Heavy rains and flooding from early snow melt have caused extensive damage to California crops, say agronomists and farm organizations.
In the Central Valley region, surrounding Sacramento, industry officials are concerned about 150,000 acres of winter wheat that is threatened by flood waters from rivers and streams.
In areas where levees have broken and fields flooded, topsoil and young plants have been washed away. In other fields, standing water has begun causing yield losses due to slow drainage.
The crop at risk represents one-third of the state’s winter cereal production. Farmers say if they are unable to replant the crops by the end of January they will have to write off the cereals for this season.
Flooding of the extensive dairy operations in the valley areas are causing disruptions in milk delivery. The state’s Farm Bureau Federation says water-logged feed stocks and pasture land will result in long-term damage to the industry in affected areas.
Forecasts predict more precipitation for the Pacific coast regions.
