Talk about a one-two punch. Between the lack of rain and the sub-freezing temperatures, “there’s no doubt about it – the two together give it a harder case,” says James McFarlane, who grows 700 acres of citrus in Fresno County.
And McFarlane says he’s one of the lucky ones: “Even though we’ve spent all that money on propane and labor, to get those wind machines on and off, even though for about a 40 day period I only spent two full nights in my warm bed, we’re probably gonna make more money because of it.”
That’s because his supply weathered the weather fairly well. Others did not. California’s citrus industry estimates the cost of the seven-day December freeze at about $440 million. That’ll lead to a shorter California citrus season in stores, and perhaps higher prices for customers.
Environment Stories
Study: Forest Fuel Reduction Cheaper Than Fighting Fires
Tuesday, April 15, 2014A new study says its cheaper to reduce forest fuels than fight fires. The problem is where to get the money.
City Contradicts Itself With Watering Restrictions
Tuesday, April 15, 2014The City of Sacramento declared a drought in January, but city code still requires property owners keep their lawns watered and landscaping maintained.
Yosemite Waterfalls Expected To Dry Up Earlier Due to Drought
Monday, April 14, 2014Hundreds of waterfalls are cascading throughout Yosemite National Park, but they may not last too much longer.
Transit, Housing Would Get Cap-And-Trade Monies Under Proposal
Monday, April 14, 2014Money generated from California’s cap-and-trade program would go to mass transit, sustainable affordable housing and high speed rail under a proposal by Senate leader Darrell Steinberg. Steinberg is backtracking from his previous proposal.
California Drought Operations Plan For Water Projects Released
Wednesday, April 09, 2014California and federal agencies have released a plan about how they’ll operate the state and federal water projects during the drought. The plan does not change water allocations.