Success Stories - Fisher Ranch: A History Lesson in Calif.’s Palo Verde Valley

 

 

 

July 2018

Hearing farmer Bart Fisher discuss the evolution of farming in California’s Palo Verde Valley is an interesting history lesson. So much has changed in the century that the Fisher Family has been farming on their ranch – from what they produce to how agricultural development in neighboring valleys changed the local industry.

“From the late 70s all the way into the 90s, most fresh produce production left our valley, due to the evolution of farm labor policy in California, and availability of labor in Yuma, Arizona,” said Fisher. “But recent water pressures due to the drought have returned some of those crops back to our valley.” In particular, Fisher Ranch grew thousands of acres of dehydrator onions decades ago and, in recent years, again grows a thousand acres of those same onions.

While arid, the valley has access to sufficient irrigation water from the Colorado River. To help be better stewards of this precious water, local growers – including Fisher Ranch – continue to be at the forefront of conservation. 

Fisher Ranch is the largest crop growing operation in Blythe, Calif., which is the epicenter of the Palo Verde Valley. The valley, along the California and Arizona border, has a rich agricultural history dating back to indigenous farming. Primary crops include melons, onions, alfalfa, wheat and cotton.

The family contacted NRCS years ago for help when the farm became interested in expanding their fresh produce production. They wanted to have clean and efficient access to irrigation water, and needed help to create a conservation plan. The plan also helped them address their nutrient and soil management.

“I always enjoy working with farmers such as Fisher Ranch,” said Sam Cobb, district conservationist in Blythe. “Farmers who are willing to learn and apply the ‘fine art’ of irrigation water management help set a standard in the industry.”

Fisher Ranch worked with NRCS to line their ditches and employ irrigation water management in their fields. With the advice of Stanworth Crop Consultants, who helps a number of local farmers, Fisher Ranch installed a series of 48-inch moisture sensors, with technology at the forefront of the industry. Minute-by-minute readings can be called up on a computer screen or smart phone. They provide an incredible amount of data to help the family utilize just the right amount of water when the crops need it most.

The uniqueness of the valley’s soil is such that almost 60 percent of irrigation water applied to fields is returned back to the Colorado River after running through miles of deep open drains filled with marsh plant life. Water conservation practices further enhance Fisher Ranch’s stewardship by helping to keep more water in Palo Verde Irrigation District’s distribution system to begin with.

Fisher Ranch was founded in 1917 by Bart’s grandfather Wayne Fisher. Wayne was passionate about raising livestock and was at the forefront of introducing new breeds. Bart’s father Dana expanded the use of scientific research on the ranch and even served as an agriculture advisor for the University of California Research Facility at Meloland in Holtville, CA. Bart transitioned the farm into row crop production and has begun passing the torch to his son Andrew, the fourth generation of the farming family.

“Farmers and ranchers are the leading stewards of the land,” said Andrew. “We are in the best position to make the right decisions regarding the conservation and protection of the environment. With the help and support of the people at NRCS, we are able to build on the knowledge and experience we have, as well as make substantial improvements to our land, technology and infrastructure. By combining these elements, we have significantly increased the efficiency and management of our natural resources.”

-NRCS-

 The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

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