. What about homeowners and municipalities using nitrogen, which ends up in retention ponds in many cities.

Cunha said if everyone paid then it would be more fair.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:47:16-07:00February 22nd, 2013|

Will Bees Be Short this Spring for Almonds?

Honey Bees had a tough summer 2012 with droughts in the Mid-West. Colonies have also been hammered by Varroa Mites, which such the blood from bees, weakened their immune system and introduce other diseases to the bee. Already weakened by poor nutrition, many bees have died off.

Some growers are soliciting bees from the south. Beekeepers there are agreeing to help–chasing the carrot of higher rental prices pushing $180 per colony.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:47:16-07:00February 16th, 2013|