6/8/2011 Ag Report

FRESNO, Calif.

Cool temperatures have slowed the development of California's crop of processing tomatoes.

Rain caused planting delays, but despite the weather challenges analysts say the plants remain in good condition.

The USDA reports canneries that make tomato sauce, ketchup and other products have contracted for 258,000 acres.

That's about 11,000 fewer tomatoes than last year.

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People are starting to reach for, and spend more, on their favorite wines

The California wine industry is seeing signs of a post-recession rebound after two years of sluggish sales

The Wine Institute in San Francisco says domestic wine retail sales grew 7 percent last year.

California wine producers saw a one percent increase.

California makes 90 percent of the domestic bottled wine.

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Some Fresno children are helping Valley farmers with a natural way to control pests.

Two third-grade classes at the "Valley Arts and Science Academy" have been building barn owl boxes.

The Fresno Audubon Society donated the materials and will install the boxes on local farms.

Organizers say the program is to encourage a larger population of barn owls to help farmers control pests.

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