An analysis of the potential for the 2008 cherry crop to be good or bad is part anecdotal and part fact and it’s all interesting, especially for growers, processors and consumers in San Joaquin County.
Cherries racked up a value of $121,375,000 in 2006 according to the Agricultural Commissioner’s Agricultural Crop Report placing the crop sixth in the Top Ten.
“Generally speaking, the weather has been good, the blossom seems right on cue, maybe a bit ahead,” said San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner Scott Hudson.
Jim Culbertson, California Cherry Advisory Board manager, said, “The crop is looking very, very good. My impression is that it’s a good, clean fruit. We’re pretty bullish about this crop’s potential.”
Cabral, Lange Receive Common Thread Awards
Jean Cabral of Escalon and Charlene Lange of Acampo, join four other exceptional women as 2008 honorees for the Common Threads Award, which recognizes women for the agricultural background, community service and philanthropy.
The program was created to recognize the Sacramento Valley’s many women committed to making a positive difference.
All of the honorees have past or present roots in agriculture and have demonstrated outstanding involvement within the agricultural industry. They have also made a difference in their counties through their charitable giving and community volunteerism.
CWA Educates and Promotes Agriculture
There is a smile in Monica Bianchi’s voice as she says, “If you eat food and wear clothes, you’re involved in agriculture,” but that is a truth too often ignored by California consumers. California Women for Agriculture (CWA) intends to do something about that ignorance and the organization’s San Joaquin County chapter, presided over by Bianchi, is ready to help.
“We have more than 250 members in our chapter,” Bianchi said. A CWA member for only two years, Bianchi said, “Many of my friends are involved and this is a superb organization to be a part of.”
“Monica is an exceptional individual and leader and she is doing an outstanding job as the president of the county CWA chapter,” said Bruce Blodgett, SJFB executive director.
The CWA’s basic role is to help members develop the knowledge and skills necessary to convey the mutual benefits of a “vibrant agricultural economy and healthy rural communities to those who are in positions to impact the future of agriculture in California.”
Molly Watkins was honored in a California Senate ceremony recently as Woman of the Year from the 14th Senate District of Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto.
“I was surprised and delighted by this honor,” Watkins said. “I had no idea that Supervisor Ken Vogel had nominated me. It was his idea.”
Watkins’ tireless devotion to numerous causes and organizations approaches the legendary as she has, among other things, been a presenter for SJFB’s AITC program; hosted an international delegation of Middle Eastern women here to enhance their ag knowledge; helped create AgVenture; and held assorted posts in the San Joaquin-Stanislaus County Cattlewomen’s group and is their guest lecturer.