Joy Barlogio of Jack Creek Farms
New Times: How worried are you about the lack of rain this year?
Barlogio: Actually, very. Most of our crops are non-irrigated, so we really depend on rainfall, especially for the fruit trees. If the soil isn’t moist, we won’t be able to plant late-season crops like safflower and pumpkins.
New Times: Are there any crops that kick ass during droughts?
Barlogio: Nothing good. Yellow star thistle weeds seem to do well no matter what.
New Times: Have you done any rain dances or cloud seeding to bring on the drops?
Barlogio Definitely prayer. The little bit we’ve had lately is encouraging. Every little bit helps, and I’m optimistic that we’ll get a good grain crop.
New Times: How much rain do we need to bring to save winter?
Barlogio: I’d have to defer to husband on that one, as much as I hate to say it. We get more water here than the inland farms get, but we certainly need more.
New Times: What if it doesn’t come?
Barlogio: That’s a good question. Last year was too much rain at all the wrong times. This year, there’s not enough. But that’s farming. You try to stay diversified so you’re not dependant on one crop. We’re small and nimble enough to change when we have to, but larger farms aren’t as lucky. ∆
Speaking of Questions For
-
Questions For: Cole Stevens
Apr 17, 2013 -
Questions For: Scott Duka
Apr 3, 2013 -
Jamie Bell: SLO Blues Baseball Club
Mar 28, 2013 - More »
Latest in News
-
A civil rights question: San Luis Obispo and advocacy organizations work to settle a lawsuit about the way the city treats its homeless population
Mar 23, 2023 -
'St. Fratty's Day' returns with bigger crowd
Mar 23, 2023 -
Governments in San Luis Obispo County and beyond worry that a tax initiative on the 2024 ballot will undermine local voter power
Mar 23, 2023 - More »
Readers also liked…
-
Path to nature: Volunteers, nonprofits, and local governments work together to make open space accessible by foot, bike, and horse
Jul 21, 2022 -
Less of a yawn: School districts in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties prepare for school days with a later start
Aug 4, 2022 -
Coast Unified teachers upset over new position's salary and qualifications
Oct 20, 2022
1010 Marsh Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
PHONE/805/546-8208 • FAX/805/546-8641
