The California Department of Food and Agriculture is reporting California lost 48 dairies in 2011. That continues a trend that started in 2008, when the recession began, and continued in 2009, when the recession got worse.
Ag officials say that trend is expected to continue this year. The state still managed to bring milk production up by nearly three-percent, despite the loss of dairies and cows.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hundreds of farmers and ranchers are meeting with lawmakers on the state capitol Wednesday.
California is celebrating "Ag Day" Wednesday, and the grounds of the state capitol are taking on a farm flair.
The event will include samples, demonstrations featuring the food, fiber and flowers grown and raised in the state. The celebration will also highlight conservation work by the state's farmers and ranchers.
