Unseasonably warm weather has some Hollisterites reveling in the
sun and record-breaking temperatures, but some local farmers and
ranchers are praying for more rain needed to reap a bountiful
harvest.
Hollister – Unseasonably warm weather has some Hollisterites reveling in the sun and record-breaking temperatures, but some local farmers and ranchers are praying for more rain needed to reap a bountiful harvest.
The mercury soared to 76 degrees in Hollister Thursday, breaking the previous record of 70 degrees for that day set in 1987, according to Shawn Weagle, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Monterey. But ranchers still need more rain to nourish the grass their cattle feed on, and fruit and nut growers are concerned that the record-setting temperatures could result in a pre-mature bloom, causing lower harvest yields.
“We’ve been having record temperatures throughout the Bay Area,” Weagle said. “People are enjoying the warm weather – we’ve been getting lots of calls. Everyone is breaking records.”
The record temperatures are the result of a strong off-shore air flow, which comes off the mountains and moves from land to sea, Weagle said. Friday was another warm one, however, Weagle said an ocean breeze Friday afternoon should begin to cool things down.
While Weagle predicted slightly lower temperatures this weekend, he said Monday and Tuesday next week will also be warm.
“But after Tuesday we’ll see more typical February weather,” he said.
Typical February weather, which usually stays in the 60 degree range with several inches of rain, is just what Joe Morris, owner of T.O. Cattle Company, wants to see. His cattle, however, disagree.
“They probably like the warm weather just fine,” he said. “But I’d like to see more rain – it’s been about a month since the last good rain and the grass is getting dry.”
Morris said having plenty of rain, and the green grass that comes with it, is essential.
“The ranching industry is dependent on rain,” he said. “And from where I’m looking it’s a little dry.”
Last month, several San Benito County fruit and nut growers were worried that it hasn’t been cold enough this winter and the recent heat wave has added to their concerns.
Almost all trees that loose their leaves, such as apricot and walnut trees, require a “chilling period” in order to prepare their buds for bloom in the spring. Chill is measured in terms of the number of hours that the temperature is below 45 degrees. San Benito County usually gets between 600 and 1,000 chilling hours during the average winter between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28, but so far the county has only had 552 hours of chill this year, according the University of California Fruit and Nut Research Center.
Basically, the warm weather confuses fruit trees, said apple grower Anthony Botelho, co-owner of B&P Orchards.
“What happens to these trees is kind of like when you wake up after a long night of partying – you just don’t come out of it as good as you should,” he said. “It affects crop quality and you get a wider variety of sizes in the apples.”
Botelho is hoping for a few more chilling hours before March, but he’s not holding his breath.
“It’s getting to the point where it’s almost too late and typically without enough chilling hours you don’t get a strong bloom,” he said. “But you have to play the hand you’re dealt.”
A strong bloom, Botelho said, is the sign of a good harvest. A weak bloom could mean lower yields and profits.
Although some are concerned about the record February temperatures, Felix Chavira, a Hollister park maintenance worker, is enjoying it while it lasts.
“It’s better than rain – when it’s raining we have to work inside,” he said while working in front the Veterans Memorial Building Friday. “Working outside is much better, especially when it’s not too hot.”
Brett Rowland covers agriculture and public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or br******@fr***********.com.
