DROUGHT-STRICKEN CALIFORNIA FARMERS LOOK TO TAP URBAN WASTEWATER … GM MOTHS “CAN CURB PEST INVASION” … NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR GET NEW ANIMAL HEALTH FACILITY … FIELD TOUR: INTEGRATING ANIMALS AND INNOVATION IN ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION … IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO HAVE FUN …OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

DROUGHT-STRICKEN CALIFORNIA FARMERS LOOK TO TAP URBAN WASTEWATER
Source: NPR Many California farmers are in a tight spot this summer, because their normal water supplies have dried up with the state’s extreme drought. In the Central Valley, that’s driving some farmers to get creative: They're looking at buying water from cities – not freshwater, but water that’s already gone down the drain. The parched conditions in the valley, the state’s farming hub, have been crazy. Actually, “crazy wouldn't adequately describe what we’re going through here,” says Anthea Hansen, who runs the Del Puerto Water District in the Central Valley (read more)

GM MOTHS “CAN CURB PEST INVASION”
Source: BBC
A genetically modified moth could help curb a major pest of vegetable crops around the world, research suggests. The diamondback moth feeds on cabbage, broccoli, and other crucifers causing an estimated $5bn in damage per year. But male moths with a “self-limiting” gene produce female offspring that do not survive to reproduce. When released into the wild to mate with wild-type females, the GM male moths should over time cause populations of the pest to crash. (read more)

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR GET NEW ANIMAL HEALTH FACILITY
Source: Farms.com
A new, multi-million dollar facility aimed at identifying and responding to foreign animal diseases recently opened in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The $3.9 million Foreign Animal Laboratory Complex incorporates many different labs including, molecular diagnostics, rabies, necropsy laboratories, and an incinerator. The facility will enhance testing procedures for such diseases as rabies and avian influenza. (read more)

FIELD TOUR: INTEGRATING ANIMALS AND INNOVATION IN ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
Source: ACORN
Through funding from Growing Forward 2, ACORN and the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries have partnered to coordinate this event. Bring your family and a potluck item and join us for a field day and potluck picnic that’s not to be missed! Includes a barbecue. July 26, Strawberry Hill Farm (Organic), 7 Strawberry Hill Road, Pembroke (near Woodstock), N.B. (read more)

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO HAVE FUN
Source: Harrison Lewis Centre
Nature Writing Retreat, July 25-26
Plein Air Watercolor Workshop, August 7-9
Chainsaw Skills and Safety Women Only, August 15 -16
Observational astronomy, night sky/day sky at Sandy Bay September 11-12
Developing a Christmas tree plot from a wild fir stand, September date TBA
HLC@eastlink.ca