Timing Has a Lot to Do With the Outcome of a Rain Dance

My favorite weather service is Carolina Farm Credit weather with Eric Snodgrass, who explains why the weather is doing what it’s doing when he gives the forecast. Understanding why it’s not raining can provide both a measure of comfort and a whole lot of ability to plan.

As #regenerative farmers, we pay a lot of attention to weather. In fact, I tell our crew that the number one rule of farming is to work with nature, not against it. With California suffering its worst drought in decades, we recognize that staying focused on rain patterns and water is both rational and necessary.

Right now, we are laying out the irrigation lines and planning for the new plantings so we can be ahead of the curve next spring when we put our first large scale acreage out. Our regenerative water practices are efficient in their use and protect the quality and quantity of water resources for future generations – staying focused on the three R’s:

- REDUCE the amount of water used – this is accomplished with irrigation drip system [versus the old spray model], encouraging vine growth while minimizing soil erosion and water loss.

- REUSE the water for different usages with fit for purpose quality, captured in ponds we have built on the farm. This is very valuable to our neighbors as well. The ponds are built so we don’t end up draining the underground water sources our neighbors depend on.

- RECYCLE by capturing excess and rainwater before it leaves the farm along with our soil mitigation. By increasing the organic matter in soils, it allowing them to hold more water.

Yes, it costs more to collect and store surface water in ponds, but in the end it’s the right way to treat our neighbors and our environment.

With all our regenerative farming practices in place, we don’t have to depend as much on rain dances for the optimal water supply or pulling from ground water. How we manage and conserve our water, while maintaining high levels of organic matter in our soil, gives our little grapes the best chance to grow into mighty vines.