Valley farmers welcome rain

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local farmers were certainly glad to see the skies open up. The muddy mess created by the storm was much better than the alternative.

Bees pollinating almond blossoms took a break but growers welcomed the rare rain event. Valley crops like artichokes got a good soaking as did many fields.

Easton farmer Youa Yang was glad to see the overcast skies and showers. Yang said, "We're all struggling because it's just so hard to water your plants."

Production on Yang's vegetable farm was cut in half from 14 acres to seven acres because his well ran dry. Like many other valley farmers, Yang learned the cost of deepening a well is very high but he had no choice to keep the family farm going. Yang explained, "It's been very difficult. I think in the last several years you just see the water levels going down. Our pump has always worked fine but recently it's just been very slow to pump any water."

It is a problem Fresno County Small Farm Advisor Michael Yang has been dealing with for several years. He said, "I have growers call me that they couldn't pump any water out to irrigate the vegetables but with the rain it helps a little bit."

Michael Yang spoke with local farmers interested in growing organic crops but their number-one concern continues to be water. He said, "Rain is a good. I guess that's a good sign."

Growers hope there is more rain to come before the end of the season.