Arizona Forage Producers Association Weblog

Thursday, June 19, 2003

Coachella Valley water officials are suggesting billions of gallons of water now poured on Imperial Valley fields could be better used elsewhere. The assertion that Imperial Valley farmers could conserve as much as 583,000 acre-feet of water annually was among boxes of documents submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The bureau is trying to determine whether Imperial Valley farmers need 70 percent of California?s share of the river to grow their crops.
11:27:56 AM    comment []

"Alfalfa and almonds are two other major Valley crops that are adversely affected by high ozone levels. Almonds grown in the southern part of the Valley, where ozone is pushed by prevailing winds, are more affected than those grown in the northern part of the Valley, Grantz said."
11:17:26 AM    comment []

"Forages return more money directly to Arizona producers than any other crop, including cotton and produce. The value of all hay alone produced in Arizona was $183 million in 2001(according to USDA figures), about twice value as much as cotton, while farmers themselves realize only a minor portion of the value of the produce crop. The value of our silage crops adds to the Arizona forage total value. And, forage production is increasing! I urge every Arizona forage producer to give this new organization your support with both membership and participation. Go get a neighbor to join up, too. Let's take charge of our futures by defining our products, supporting common objectives and sharing information." -- Lee Banning President

Copyright 2003 Arizona Forage Producers Association