7/27/2011 AM Live Ag Report

FRESNO, Calif.

Economists from the American Farm Bureau Federation report even though farmers have been earning good prices for commodities, rising production costs are raising concerns.

Fuel prices make it more expensive for farmers to run tractors, harvesting machinery and shipping trucks. Fuel costs for marketing crops can also affect food prices.

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Wednesday morning, grape growers can learn the best way to harvest their crops.

The first /*Raisin*/ and /*Wine*/ Grape Mechanical Harvest Safety Training is set for Wednesday morning from 8:30 until noon at the C.P.D.E.S. Hall on West Jefferson Avenue in Easton.

Farm employees and supervisors can learn how to improve safety in the field during mechanical wine and raisin grape harvests.

Training is free and is in both English and Spanish.

For more information contact the Fresno County Farm Bureau office at (559) 237-0263

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/*Hemp*/ could become a cash crop in Kings County.

Kings County supervisors are supporting Senate Bill 676. It would allow farmers to legally grow industrial hemp for the next eight years.

Farmers would be allowed to sell hemp seed, oil, and fiber to manufacturers. Hemp has less than one-percent THC -- the component that gives marijuana its kick.

Governor Jerry Brown is expected to sign the bill.

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