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
Baby Salmon On The Move
Thursday, March 06, 2014Chinook Salmon that are babies now -but will return as full-grown adults to California rivers in 2016- are beginning to make their way to the Pacific Ocean now.
Bees Feeling Effects of California Drought
Thursday, March 06, 2014The drought has left honey bees without their normal supply of wildflowers to feed on. Beekeepers have supplemented their diet, but that lacks nutrition to keep hives healthy. CapRadio's Amy Quinton tags along with a local beekeeper to learn more.
More Money For Storage Projects Added to Calif. Water Bond Proposal
Wednesday, March 05, 2014There’s a bit more progress in the delicate dance of reaching a deal on a new California water bond proposal that would replace the $11 billion bond currently on the November ballot. But a deal – if any – is still months away.
$150 Million For Sacramento Region Flood Control Projects
Wednesday, March 05, 2014The allocations were $34 million more than had been expected for Sacramento projects.
Twenty-Percent Conservation Is A High-Water Mark
Wednesday, March 05, 2014Many people in the Sacramento region responded to calls to conserve water, using less last month than in the previous two Februaries. Many cities have not met conservation goals.