October-December 2007

Cover: Water quantity and quality will continue to be critical issues facing California, such as in the arid Klamath River Basin. Photo by Missy Merrill-Davies.

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California Agriculture, October-December 2007

Volume 61, Number 4
Confronting a scarcity of clean and abundant water

peer-reviewed research articles

Management reduces E. coli in irrigated pasture runoff
by A. Kate Knox , Kenneth W. Tate , Randy A. Dahlgren , Edward R. Atwill
pp159-165, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p159
Abstract
Microbial pollutants, some of which can cause illnesses in humans, chronically contaminate many California water bodies. Among numerous sources, runoff from irrigated pastures has been identified as an important regulatory target for improving water quality. This study examined the potential to reduce E. coli contamination from cattle in irrigated pastures. During the 14 irrigation events examined, we found that E. coli concentrations were lowest with a combination of three treatments: filtering runoff through a natural wetland, reducing runoff rates, and letting the pasture rest from grazing at least a week prior to irrigation. Integrated pasture and tailwater management are required to significantly reduce E. coli concentrations in runoff.
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Juniper removal may not increase overall Klamath River Basin water yields
by Timothy J. Kuhn , Kenneth W. Tate , David Cao , Melvin R. George
pp166-171, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p166
Abstract
Based on published research and watershed assessment techniques, we evaluated the feasibility of augmenting water yields in the Klamath River and its major tributaries by removing western juniper, which has expanded dramatically within the Klamath River Basin over the past 130 years. The results suggest that the conversion of western juniper woodlands to shrublands or grasslands would not substantially increase water yields for the Basin as a whole. However, researchers should further examine the potential for juniper management to increase both summer flow rates in small tributaries and spring flows that support small wetlands across the upper Basin; other possible benefits could include restoring wildlife in sagebrush-rangeland habitat, reducing wildfire risks and increasing the land available for livestock grazing.
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Most West Coast agricultural cooperatives are financially competitive
by Shermain D. Hardesty , Vikas D. Salgia
pp172-176, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p172
Abstract
Agricultural producers and lenders have expressed concerns about the highly publicized financial difficulties experienced by some agricultural cooperatives. This study analyzes the comparative financial performance of cooperatives and investor-owned firms in four sectors: fruits and vegetables, dairy, farm supply and grain. Standard financial ratios measuring profitability, liquidity, leverage and asset efficiency were analyzed for 1991 through 2002. The overall financial performance of cooperatives on the West Coast was on par with that of similar investor-owned firms.
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California farmers adapt mandated marketing programs to the 21st century
by Hoy Carman
pp177-183, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p177
Abstract
Mandated marketing programs are an important component of California agriculture. The state's 63 marketing programs cover commodities that accounted for two-thirds of the total value of California agricultural output in 2004. California farmers have recently paid annual assessments totaling more than $226 million to support advertising, promotion, research and inspection programs. Marketing programs have evolved from emphasizing supply controls in the 1930s and 1940s to the current focus on generic advertising and promotion, food safety inspection, health and nutrition research, and market information.
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editorial, news, letters & science briefs

EDITORIAL: Sustainable food systems link growers to new consumer markets in California
by Tom Tomich , Gail Feenstra
pp146, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p146
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Science briefs: October-December 2007
Editors
pp149-151, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p149
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Breaking new ground: UC Santa Cruz celebrates sustainable innovation in farming, food systems
by Hazel White
pp152-155, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p152
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UC students eating local, organic produce
by Hazel White
pp154-155, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p154
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Regulators and researchers seek innovative water-quality solutions
by Robin Meadows
pp156-158, doi#10.3733/ca.v061n04p156
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