CoBank Report: California Drought Worsens, but Ag Industry Will Adapt
By Susannah Parmenter, Close-Up Media Staff Writer
The damages brought on this year by California's drought will be worse than those in the previous year, but not catastrophic, according to a report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange Division.
The group reported that its report, "California Drought in 2015 and its Economic Impact on Agriculture," explores the drought's impact on the state's agricultural industry, including all the growing regions, a commodity-specific outlook as well as the challenges associated with an increased reliance on groundwater for agricultural purposes.
CoBank economist Dan Kowalski says that while the drought, now in its fourth year, is challenging all sectors of the agriculture industry, many producers will be able survive the 2015 growing season without severe financial impairment to their operations.
"Despite the continuing difficulties and challenges, California's agricultural industry will continue to adapt to reduced water allocations for as long as necessary, and will find better ways to produce the crops and products that consumers demand," said Kowalski.
Key findings from the report include:
-Not all commodities will be impacted equally. Those yielding the highest returns on investment will be affected least by the drought because growers will redirect the limited water supply to these plants and away from those yielding the lowest returns. California's highest yielding crops are its permanent plantings, including nuts, citrus and other tree fruits, and vine-grown fruits and vegetables.
-Growers will again fallow some of their land and redirect the water that would have been used to irrigate those acres toward more profitable crops grown in other fields. They are expected to fallow up to 600,000 acres this year, about 6-7 percent of total irrigated acreage and 30 percent more than they fallowed in 2014. The resulting losses in revenue will fall most heavily on field crops such as corn, wheat, cotton, rice, hay, pasture, and beans.
-Agriculture lenders will experience some deterioration in the credit quality of their California-based borrowers, but it will be modest in scope. The borrowers connected with the permanent-plantings will be least affected, whereas those connected with field crops and dairy production will bear the brunt of the continuing drought.
According to CA.Gov, the state’s official website, California is presently enduring one of the worst droughts in state history. Governor Brown has declared a state of emergency and state officials are taking all measures necessary to conserve water to curb shortages.
CoBank's Knowledge Exchange Division is a knowledge-sharing practice that provides strategic insights regarding the key industries served by CoBank.
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America.
More information:
www.cobank.com
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
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Alexandra Scarborough
Gilt and Sarah Jessica Parker Unveil SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection for SpringSarah Jessica Parker, in partnership with Gilt, kicked off the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, Gilt’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear that would have Carrie Bradshaw swooning.
The collection includes dresses, skirts, bodysuits and other pieces, ranging in price from $295 to $2,395 and from sizes 0 to 14.
"Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Sarah Jessica Parker. "The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides." The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker's vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.
Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City utilizing fabrics like cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France.
The pieces all feature carefully curated details like elegant bows, sophisticated cutouts, feathers, intricate embroidery and beautiful hand-stitched beading.
The actress and style icon is no stranger to chic bridal wear. Carrie Badshaw, famously played by Parker, took part in an elaborate bridal photo shoot in Sex and the City: The Movie. The shoot featured gowns from designers like Christian Lacroix and Lanvin. Parker famously wore a black wedding gown for her own wedding to Matthew Broderick in 1997.
"Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker's style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind," says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. "Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category."
As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection.
To correspond with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will present offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker's favorite places in New York City.
The offers were each chosen as a way to help brides plan for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.
More Information:
http://www.Gilt.com/SJP -
Alexandra Scarborough
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"The launch of Tea Forté's Matcha collection represents our continued commitment to wellness and cultivating all the potential mental and physical health benefits of tea," says Tea Forté CEO Michael Gebrael. "In addition to our high quality Pure Matcha, we've also blended four distinct flavored Matcha varieties. Prepackaged in pouches measured out for a single serving, our Single Steeps Matcha is ideal for the office, travel, or to keep with you for a boost anytime."
Tea Forté noted its handcrafted ceremonial tea bowl, handmade bamboo whisk and measuring ladle “encourages serene enjoyment of our premium Kosher, gluten-free and vegan matcha blends.” These include: Pure Matcha, Chocolate Matcha, Coconut Matcha, Ginger Matcha, and Chai Matcha.
According to a release, in addition to its distinctive taste, matcha is prized for its health benefits. Steeped green tea contains only the antioxidants that can be extracted in water, while with matcha, the whole leaf is consumed.
Available now in select stores and online at teaforte.com.
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Among other insights, the roundup revealed:
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