California Harnesses Cow Power and Specialty Crop Insurance
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The Golden State has become a leader in harnessing “Cow Power” to produce renewable fuels and other clean energy.
More than 100 methane digesters are operating in California, and more than 100 others are in various stages of development.
The use of dairy digesters has exploded in recent years, thanks to state funding aimed at helping dairy farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
**The FAO Food Price Index averaged 135.9 in October, virtually unchanged from September.
The index of every commodity group except for cereals was down month-to-month.
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization says a higher Cereal Price Index countered drops in vegetable oils, dairy, meat, and sugar.
With the latest update, the food price index has dropped almost 24 points from its peak in March but remains 2.7 points above October of last year.
**New data from USDA's Economic Research Service shows California farmers purchase the most Federal Crop Insurance for Specialty Crops.
California led the country in policies for specialty crops in 2020, followed by Florida, Washington, North Dakota, and Minnesota.
California, Florida and Washington produce the most fruits and vegetables. North Dakota and Minnesota the most specialty field crops.
In 2020, specialty crops accounted for 25% of the value of U.S. crop production.
