Posts tagged fertilizer
September 9, 2010 · Filed under california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Uncategorized, Water Conservation · Tagged california, california agriculture, California Water Supply, Central Coast Farmers, fertilizer, growers, NRCS, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply, USDA
For the last couple of years, we have been creating and residing in a Delta vs. Ag tug of war that, for each side, has its own financial and biological purposes which are extremely important.
The root of this quarrel resides in the ever growing in intensity battle with water. Water in areas such as San Joaquin, Coachella, Fresno, among others is becoming more and more scarce. Finding new ways to deal with the water we have has already proved to be a more effective, and more productive method.
Thus, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, has devoted itself to creating four, public workshops in which will allow those attendees to place their opinions on the most recent release of the draft program environmental impact report.
Starting soon, September 8, 2010 from 5 to 8pm the County Farm Bureau in Tulare will be accepting comments from growers who attend these workshops.
The comment period for the growers that attend is intended to provide the opportunity for those who deal with the issue of water regulations every day to voice their opinions on expanding the regulated irrigation methods in agricultural. Being such that these individuals are the ones struggling to make a living for their families, and put food on the table for more than just themselves, it would only make sense to have them involved.
For those interested in attending and voicing their opinions, please go to www.waterboards.ca.gov.centralvalley.
August 23, 2010 · Filed under california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Water Conservation · Tagged Agriculture, calcium 880, california, california agriculture, California Water Supply, Central Coast Farmers, Efficiency, fertilizer, growers, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply, USDA
When it comes to growing almonds, many had been facing challenges, whether they are organic or not. It has become increasingly difficult in recent years to compete with the foreign prices. The USDA has been enforcing, as of 2007, a law that required almond growers to make a postharvest treatment using either steam or chemicals to prevent a salmonella outbreak. This law was adopted in 2007 due to Salmonella outbreaks have previously been traced back to almonds in 2001 and 2004.
These regulations are making it very difficult for California almond growers to compete with foreign markets. Foreign markets are currently not regulated by the same laws, making it difficult for California growers to compete financially while having increased postharvest costs. In addition, there have been some who believe that the postharvest treatments performed on the raw almonds can have an impact on the flavor of the almonds. California almond growers supply roughly 85% of the world’s almonds.
Some think that organically produced raw almonds are much safer and cleaner due to the strict regulations that they must follow. One such regulation requires growers to keep animal waste away from the plant, and also prohibits the use of pesticides.
According to Dr. Robert S. Lawrence, a professor at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says that studies have shown that less than 1% of all almonds are contaminated by salmonella. He also points out that several other products have a much higher contamination rate. Regardless of these statements, we do know that foreign products are not subjected the same regulations as those grown in California, yet both compete for shelf space at the markets. Hopefully this will get sorted out shortly, so that our almond growers in California can get back to doing what they do best, producing an amazing harvest of almonds and providing a quality product worldwide.
April 29, 2010 · Filed under california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Uncategorized, Water Conservation · Tagged Agriculture, calcium 880, california, california agriculture, California Water Supply, Central Coast Farmers, Efficiency, fertilizer, news, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply, USDA
When it comes to water, the world generally doesn’t consider that we are in a problem. Unfortunately, only small areas of our country are realizing the crisis that is going on.
California, the nation’s leader in agricultural production also happens to rank as the nation’s top water user. While looking back on history, many different issues have been brought to attention over the years. One we have never really been concerned about until recently is our water. With the United States using approximately 400 billion gallons of water per day, it isn’t any wonder why we are now asking ourselves, “Where will it all come from?”
Out of that 400 billion gallons of water, about half, is allocated to create energy. With using this water for such uses, is then returned to its source be it river or reservoir. This would be classified as renewable energy, but where does the other 200 billion go?
Currently, Agriculture is the nation’s leading user in water consumption. Using more than 80 billion gallons per day, it is our main source that which we should try to cut back from.
Unfortunately many questions still rest unanswered. How can we be more efficient? How can we use less? How can we reuse what we have already used? How can we hold rainfall that isn’t being used affectively? These are all questions on the minds of many government leaders and agricultural dependants.
While looking into history, we can see many things that indicate a quality improvement in water consumption, yet it still is not enough. Between 1980 and 2000 the California Farm Bureau Federation reported that crop production increased by a whopping 35%. Seeing these production increases it would only make sense that water allocation would need to be increased, but this is not the case. With growers moving to more economical and efficient irrigation systems, along with using different types of fertilizer products like Ferticell, it ever increasingly tells us that there are steps to be taken to rid our over dependency on water.
Hopefully we can someday look back and recognize which methods we should have stepped forward to rectify more hastily like we are already doing today.
April 26, 2010 · Filed under california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Uncategorized · Tagged Agriculture, california agriculture, Central Coast Farmers, Efficiency, fertilizer, growers, news, Organic Fertilizer
Senator Dean Florez, has sponsored the SB 705 for quite some time now. For those not knowing what the SB 705 is, let’s give some background.
When growers are in need of removing agricultural waste, currently they are prone to burning this waste in ditches, banks, or anywhere it is safe from their crop. Doing so reduces cost which is ever so important in today’s California agricultural market with water allocations still low.
Due to SB 705, this practice is to be stopped with the exception for smaller, 20 acre or less farms. This exception was as a favor to the smaller growers in California which had been extended from May 2007 to 2010. The idea behind the exception was to allow the smaller growers to be able to seek out cost-effective alternatives to burning the waste.
Currently, those in control of the enforcement, The Air Pollution Control District, which is to be put into effect June 1will be holding a meeting on the waste burning May 20th, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be to decide on whether or not enforcement of the law will be placed into effect or if the extension on waste burning will be granted.
While we understand that there are reasonable arguments to both sides of this agenda, we encourage those affected to voice their opinion so that the community is best served.
If you are interested in voicing your opinion, via video feed at the Bakersfield District Office which address is below.
34946 Flyover Ct
Bakersfield, CA 93308 – http://maps.google.com/maps?q=34946+Flyover+Court&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGLL_en___US365&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=34946+Flyover+Ct,+Bakersfield,+CA+93308&gl=us&ei=MwTWS7vbC46iswOoneCTCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAcQ8gEwAA
April 19, 2010 · Filed under california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Water Conservation · Tagged Agriculture, california agriculture, California Water Supply, Central Coast Farmers, fertilizer, growers, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply, USDA
Californian farm families are in for another financial shock when it comes to electricity. In March, the gas & electric company, PG&E asked to boost California Public Utilities rates by another $43 million a year for the California farmer. This 7.1% increase in electricity and water is coming on top of the rise in rates in December when PG&E increased annual cost by $48 million. Therefore, in the last 6 months, PG&E will have increased rates by a whopping 13%.
Some speaking out are Michael Boccadoro, the Executive Director of the Agricultural Energy Consumers Association. He feels that such a raise in rates during one of the weakest moments in our economies history, where CA farm community unemployment sits at 18% is, “unconscionable”.
With water shortages and a slowly moving economy, farmers are forced to use more electricity just to pump the water. PG&E, who is making these price hikes are just the start to the ultimate goal of $835 million by 2011 with more increases being planned for 2012 & 2013.
Within the last 10 years, rates have climbed 41.7%. The PUC is planning on ruling for both requests for within the next 12 months. Farm families from all over the great state of CA will be joining with the AECA to fight the proposed rate hike at the CPUC.
March 26, 2010 · Filed under Arizona Agriculture, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer · Tagged Agriculture, arizona farmer, arizona grower, arizona growers, fertilizer, growers, news, NRCS, Organic Fertilizer
When it comes to Arizona agriculture, many things come into play to keep the wheel going round. Thanks to special help like The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), many issues are being brought to the table. Arizona farmers and ranchers are hoping to get nice piece of assistance from those above along with getting assistance in the categories of; improvement of profits, and protection of the environment
The Cooperative Extension is a portion of a nationwide network of educators and scientists who are helping those like the Arizona grower solve problems and put knowledge to use.
In an effort to help improve natural resources, and the environment by providing leadership to help people do so, the NRCS is taking a partnered step forward in the right direction.
Pieces like the Professional Development Survey, is just one way for these groups to help determine overall desires of the AZ farmers and help them prosper.
For more information you may visit http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/sustainableag/.
Also, available is the example of the survey sent out here.
March 16, 2010 · Filed under California Water Drought Issue · Tagged Agriculture, california, california agriculture, California Water Supply, Central Coast Farmers, fertilizer, growers, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply
Conservation Service(NRCS), announced that additional funding will be provided for those having major issues with the current drought-related water cutoffs on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack
(EQUIP), or the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, states that the USDA will provide $10 million. Rising its contribution by $7 million compared to last year’s amount of $3 million, will allow growers to covert to highly water-efficient micro-irrigation systems.
By the USDA providing the funding through the NRCS the counties of Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare will be eligible for the funding.
Preventing dust and wind erosion in many growers fallowed areas is a big concern. Keeping these vines and trees alive during this tough time, many growers will benefit greatly from the assistance provided.
For more information you may go to http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/PROGRAMS/EQIP/
March 1, 2010 · Filed under california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, Water Conservation · Tagged Agriculture, california agriculture, fertilizer, growers, reduced water supply
Jim Costa, D-Hanford, who represents Kings and parts of Kern and Fresno counties in the U.S. House of Representatives is proposing an amendment that is, “vital to saving San Joaquin Vally agriculture and jobs.”
The issue arising is that this year the Sierra Nevada snowpack is 119 percent of normal, so theoretically most regions of CA should be able to expect their full allocation of their water supply. Yet this year, it is said that the San Joaquin Valley will suffer tremendously and receive only 10 percent of their contracted water allocation.
With the San Joaquin Valley being one of the nation’s most treasured Agricultural Heartlands, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Atwater (Merced County), and Jim Costa, D-Hanford are working vigorously to pass an amendment to allow the west side of the San Joaquin Valley to receive at least 40 percent allocation of their contracted water supply while other regions continue to receive their full amount.
While many are worried about 2010’s water issues and how it will affect different sections of agriculture in California; Feinstein, Cardoza, and Costa want to stress that this amendment will not affect, waive, or suspend the Endangered Species Act.
To read more,
please go to http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/02/23/ED0F1C62H3.DTL
February 8, 2010 · Filed under Arizona Agriculture, california agriculture, California Water Drought Issue, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Water Conservation · Tagged Agriculture, calcium 880, california agriculture, fertilizer, growers, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply, USDA
After Obama’s State of the Union address on January 27th, a new program was initiated called the National Export Initiative. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke stated that, “This initiative will correct an economic blind spot that has allowed other countries to chip away at America’s international competitiveness.”
Putting millions of dollars toward helping farm producers will be something that had been tried in the past, yet never fully followed through on. President Obama had stated that he intends to double U.S. export within the next 5 years. With agriculture making up only 9% of total exportation from the U.S., the statistics showing how valuable that 9% is rather impressive.
For every $1 billion exported out of the U.S., it creates $1.4 billion in economic activity. The 9% of U.S. agro-export also has created a million plus jobs. So thus, doubling the export of America’s crop will inevitably double the million plus jobs, which also will greatly help the agricultural market.
Locke had stated as well that the USDA will increase it’s efforts to help producers to export. With new funding increasing to $54 million for exportation promotional efforts, it will be interesting to see what spin is put on the cabinet-level focus for the new U.S. export strategy.
In 2009 the U.S. exported $97 billion of agricultural products, if Obama would like to double that by 2015 as he has stated, that will require a spike of 200,000 jobs and $19.4 billion every year for the next 5 years. Lofty goals for the new president, and we can all only hope that we will achieve these goals soon enough!
February 5, 2010 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged Agriculture, calcium 880, california agriculture, fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, reduced water supply
The California Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) has announced that snowpack has increased by 9% since the December measurement, which read 76% compared to the current reading of 85%. While these readings are positive, it does not mean that the drought is over.
With the state of California holding over 38 million people, water storage is still not at desirable levels. Many state reservoirs are still very low and with water deliveries to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, endangered fish species cause liability for the state.
With Fishery agency restrictions due to Delta Smelt, Salmon, and even Killer Whales, the State Water Project is projected to be reduced by 30% or more. PCA’s and farmers are definitely concerned about the salt build-up, specifically in the soil on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.
It is a well known fact that salt can kill the fertility of the soil. Even though snowpack is high, it still contains high amounts of salt and with well water being utilized more and more, salt build-up is continuously becoming an ever growing concern.
It is also a known fact that surface water is the answer to leach the soil of its salt build up, but with rainfall lowering, most farmers are resorting to drip or micro irrigation to more efficiently irrigate their crop with the reduced water supply. Some are continuously watering the root zone, which keeps a narrow band around roots salt-free. But, without aggressive leaching, long-term salt build-up is inevitable.
An $11 billion water bond issue will be the headliner of the 2010 November vote. This water issue will be what prompts voters to get to the polls. With the state’s water crisis plummeting and the future of California’s agriculture in jeopardy, some are wondering, when the solution will come.
