It’s August already and I can’t believe how this year is flying by! If it is true that time flies when you are having fun, I must be having a lot of fun. We have had a few hot days, but overall, a pretty nice summer. I will admit that a few of those hot days were really hot and sticky, but this summer has not nearly been as miserable as years where we haven’t had any water. Over the years, there have been lots of wells that have been lowered or gone dry. Madera Irrigation District is doing a good job of getting water to the growers and it looks like we will have district water through August. Thanks for a great job! Water and water quality are going to be major factors as we look to the sustainability of farming and the way of life we have grown to love.
Our Madera County Ag Commissioner released the 2011 Crop Report last week. Almonds, milk, grapes, pistachios, and cattle and calves were the top five ranking commodities. Nursery stock dropped out of the top ten from last year and corn, grain and silage moved up into the top ten. If you would like to see the entire report it is available online at either the County’s website, www.Madera-county.com or on MCFB’s website home page.
The High Speed Rail is still with us, ever-present and chugging into the future; see Anja’s column to get all of the details on the status of the litigation effort. The Farm Bureau is seeking information regarding any community contacts with the High Speed Rail Authority and would like to know if any equipment is being asked to move in, any work is beginning or any offers are being made. Time is running short for HSR to begin work; any information may help us with our lawsuit. I hope you don’t get tired of hearing about this; it is the biggest potential threat to Madera agriculture and our way of life. If you would like to help with our lawsuit, any and all contributions are gratefully accepted for our legal fund.
Well, enough for now. I am going to stand outside, so if anyone asks for me, just tell them I am out standing. Have a great month!
See Ya!
Tom Rogers
