Growers say the high winds in the growing areas a few weeks ago did little damage. Fruit quality is good, with the early varieties showing good color and sugar content. Prices for farmers have started strong, with most of the apricots are coming from Kern County. All growing regions will be picking by week's end. Production is expected to be about the same as last year, roughly 90-thousand tons.
Bears bother bees California beekeepers say bears are becoming an increasing predator problem.
They say once the animals find honey in hives, even electric fences won't keep them out. Beekeepers have asked the California Department of Fish and Game for help, and plan to take some officials on a tour of areas where the bears have damaged hives. Bee hives often are stored in remote locations when they are not being used for pollination. Klamath Basin farmers hope Tuesday's rainfall is enough to germinate the seed they've planted to curtail erosion. A dry winter means little runoff water, and what there is has been reserved for fish.