Salinas Valley an oasis amid the drought
Sprinklers water a field in the early morning hours at the Tanimura & Antle farm outside Salinas. The Salinas Valley, one of California’s agricultural gems, has been spared the worst of the drought unlike the neighboring San Joaquin Valley.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)An abundant aquifer has helped Salinas weather the drought. Above, workers harvest iceberg lettuce at the Tanimura & Antle farm.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)A Bengard Ranch worker picks celery on the ranch’s property south of Salinas.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)Rows of crops line the landscape near the mouth of the Salinas River. The river runs underground for most of its length.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)A worker picks up drip irrigation tape at a farm outside of Salinas. Farmers in Salinas Valley produce almost two-thirds of the nation’s lettuce and half of its broccoli and celery.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)An abundance of water has allowed a diverse set of crops to flourish in the Salinas Valley. Above, a Bengard Ranch worker picks celery.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)Workers harvest iceberg lettuce at the Tanimura & Antle farm.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)Sprinklers water a field at Tanimura & Antle, a major family-run farm.
(Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)