California Agriculture, January 1980

Volume 34, Number 1

peer-reviewed research articles

Of men and machines: Technological change and people in agriculture Part 1: Changes in farm enterprises and farm families
by Ann Foley Scheuring
pp4-7, doi#10.3733/ca.v034n01p4
Abstract
Culled from 600 pages of oral history are some recollections of northern California farm families about how technology has changed farming-and its landscape. Farming was hard work in the old days, but it had its rewards. Farming is still hard work today, but there are fewer hands needed to do it.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

Sprinkler irrigation raises yields— and costs—of Imperial Valley alfalfa
by Robert W. Hagemann , Carl F. Ehlig
pp8, doi#10.3733/ca.v034n01p8
Abstract
Alfalfa growers in the Imperial Valley have a choice between using sideroll-sprinkler and border-flood irrigation. Tests to determine which is the most feasible showed that border-flood irrigation is cheaper, but yields are higher when sprinklers are used.
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Coming: More corporate farms in California
by Hoy F. Carman
pp9-10, doi#10.3733/ca.v034n01p9
Abstract
Corporate farming, viewed by some as a threat to the family farm, is likely to increase in California, encouraged by 1979 tax rate changes which permit farmers to use tax savings from incorporation to finance expansion.
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Selection improves Sevin resistance in spider mite predator
by Richard T. Roush , Marjorie A. Hoy
pp11-14, doi#10.3733/ca.v034n01p11
Abstract
A genetic selection program to develop a carbaryl-resistant strain of Metaseiulus occidentalis, the predator of the spider mite, has been successful. This is believed to be the first time that a genetically improved biological control agent has been proved effective in the field.
Expanded Abstract | PDF

editorial, news, letters & science briefs

EDITORIAL: An old but enduring argument
by J. B. Kendrick
pp2, doi#10.3733/ca.v034n01p2
PDF