Weather: Challenges of a Family Farmer
As you may know, my roots lie deep in the soil as a private family farmer. And for me, farming isn't just about business, it's an embodiment of roots, a connection to the land and to the soul of Mother Nature herself.
The fortune of farmers is inextricably linked to the weather cycle. As a small family farmer in California, I’m all too familiar with water restrictions. However, the current weather conditions, combined with even more stringent water allowances in California, have caused the perfect storm for my older trees, which are already more vulnerable given their age: with high heat burning the tops of the avocados and mold in the soil from the aggressive rain storms we had months back, many of the trees were starting to die.
With a heavy heart, I was forced to make the decision to remove hundreds of seventy-five-year-old avocado trees. Those trees were not just a source of sustenance, but a testament to the years of hard work, dedication, and love poured into them.
After reviewing my options, I have decided to grow agave instead, which demands significantly less water. Having walked through my fields endless times, feeling the dampness of the soil between my toes and the soft leaves in my fingers, painstakingly measuring soil pH, and closely watching the growth of crops with the proud eye of a parent, I have to say that this issue is about more than just changing from one crop to another. It's about recognizing the alarming shifts in our environment, questioning the sustainability of our practices, and grappling with the implications of choices made both locally and globally.
In a recent article by Kenny Torrella in VOX titled, "Let’s talk about the biggest cause of the West’s water crisis: The Colorado River is going dry ... to feed cows", a stark reality is laid bare. It's an eye-opener that sheds light on how the thirst for profit is depleting precious resources. It angers and saddens me to witness the exploitation of the Colorado River, seeing it dry up just to satisfy the demands of an unsustainable industry. https://lnkd.in/gFQHmZNj
The challenges we face are not isolated to just my farm or to California. Farmers everywhere are feeling the weight of water limitations, and it's essential that we recognize the larger story at play. Every drop that's used, misused, or squandered has a ripple effect that's felt far and wide.
This isn't just about my livelihood. This is about my love for the land, for the community, and for the future generations that deserve better. This is about a call for awareness, a plea for understanding, and a cry for change.
As we forge ahead, I do remain hopeful. I believe in our collective power to evolve, innovate, and respect the balance of nature. Together, let's champion the voices of the hard-working farmers who feed people and nurture our planet.