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AGRICULTURAL NEWS OF THE WEEK FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF DALLAS Number 856 Wednesday, May 25, 1966 OUTLOOK FOR FOOD EXPENDITURES During the first quarter of 1966, food expenditures in the United States were 11% larger than in the corresponding 1965 period, reports the Economic Research Service. Although they are expected to continue up for the rest of the year, food expenditures may average 6% to 7% above 1965 for the full year. Despite the increase in expenditures, the percentage-Of disposable income spent for food during 1966 is expected to remain at about the 18.3% level of 1965. VISITORS ARE COMING! The nationwide, midyear enumerative survey of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will include visits to more than 100,000 scientifically selected farms during the last days of May and the early part of June. The survey will cover farms in each of the 48 contiguous states. Farm operators will be interviewed about land use, number of planted acres, types of crops, livestock figures, farm labor, and wages. The collected data, together-with information mailed in by approximately 110,000 crop reporters, will be processed on electronic computers, analyzed by the Crop Reporting Board, and issued to the public for use in making decisions concerning agriculture. PEACH AND IN PROSPECT PLUM CROPS Bumper crops of peaches and plums are indicated in Texas this year, according to B. G. Hancock, Extension Horticulturist at Texas A&M University. Major fruitproducing areas in the State report excellent moisture conditions and a heavy set of fruit. The specialist says that in order to insure high-quality fruit, growers should thin out peaches and plums. Based on present soil moisture conditions, peaches should be thinned to allow a space of about 6 inches on the limb between fruits; plums can be carried with a closer spacing. G 0 0 D AMERICANS TO EAT LESS MEAT, MORE CHICKEN On a per capita basis, Americans are expected to consume less meat, eggs, butter, milk, and cream during 1966 than they did in 1965, according to the ERS. In contrast, consumption of potatoes, chicken, turkey, margarine, and fresh fruits is expected to be up. IT GREEN WITH TREES Secretary of Agriculture Freeman has invited homeowners across the Nation to join in a program to "Color It Green With Trees." Backed by years of horticultural research, the USDA program will provide urban and rural families with guidelines on selecting tTee'S that are adapted to their particular areas. The program also offers information on the correct planting and proper care of trees in order to keep them growing, especially during the first years when the tests for survival are greatest. C 0 L 0 R USDA QUARANTINE SYMBOL NAMED PESTINA A coquettish, hitchhiking bug, used by the USDA since 1963 as a symbol of all foreign agricultural pests, has been given the official name of "Pestina. At the naming ceremony, Under Secretary of Agriculture John A. Schnittker made the following comment: "If USDA and the travel industry can work together to make 'Pestina' as well known to the public as Smokey Bear, we will provide greater protection for the Nation's resources against damaging foreign plant and animal pests and diseases." Pestina appears on agricultural quarantine notices distributed by airlines, steamship companies, and travel agents and is shown on public-service television announcements. Week ended BROILER CHICK PLACEMENTS Percent change from Previous Comparable week week, 1965 Area Ma;y: 14 2 1966 Texas •••••• Louisiana •• 3,620,000 775,000 4 0 8 15 23 states •• 54,194,ooo 0 7
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