There’s rainy weather in the forecast for the Central Valley this week. Those looking to protect their growing operations from flooding and other rain-related disasters should consider making a trip to the closest FGS supply center. We have multiple stores throughout the area, and each one is stocked with weather-appropriate items such as rain gear, sandbags, canopies, and the like.
2023 was an extremely wet year, with California experiencing heavy precipitation throughout the wintertime months and early spring. By mid-March, Los Angeles had already received more than 15 inches of rain — twice the amount of precipitation as Seattle! In the Central Valley, where more than half of America’s vegetables, fruits, and nuts are grown, the rainy weather was a blessing for a region that historically relies on irrigation water.
Since rainfall is unpredictable, our FGS supply centers offer irrigation supplies, as well. We carry all the major brands, including Bowsmith, Spears, Cresline, JM-Eagle, Eurodrip, Netafim, Everfit, Fresno Valve, and Castings. Whether you’re looking for new pipes, tubing, filters, sprinkler heads, or emission devices, we’ve got the inventory (and the expertise) to suit your watering needs.
As temperatures continue to drop, we also recommend our customers take a look at the frost protection products offered in our FGS ops centers. Growers will want to be fully stocked before frosty weather arrives. That’s why we offer products that protect our customers’ trees from freezing temperatures, including tree wraps, tree covers, items for wind machines, and frost monitors.
Jerry Cedillo is the warehouse supervisor at the FGS supply center in Orange Cove, and he’s seen a number of last-minute shoppers rushing into his store as temperatures plummet. It happens every year. “We’ll have a couple of truckloads of a product in advance of cooler weather, but the product won’t move until that first cold night, and suddenly everyone is in here trying to get it,” he explains. “At that point, it can be too late for a farmer. It’s the ones who plan and get what they need in advance who have the greatest success when winter arrives.”
Preparation is key, and FGS is here to help you prepare for rain, snow, frost, and all of Mother Nature’s challenges! Swing by one of our supply center locations in Orange Grove, Santa Paula, Riverside, Woodland, or Porterville, and let us equip you for the weather ahead.