Strong winds, heavy rain and damaging hail.
Multiple storms all within the past week.
Spring storms are not uncommon in the Central Valley but as crops begin to grow, depending on who you talk to, our recent weather has had both positive and negative consequences.
"Hail damage can impact a cotton plant, if it hits the terminal or the growing point of the plant than it will be effectively dead within 12 to 48 hours." says Jodi Raley of the California Cotton Growers & Ginners Association.
Fruits and berries, such as cherries, are especially vulnerable right now. Workers at a fruit stand in South Fresno say their cherries and strawberries came out fine, but that doesn't mean the same for everyone across the valley.
"See some of this fruit looks like it could already have some significant scaring due to thrifts, fruit of this size could have some substantial damage." comments Fred Rinder as he inspects a tree outside the Fresno Agricultural Commissioners office.
The Fresno County Agricultural Commissioners Office is in charge of reporting any information on losses that local growers might experience due to weather, when total losses hit 30%, that's when action is officially taken.
"If it looks like we might be heading toward a 30% loss than we'll focus on individual growers and try to make contact with them to compile how much damage actually occurred." continues Rinder.
Low interest rate loans will be given to farmers who experience substantial losses, while many while many farmers prepare ahead of time with crop insurance.
But figuring out just how much is lost takes time.
"Within the next 24-48 hours will be a large determining factor in how some growers move forward with their crop."
Jodi Raley with the California Cotton Growers and Ginners Association says cotton has experienced loss due to flooded fields and hail, but it's fortunately still early enough in the season to replant.
"any damages that we do have, and we do have some, they're able to get replanted and continue on with their season."
Source - yourcentralvalley.com
