Ag Alert 2006 Archive
Latest Issue
Ag Alert Archives
2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 20072006 | 2005 | 2004
Subscribe
To subscribe to the full newspaper, join your county Farm Bureau and ask to receive Ag Alert. Everyone is eligible to apply for Farm Bureau membership and receive the many benefits and services available.Advertise
To receive information about advertising in Ag Alert, call (916) 561-5570 or e-mail: agalert@cfbf.com.
Date: December 20, 2006
- Food safety proposal goes to fresh vegetable handlers
- The year that was 2006
- A traditional twist on holiday cheer
- Ask Your PCA:
How early do you apply fungicides on tree crops? - Commentary: Food safety
Date: December 13, 2006
- Governor pushes for more water storage
- New Farm Bureau policies address problems, issues
- Vine mealybug concerns grow as pest spreads
- Yuletide delight: Southern California is the pinnacle of poinsettia production
- Commentary: Annual Meeting delegates provide renewed direction and purpose
Date: December 6, 2006
- Mosebar stresses agriculture's public policy role
- Health and safety issues top list of rural concerns
- Consumers develop a passion for all things pomegranate
- Bill DuBois: 90 years and still working for agriculture
- Commentary: To stop rural crime, you must report it
Date: November 29, 2006
- Arrests follow tip in case of almond thefts
- Ethanol production fuels high corn prices
- Yolo's little lambs: Offspring of injured ewes prompt an outpouring of support
- Commentary: Wanted--An environment of pest-free imports
Date: November 15, 2006
- State election results offer bright spots and new challenges
- Next Congress will have a new look
- Sprouting knowledge: Agriculture provides fertile ground for teachers and students
- Turkey producers have a lot to gobble about this year
- Ask Your PCA:
What is your weed control plan for alfalfa this winter? - Commentary: Challenges await all of us as we build new relationships
Date: November 8, 2006
- Food safety is top priority for farm groups
- Panetta speaks on role of ag in future
- For the birds: Modern scarecrows go high-tech
- Root replacement: Farmers seek alternative to once-lucrative horseradish
- Commentary: Harvesting 'nega-watts'; Reaping the benefits of energy demand response
Date: November 1, 2006
- EPA sets limits on pesticide use to protect frog
- Farm Bureau calls for increased food safety standards
- Fresh market tomato harvest impacted by poor weather
- Attack of the killer plants
- Commentary: An American-made solution to our energy crisis
Date: October 25, 2006
- Wet spring, hot summer delay nut crops
- Growers ponder cropping plans for next year
- Looking after the lambs: Community unites to save offspring of injured ewes
- California pumpkin crop is looking good: Treats, not tricks
- Commentary: Speak up about the disposition of PG&E watershed lands
Date: October 18, 2006
- Alfalfa growers aren't 'making hay' this year
- Growers look to skies as harvests slow
- Telling and retelling their story: Pear growers put a face on labor issue
- Commentary: Food safety--United in action
- Ask Your PCA:
With the wet spring and the hot July, what are growers dealing with right now?
Date: October 11, 2006
- Farmers focus on steps to rebuild consumer trust
- Bin Bandits
- Milkman delivers memories of the page
- Commentary: Congressional elections could hold fate of several national issues
Date: October 4, 2006
- Farm Bureau leader tours Central Coast, listens to growers
- CFBF, Colusa farmer prevail in environmental case
- Juicy tradition: Apples provide income and inspiration for the Barsotti family
- Commentary: Food safety--California agriculture's top concern
Date: September 27, 2006
- A 'horrible puzzle': Farmers fight to find source of E. coli outbreak
- San Joaquin River settlement causes new water worries
- Jewish vintners celebrate their roots
- Commentary: In the eye of the media storm
Date: September 20, 2006
- Flying in: Farm Bureau pushes for immigration reform
- New survey shows support for CFBF, top statewide farm issues
- Retro tomatoes: Older varieties are back in favor in the specialty produce world
- Trying it dry: Farming without water makes sense for farmer and crop
- Ask Your PCA:
Now that defoliation of cotton plants is under way, could you reflect back on this growing season? - Commentary: Why Farm Bureau opposes Proposition 90
- Commentary: Proposition 88 increases tax burden for California's farmers
Date: September 13, 2006
- Rotting pear crop illustrates farmers' plight
- Remarkable raspberries: They're No. 2 in Santa Cruz and moving up
- USDA issues security guidelines for farms and ranches
- Classic cause: Spectacular Gold Country car show will benefit young farmers
- New rules require farmers to retire old engines
- Commentary: Farm Team launches 'No Tractor Tax' campaign
Date: September 6, 2006
- Good livestock evacuation plans are no accident
- Almond theft: Tough cases for growers to crack
- Small school, big reputation
- From the Fields--Special Focus: Labor
- Commentary: California agriculture--The breadbasket of the world
Date: August 23, 2006
- Mozzarella gone wild! California farm tames exotic animal with gourmet results
- One year later: Did we learn from Katrina?
- Olive growers dealt a losing hand
- Clowning around: It's a serious business at rodeo school
- Ask Your PCA:
How have you dealt with the challenges of an extended wet spring and record high temperatures in July? - Update: Agreement will boost minimum wage
- Commentary: Heat wave draws attention to alternate energy source
Date: August 16, 2006
- Hive talkin': The heat's not so sweet for the bees
- Deadly blast prompts new safety practices
- Revised CAFO rule gives producers more to consider
- Their place in the sun
- Commentary: The death tax--It's not a 'lost' cause, so keep the pressure on
- From the Fields--Special Focus: Labor
Date: August 9, 2006
- For grape growers, light crop may be a blessing
- Governor requests federal disaster designation
- Labor shortage worsens as peak harvest nears
- Being part of the process: the 2007 farm bill
- Melon mania: Hot weather doing wonders for watermelon sales
- Commentary: Immigration reform--Game's on, play hard
Date: August 2, 2006
- Heat wave takes toll on livestock, crops
- Farmers take extra precautions during heat wave
- It's a big job creating a fair to remember
- Helping with honey
Date: July 19, 2006
- State's ranchers weigh pros, cons of animal ID plan
- Program helps marketers enter international trade
- Ask Your PCA:
What insect and disease pressures are you seeing this summer in cotton and tomatoes? - Commentary: Perspectives on alternative energy policy and resources
Date: July 12, 2006
- Birds are back, thanks to farmers' recovery efforts
- Labor shortage teeters on the critical edge
- Finally, Chinese market opens to California plums
- Commentary: Fighting rural crime
Date: July 5, 2006
- Fire alarm: Weather ignites farmers' concerns
- Court's ruling a win for property rights advocates
- Imagine this... Animation brings kids' winning essays to life
- Here's the scoop! Goat's milk ice cream capitalizes on hot trend
- Commentary: A Farm Bill for the 21st century
Date: June 28, 2006
- Handing Down the Family Farm: A living legacy
- Japan promises to end beef ban after inspections
- Immigration reform hits a snag, but optimism remains
- She's a natural
- Commentary: Reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools Act
Date: June 21, 2006
- Handing Down the Family Farm: Branching Out
- State adopts rules to prevent heat-related illnesses
- Chemical crooks intensify efforts to target farmers
- Ask Your PCA:
What can growers do this year to deal with the increasing problem of thrips invading their vegetable fields? - Commentary: Plan now to ensure the family farm surives for generations
Date: June 14, 2006
- Handing Down the Family Farm: Redefining tradition
- Senate fails to find votes to end the death tax
- Immigration Update: Ag secretary stresses reform during state visit
- The Bings are back: Cherry orchards yield later, lighter harvest
- Commentary: Forestry may hold key to spotted owl's existence
Date: June 7, 2006
- Handing Down the Family Farm: Legacy Lost
- Immigration Update: Toughest hurdle ahead as dueling bills face off
- U.S. Senate may skirt full repeal of death tax this week
- Stan's back and this time he's staying
- Commentary: Lending a hand--when it's time to hand down the family farm
Date: May 24, 2006
- Senate limits debate on immigration reform; vote to come soon
- State's dairy sector keeps record pace
- Royal roots: Family keeps historic lilac farm flourishing
- Commentary: Immigration reform--Show's on... Let's get this thing done
Date: May 17, 2006
- Almond harvest expected to top 1 billion pounds
- Senate to resume immigration debate Monday evening (online update 5/19/2006)
- Delegation carries urgent messages to D.C.
- Ask Your PCA:
What challenges has the late, wet spring presented to California's vegetable growers? - Editorial: We build momentum through your involvement. Your vote counts.
Date: May 10, 2006
- Grown in the great indoors: Desert greenhouses nurture colorful crop
- High diesel costs sting state farmers
- Right-to-farm issue causes buzz in SJV
- Prepare for takeoff--costs for aerial applications soar
- Commentary: Farming and the environment--a delicate balance
Date: May 3, 2006
- Rainy spring puts damper on nursery sales
- Border inspections, security programs get close scrutiny
- Tribute to Farm Moms
- Best Brie: Historic California cheese maker takes world honors
- Editorial: We've got your back--as you get back to work
Date: April 26, 2006
- Huge power rate hike hits Klamath farms
- Unique wine gives back to farmworkers
- Big changes in store for tiny timber town
- Senate goes back to work on immigration reform
- Ask Your PCA:
How have the late rains affected disease pressure in nuts? - Commentary: It's time to end the Death Tax permanently
Date: April 19, 2006
- April showers bringing green pastures, full stock ponds
- Soggy weather halts rice planting
- Hampered harvest: Weather cuts asparagus production in half
- Commentary: Decades-long debate really involves a tiny amount of water
Date: April 12, 2006
- Immigration reform stymied, but not defeated
- Rain-drenched farmers face more problems
- It's the water: Irrigation management has direct impact on walnuts
- Assembly bill assures fairness in determining auto insurance rates
- Commentary: Contract operators are eligible for partial diesel tax exemption
Date: April 5, 2006
- Caught in crossfire? Farmers fear for immigration reform
- Weather worries: Cold and rain prompt a deluge of concerns
- Remembering Buck Owens
- Editorial: A call for safe borders and a stable work force
Date: March 22, 2006
- Pombo named vice chairman of ag committee
- Farmers push for guest worker bill during D.C. visit
- Counting sheep: Ranchers fret over lamb market
- Commentary: Safety first for California poultry producers
Date: March 15, 2006
- Pressure builds for workable immigration laws
- New FB team makes inaugural trip to D.C.
- The machine that revolutionized a harvest
- Incorporating rice straw boosts nitrogen levels
- Ask Your PCA:
What do orchardists need to do to be proactive this spring because of the temperatures dropping to below freezing? - Editorial: Take action on immigration reform
Date: March 8, 2006
- Growers voice their Farm Bill concerns
- Studies stress U.S. immigration needs overhaul
- Olive acreage increases along with olive oil's popularity
- The artichoke king: Castroville man devotes 60 years--and counting--to the tasty thistle
- Commentary: Why we're going to Washington
Date: March 1, 2006
- Selling the farm: Trend continues as farmland decreases
- Weather taunts almond crop, but damage unknown
- Berry impressive: Strawberry growers predict another record year
- Baa-baa Blackbelly sheep has no wool
- Commentary: It's time to make time for farm safety
Date: February 22, 2006
- Cold snap sends shivers through valley
- Governor touts plan to provide water for future
- Rural rip-off: Metal thefts a costly concern
- Commentary: Speak out--Farmers speak their minds at World Ag Expo
Date: February 15, 2006
- Mosquito warrior continues battle of the bugs
- Grape crop was a corker, report shows
- Creating fine wines: a successful frontier for Fess Parker
- Ask Your PCA:
With above-average rainfall in January, what are some concerns growers are facing? - Commentary: Forestry in the name of global climate change
Date: February 8, 2006
- Almond blossoms vulnerable as temperatures rise
- Cupid's arrow aims at new Valentine's Day treat
- Lodi growers honored for sustainable viticulture practices
- Commentary: It's time to put the brakes on auto insurance plan
Date: February 1, 2006
- Outside jobs help farmers pay the bills
- Experts predict bright future for wines and vines
- With a snip here and a clip there
- Ask Your PCA:
How should growers deal with insect flare-ups in winter alfalfa? - Commentary: We can take pride in our future leaders
Date: January 25, 2006
- Frustration follows Japan's ban on U.S. beef
- China: Wine customer or competitor?
- Imagine a football field covered with guacamole
- Commentary: Patience is key to opening of foreign markets to U.S. Beef
Date: January 18, 2006
- Harris beef is first into reopened Japanese market
- Farmers sweat winter's lack of chill hours
- Farmers, urbanites find common ground
- Rising above adversity
- Ask Your PCA:
With the recent rains, what should strawberry growers do? - Editorial: Making inroads--California's impact felt at AFBF Annual Meeting
Date: January 11, 2006
- Officials evaluate flood damage, seek aid
- Farmers welcome governor's plan, question financing
- Gourd art--creativity that starts from a seed
- Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
- Commentary: Policy victories mark 2005 for agriculture