What Drought?

Well, she’s done it again!  Mother Nature has once again given the state of California a great and much needed gift.  This time the gift is a year with plentiful rain and snow fall!  The news headlines about the rain are as encouraging as it gets. They say things like…” Sierra Snowpack WELL above normal.”  “California looking at an excellent water year.”  Sierra Nevada Snowpack largest in 40 years!” It kind of makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Well it does me anyway.  As a farmer in California, there aren’t issues quite as important as having enough water to irrigate your trees, vines, or row crops.  Oh sure, like all farmers, when we get together we complain about all the usual stuff like; high taxes, low crop prices, new farming regulations and of course the price of gas and diesel fuel. But none of it would really matter without life giving, crop growing, coffee making water…period. The rain and snowpack that we have received, and continue to receive (it’s raining as I write this post) will do wonders for our lakes, streams, rivers, canals, and for everyone who depends on well water, it will help to recharge the ground water situation.   There is no denying that without water, there is no California as we know it.  Say what you want about the other economic sectors in the state like, the big tech, science, and tourist dollars that help keep our state’s economy running, but let’s face it, without the food production that water affords us, this state would be in some trouble.  A little research around the internet and you will find some stunning statistics about California's food production.  For instance, did you know that California farms produce more than 400 different commodities, along with two thirds of the nation’s fruit and nuts, with about one-quarter of what we produce in California being exported around the world?   In fact just three counties alone, generate over $18 Billion dollars annually in agriculture!  Just think about the amount of ag related jobs it takes to produce that kind of money. 

But of course, water isn’t only important for our food crops in our state, no sir. Because here in California we like to have fun…water fun that is!  Think about it, no water in the rivers and lakes? That means no boating, water skiing, fishing, etc.... No snow in the mountains?  Then it’s no snow skiing or snow board fun happening up in them thar’ hills, which would also mean no hanging out at the lodge with a warm drink in hand. Not that farmers get to do a whole lot of hanging out at the ski lodge to begin with, but you get the idea.  And where would we be in California without our swimming pools and golf courses?  Not that I believe that watering big expansive golf courses are the best use of water in the state, but that’s a whole other discussion for another blog post.  So for now, I (and hopefully most of you) will be grateful for this precious gift, and rejoice in a year with plentiful water.

 

I’ll see you in the muddy groves.

-Farmer Tony