So far the water news is still bad…but it hasn’t gotten worse…which is good.

60% of of the farm ground is all that is going to be planted this year, leaving 40% to lay.  There will be less alfalfa hay (to get hay started it takes lots of water, once started you don’t have to water as much, maybe once a month, but in the beginning…) less onions and no very early Olathe and Mountain Sweet Sweet corn…there will be mid-summer sweet corn… hopefully. All other crops have been reduced radically…possibly pinto beans will be planted everyone is waiting to see.  Pinto beans are planted much later in the spring.

This lack of water effects everyone….letters have been sent out to those that live in sub-divisions, or in the town/city proper….if you water with Uncompahgre Valley Water you will NOT have access to the water…there just isn’t any extra.  (In this case) Farms have the priority to the water, and only farms.  If you wish to water your carefully crafted lawn and yards you will not be able to use the ditches, if caught doing so you will be fined.  I’m sure if these people wish to use their city water they will be able too, at this point potable water is not being rationed…

Then there are those who make their living OFF the farmers…their livelihood is now cut by 40%—just like the farmers.

Sure is a sad mess!

BUT  we still have 60%, which is better than less than that so there is hope!

Terry finished up rolling the plowed ground.

Next he will fertilize, disk that in, and then level the fields, after that he will mark out the rows in preparation for the water to be turned on.

Then we wait….once the water is on we are tied to the land until the water is turned off.  Irrigation is a constant thing (but is you really want to know a secret—I super enjoy irrigating… I love the smell and the feel and the whole experience.)

So no matter what the farm year is proceeding and so will we!

I am a tad better today, but still not up to going to the Museum for my morning of extreme fun, maybe next week.  ( I say that in all seriousness, for I do so enjoy my time there.)

Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts and well wishes!

Linda