Figuring out how crops, critters can co-exist is challenge
August is coming to a close with lots of heat and humidity, neither of which is really good for the cotton crops. Areas of Yuma County have had some monsoon activity and damaging winds. In the Bard-Winterhaven area, mature date trees were uprooted and laid over. Regardless of how well our agricultural producers prepare from season, Mother Nature still is in charge.
Fields are being readied for early plant cauliflower and broccoli with the first lettuce seedings not far behind. All summer the Desert Food Safety Coalition has been having informational meetings and trainings to enhance and improve the food safety practices that are now in place in Yuma County Agriculture.
A meeting was held Aug. 1 to present the results of the working group of the Leafy Greens Food Safety Task Force. Representatives of local, state and national entities involved in the task force attended. The work to be done by growers, harvesters, shippers, coolers and distributors of leafy green produce will have a greater job in documenting their food safety work.
The recent outbreak has been attributed to contaminated water supplies. Although it is hard to understand how a shared water source can contaminate only a particular field, proactive recommendations have been made for the 2018-2019 produce season.
The best management practice for water systems now includes a map, photos or drawings to communicate the location of permanent fixtures and the flow of the water system. Permanent fixtures include wells, gates, reservoirs, valves and other above ground features that make up the complete irrigation system should be documented so they can be identified in the field. Water sources and the production blocks served should be documented.
Technology is changing faster than people can change and the leafy green industry needs to stop reacting and be proactive in locating the root cause of contamination problems. Science guides the way and needs to continue in the good times as well as in crisis.
The pathogens identified in the Yuma incident this year came from animals. The challenge is to figure out how crops and critters can co-exist. We know the answer will require changes for all parties involved. Beginning this year, there will be more sampling of soil, water and vegetable products, from seed to table.
The pathogens can move on the wind and in dust. In confined feeding operations, reducing the movement of the animals and dust created is important. Meeting with feedlot and dairy owners will allow them to participate in the solutions. Surface water has greater exposure to contamination. Maintenance operations that stir up the sediment in delivery system ditches can be a source of contaminants. Water is used in so many farming operations, dust control, sprinklers, spray applications of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers and in aerial application.
Water is the life blood of Yuma County and the agricultural industry. It is up to everyone, urban and rural to protect the quality and safety of this asset. Keep animals and their droppings away from canals and out of fields, pick up litter around your property, don’t be a litterbug and understand that our water supplies are paramount — water quality is priceless.