Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Two Canaries to Watch. I have just finished writing about how our farmers are the world's canaries. One example in California is the prediction--already seen occurring-- Is that it will be impossible for fruits and nuts to be profitably produced in that state. Are they certain? That is the nuts and bolts of California agriculture! In Yolo County, where I live, funds are slowly being diverted to agave, A drought-tolerant plant to produce alcohol for Tequila to rival Mexico. Surely we might come up with something which is a little more 'noble'! (By the way, because of the drought, California might revert to hydroponics To be able to continue raising tomatoes!) With the loss of major crops and the dwindling aquifers, Will California just revert back to the semi-desert Which the European pioneers first 'discovered'? Now jump to the east and Pennsylvania and their potato crop. Potatoes are a sensitive crop, which in Pennsylvania, Are confronting higher temperatures and excessive rains, As well as struggling in 2016 with a newly identified bacterium For which there is no cure (soft rot). All these factors will be a challenge to the potato industry Which produces chips, fries, and many other potato products For and from the state. As an aside, Pennsylvania MacIntosh apple trees are being removed (The days are not cold enough). These trees may be replaced with peaches Which (temporarily?) might improve production with the warmer weather. A footnote from neighboring Michigan: Several northern tribes have decided, Because of a warm, dry winter, to let the sugar maples rest this coming season. Will this continue to obtain with all these climatic changes? Google and research the myriads of agricultural challenges Occurring around the world -- It is mind-blowing. Frank Maurer 20 September 2024 1830 Hours.