Cut flowers are becoming a larger part of Santa Barbara County's agricultural output, even though overall greenhouse operations and the number of acres in production shrank slightly last year. Guy Tingos, the county's deputy agriculture commissioner with 20-plus years of experience, said chrysanthemums, roses and baby's breath used to be the leading cut flowers. That could explain why some cut-flower growers - especially in the Carpinteria area - are tight-lipped about what they're growing...

Taylor, 36, maintains about 25 purebred, black Angus cattle on the family farm Taylor Maples and sells some of the animal's meat at market. Previous generations of the family raised dairy cattle on the farm. The association is primarily a networking organization, but Taylor will also be involved in such events as the annual Bull Test, in which Angus cattle are tested for their genetics; the Michigan Beef Expo; and various Michigan Junior Association events and fundraisers. The association...

Are you from a farming or ranch background? I grew up on a ranch where there were beef cattle. My work will range from the urban backyard horticulturist to the producer who grows 1,500 acres of hay or alfalfa, to the rancher who has hundreds of cattle. What are the areas you'll cover at the extension office? I'm responsible for educational programs in agriculture and in natural resources, including wildlife and water. I look forward to meeting everybody and meeting the producers and...

The farm boasts a herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle, which occupy 372 acres of poor, sandy land, making the selection process particularly rigorous. The event is free and gives an excellent introduction to the simple and varied changes that producers can put into practice on farm to achieve better returns. We have put together a full day of hands-on training and demonstrations including the very latest advice from the best experts in the country. A range of topics will be covered-...

usDiggRedditYahooMyWebGoogleWhat's this? Print Email An easy-to-digest treatise on food By Kathy Stephenson The Salt Lake Tribune Article Last Updated:06/16/2007 12:59:46 PM MDT There is nothing new about America's consumption habits, especially our gas-guzzling cars and our super-sized sodas. Salt Lake Tribune - An easy-to-digest treatise on food. usDiggRedditYahooMyWebGoogleWhat's this? Print Email An easy-to-digest treatise on food By Kathy Stephenson The Salt Lake Tribune Article Last...

Now beef producers, chicken producers, pork producers, grocers, egg producers and others are voicing fears that the skyrocketing price of corn is pushing food prices upward. The technology for producing cellulosic ethanol is still experimental, but scientists are hopeful that it will produce a higher net energy return than can be achieved by using corn. Senate is considering a separate production goal after 2015 of 3 billion gallons for advanced renewable fuels, which would exclude corn...