January Flood Damage Rises to $245 Million

California farmers have suffered to the tune of $245 million--so far--during this month’s floods.

That latest estimate by the California Department of Food and Agriculture updates an initial figure of $155 million, released Jan. 10. It was based on reports compiled by county agricultural commissioners.

“With the rains continuing in various areas of the state, it is still difficult to assess the damages,” Ann M. Veneman, California’s agriculture secretary, said Wednesday in testimony before the state Senate’s Budget and Fiscal Review Committee.

To date, the counties report that 59,000 acres of crops have been lost, with an additional 95,000 acres damaged, for an estimated loss of $89 million. Most affected are walnuts, livestock, dairy and nursery products, alfalfa, wine grapes, wheat, plums, prunes and peaches.

Damage to private levees, farm equipment, buildings and irrigation systems has been tallied so far at $124 million.

Veneman noted that it will be months before the overall effects are known, since many crops are dormant and some areas remain soggy.

Rotten Cotton?

Should the growing of naturally colored cotton be prohibited in the San Joaquin Valley?

That was the question posed to growers in the San Joaquin Valley Quality Cotton District, where most of California’s premium-priced white cotton is grown. Earlier this week, growers voted overwhelmingly in favor of a ban--designed to ensure that colored seeds and lint do not contaminate the existing Acala and Pima varieties.

It won’t be enough to stop C. Harvey Campbell Jr., president and chief executive of B.C. Cotton Inc., a Bakersfield company seeking to expand its breeding and growing of colored cotton.

“We intend to grow naturally colored cotton in our nurseries,” Campbell said. “The referendum does not have the force of law.” Just 25% of those eligible to vote did so, Campbell pointed out.

However, noted Robert Dowd, an attorney for groups supporting a ban, those growers voting to bar colored cotton represent nearly 90% of the cotton acreage.

Opposition to colored cotton comes from most of the state’s biggest players, including the California Cotton Growers Assn. and Calcot Ltd., a marketing cooperative that is the largest seller of California cotton.

Even so, Campbell said he isn’t giving up on a product that he believes could gain huge acceptance globally.

“The fat lady hasn’t sung by a long ways,” he said.

Casting a Wide Net

Farmers, long devoted to their personal computers, are embracing Internet technology. A first-of-its-kind survey conducted last fall showed that 35% of farmers use computers in their business operations. Of those with computers, 8% of farm and ranch families log on to the Internet on a regular basis.

“Farmers are using the Internet more for communication than for information,” said Bob Coffman, manager of interactive services for Farm Journal magazine. “They’re starting to find their peers and hang out together online.”

Coffman said California farmers, who must keep track of a variety of crops, are particularly inclined to tap in to the World Wide Web.

The survey results mirrored those of the general population, Coffman said, indicating that “farmers are people first.”

For the study, Strategic Research Associates, a Canadian research firm, surveyed 1,200 farmers from Farm Journal’s database, which is 3 million strong. Follow-ups are scheduled.

Martha Groves can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or by fax at (213) 237-7837.