Dec 6, 2007
When farmers gathered to talk about the drought yesterday in Fresno, Fresno Bee reporter Dennis Pollock and UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Blake Sanden were there. An article in today's newspaper opened with the irony of holding the meeting as the San Joaquin Valley braces for a severe winter storm.
Farmer Paul Bentencourt noted that the predicted rain will help, but, along with the others, heard dire predictions about how dry his farm could be come summer.
Westlands spokeswoman Sarah Woolf explained a federal court ruling calling for closer monitoring of delta smelt and effects on the fish from pumping water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
The ruling is expected to reduce irrigation allocations to farmers in Westlands, but the article said the "worst-case scenario," in which farmers receive just 10 percent of their allocations, is unlikely.
According to the article, Woolf predicted allocations in the 35 percent range.
Reporter Pollock mentioned in his story that Sanden discussed water quality and more efficient irrigation practices at the meeting, however the substance of his talk was not published.
The story did quote farmer Bentancourt: "We rely on UC research and its technical assistance. The idea is to get more crop per drop of water."
Farmer Paul Bentencourt noted that the predicted rain will help, but, along with the others, heard dire predictions about how dry his farm could be come summer.
Westlands spokeswoman Sarah Woolf explained a federal court ruling calling for closer monitoring of delta smelt and effects on the fish from pumping water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
The ruling is expected to reduce irrigation allocations to farmers in Westlands, but the article said the "worst-case scenario," in which farmers receive just 10 percent of their allocations, is unlikely.
According to the article, Woolf predicted allocations in the 35 percent range.
Reporter Pollock mentioned in his story that Sanden discussed water quality and more efficient irrigation practices at the meeting, however the substance of his talk was not published.
The story did quote farmer Bentancourt: "We rely on UC research and its technical assistance. The idea is to get more crop per drop of water."