Agriculture experts say soybean production is expanding north and the corn-belt is expanding north and west because of earlier planting dates and later freezes in the fall. Even cotton production is expanding into southern Kansas.
The National Climatic Data Center says the change is due in part to a 7-percent increase in average U.S. rainfall in the past 50 years. Experts say the way the rain falls will have a huge impact on agriculture in the future. In general, more rainfall means less irrigation and more ability to produce crops. But getting 4-inch rainfalls on a regular basis is not good for crops.
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California's pear crop is selling quickly.
Capitol Press Reports, growers finished harvesting a $3.4-million, 36-pound-box pear crop in mid-August.
The Pear Bureau Northwest says as of two weeks ago, 78-percent of the crop has been shipped. It predicts California pears could be sold out by the end of the month, which is a couple of weeks earlier than normal.
The Pear Bureau says sales are more brisk partly due to a lighter California crop. California's pear acreage has been shrinking in recent years because of development.
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A few California kiwifruit growers have started harvest.
Most are still waiting for the sugar content to reach the required harvest level. Full harvest should be under way by mid-October.
Farmers report more large-sized kiwifruit on the vines this year. Several growers call this the best crop they have ever had.
The California Farm Bureau reports, you should find an abundant supply of California-grown kiwifruit in stores by October 20th.
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There is a new pumpkin king.
A huge pumpkin now holds the title of world's largest. It weighs 1,810-pounds.
Kids lined up to get a shot next to the now-famous pumpkin at the Stillwater Harvest Fest Sunday in Minnesota. Chris Stevens grew the monster on his pumpkin patch in Wisconsin. His pumpkin beat the old record by almost 100 pounds.
