[AT] Farm flooding update California

[Grant Brians]

So today I had one of my staff check the two tractors that I worried 
about in the flooded fields. While the soil is too soft to drive them 
out (especially since they are two wheel drive), neither tractor got 
water high enough to have it in the essential liquids! In other words 
they only were in flood waters a bit over three feet deep and are ok. I 
was very happy to confirm that. Hopefully it will dry enough before next 
weeks storms to get them out into a spot that will be ready for use.
      In our high mountain valley location we should be able to start 
planting in the sandy soil there before the next storm just barely, 
while the heavier low soils will require several weeks of drying at a 
minimum. I still have several fields that are covered with water. 
Yesterday, the Canada Geese came back to our main ranch and for a few 
minutes I thought that our domestic geese were on the deck in front of 
the office as the Flock flew over the fields 1000 feet away that is how 
many arrived! I was actually enjoying their arrival as they do not do 
much damage to our crops and they are pretty.
           Grant Brians - Hollister,California farmer of vegetables, 
edible flowers, herbs, seeds, nuts and fruit

On 1/25/2017 2:03 PM, charlie hill wrote:
> Your photo actually does a great job of graphically
> addressing that dichotomy.  I can see it framed with a
> caption at the bottom that says " TAKING THE BAD WITH THE GOOD"
>
> Farming is a challenge that only those who do or have done it can truly
> understand
> but the rewards, not always financial, make it well worth while.  When I
> reached the
> fork in the road as a young man I wish I had turned back toward the farm.
>
> Charlie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Grant Brians
> Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 12:08 PM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: Re: [AT] Farm flooding update California
>
> Joe, I can separate the hassles of flooding from the beauty of the land
> (sic) I mean water! I was quite pleased with that photo, the first of
> several I took of flooding in those fields. We really do live and grow
> in a beautiful place despite the challenges inherent in both the
> activities and the place. My attitude is that every place has
> challenges, benefits, beauties and uglinesses. I feel thankful to
> understand those where I am and hope others have the same understandings
> of where they live and work.
>        I will also say that the contrasts here between skies, mountains
> and hills, the valleys and nature versus man makes for amazing sights!
>               Grant Brians - Hollister,California farmer
>
> On 1/25/2017 4:58 AM, Joe Hazewinkel wrote:
>> I know you might not see it in quite the same way, but I thought it was a
>> beautiful picture.  Hopefully you dry out soon.
>>
>> Enjoy, Joe
>>
>> Sent via mobile device
>>
>> On Jan 24, 2017, at 8:44 PM, Grant Brians <sales at heirloom-organic.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> A small update with hopefully a picture. Today it appears that our
>> flooding is about 120-130 acres. I am attempting to attach a picture
>> looking at 50 acres of water with the trees along the creek and the
>> "reservoir ditch" - i.e. deepened and straightened natural drainage swale
>> that now makes up the boundary between two fields. This is just one of the
>> ranches we have coveres with substantial amounts of water. Three creeks
>> have overflowed their banks onto land I farm, plus the road to my home has
>> been covered with up to 16" of water.... This is what can happen in a WET
>> winter year. I did lose some fields of vegetables with all of this water,
>> but we are still picking and selling through the rain.
>>       The pictures I have are not as dramatic as I know they should be,
>> thanks to the still green plants in the water, but hopefully this gives an
>> idea of the views....
>>                Grant Brians - Hollister,California tired and damp farmer of
>> vegetables, herbs, edible flowers, seeds, Walnuts and Fruit
>> <IMG_20170123_165646998_HDR (2) (1024x576) (800x450).jpg>
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