Valley growers have long hoped for winter rain, but this week’s storm showed how too much precipitation at the wrong time can create challenges for agriculture.
Several crops across the Central Valley were in delicate stages of development when heavy rain, wind and hail moved through the region, including orchards already in bloom. At Fresno State, the university’s agriculture department is closely monitoring conditions and assessing the impact on its wide range of crops.
Normally, almond trees on campus would be covered in blossoms. After the storm, many petals could be seen scattered on the ground, a visible sign of damage from the rain and wind…