Water still a main concern for agriculture commissioner

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune

Madera County Ag Commissioner/Sealer Rusty Lantsberger.

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Although there have been concerns about a couple of insects that could have done damage to Madera County crops, the prevalent concern for Madera County Ag Commissioner/Sealer Rusty Lantsberger remains water. 

More specifically, water security and water uncertainty. Although 2024 was an average year, he says the County still needs to keep working on water storage, which is needed. 

“Average is better than drought conditions,” he said. “Starting in 2024, we had favorable weather. We had a lot of rains in 2023, so it impacted pollination. This year has been a good start of the year to the crops. With the heat, it means more irrigation and bugs will reproduce faster.”