Agriculture in Kern County is a multi-billion dollar industry and heavy rain can wash away profits, if it comes at the wrong time.
And, although our crops haven't been slammed as bad as Fresno County, there still can be an effect.
On Thursday, Fresno County was hit by a lot of hail. It did have a big impact and affect the peach crops.
However, here in Kern County, crop fields depend on some rain. But, heavy rain like the downpours we got Friday can cause intense damage to crops.
Blake Sanden from the University of California Cooperative Extension says, “During this time in the season, it is a really sensitive time for a lot of crops. We had the cherries just beginning to flower, the pistachios are just beginning to bloom. We have a lot of vegetable crops that people have just transplanted.”
Although most growers in Kern County are not overly worried about Friday’s heavy rain because almond and cherry blooms are finishing up.
On the flip side, crops like table grapes can be affected harshly by heavy saturation, which can cause fungal problems.
Meantime, heavy rain can help the growth of small grains like oats and wheat, which is a good thing for the livestock.
