Save the water for the farmers
As we enter another winter, all praying for rain and cold temperature to put our trees and vines into a good long sleep, it’s a good time to reflect on the blessing this Valley brings to people around this frenetic world.
The drought opened many people’s eyes as to how precious and finite our water supply is to us all, rich or poor, farm or city. We who farm the rich soils of this Valley year after year can only say one word to those recently enlightened about a fact that we farmers live every day: “Duuhh!”
Two simple sentences will forever stick in my mind that are in part the fruits of this devastating drought: one from a roadside banner, the other from a farm publication with no attribution to the author.
“Is growing food wasting water?”
“A person may need a doctor, lawyer, architect, and so many other professionals a few times in one’s life, but everyone needs a farmer at least three times a day.”
Enough said.
Parry Klassen, Parlier
This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 9:38 AM with the headline "Save the water for the farmers."