Posted on 05/07/2013 6:36:10 AM PDT by Rummyfan
Boom or Bust?
I have lived on the same farm for 59 years and seen at least three boom-and-bust farm cycles — one in the late 1960s, another in the early 1980s, and a third right now. I’ve witnessed raisins, for example, at $1,420 a ton 35 years ago, then $410 a ton, then $700 a ton — and now almost $2,000. The old wisdom insisted that almond acreage could never exceed 200,000 acres without a crash, that prices would never go over $1 pound to the farmer, that production could not go much over 3,000 lbs. per acre.
Boom or Bust?
I have lived on the same farm for 59 years and seen at least three boom-and-bust farm cycles — one in the late 1960s, another in the early 1980s, and a third right now. I’ve witnessed raisins, for example, at $1,420 a ton 35 years ago, then $410 a ton, then $700 a ton — and now almost $2,000. The old wisdom insisted that almond acreage could never exceed 200,000 acres without a crash, that prices would never go over $1 pound to the farmer, that production could not go much over 3,000 lbs. per acre.
(Excerpt) Read more at pjmedia.com ...
OMG! I LOVE VDH. He’s writing about my home territory. I don’t own acres of almond orchard, just 2 small plots (including a house in poor repair) that will have to be sold when my mother passes (or before). I hadn’t thought about fracking — for oil, gas, or water. Perhaps that tiny lot in the Santa Cruz hills that cannot be used as a building site has mineral rights attached? Something to look into before I give it away.
I have to laugh about the more recent immigrants to the Central Valley advising VDH on how to manage his land. (live in Fresno and allow his foreman to deal with the theives and trespassers). All is how it ever has been. The newcomers and their paths to wealth are not the ame as their predecessors which causes much tsk tsking amongst the old timers.
Residents were scandalized by the brash and clannish ways the Armenians did business in the teens, until it became evident that the Armenians now owned the majority of the land and profit making businesses. The Armenians did this without wasting time and money on what was considered the “niceties” practiced by the previous residents. Now it is the Punjabis who are taking the leadership.
Is every doctor in Fresno named Sidhu?
By way of critical comment the essay seems based upon economics and overlooks or downplays the political. Our political future appears to becoming increasingly fragmented by factions who want to divide a pie increasing at an ever slowing rate. (I found the reported comments by the Punjabi regarding the disappearing European most interesting-shades of "Old Tired White Guys!")
I wish Hanson would turn his talents-from time to time- solely and directly with the political downplaying the economic.)
BUMP
I like the way this guy writes.
Boom or Bust?
I have lived on the same farm for 59 years and seen at least three boom-and-bust farm cycles — one in the late 1960s, another in the early 1980s, and a third right now. I’ve witnessed raisins, for example, at $1,420 a ton 35 years ago, then $410 a ton, then $700 a ton — and now almost $2,000. The old wisdom insisted that almond acreage could never exceed 200,000 acres without a crash, that prices would never go over $1 pound to the farmer, that production could not go much over 3,000 lbs. per acre.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.