Fresno, California

[Subdeacon Joe]

If the point of a compass was centered on Fresno, California, and a 100-mile radius was drawn, the circle formed would reach across the most vital and productive growing region in the world. 
 Although this 100 Mile Circle covers less than 1% of the total landmass of the U.S., it produces nearly one-half of its fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts – more than 250 different crops rich in the vitamins and nutrients essential to human survival.

Read the Full Report here: http://bit.ly/The100MileCircle

 

[Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967]

There is a major problem with this scenario.  To wit: most ag people are of a conservative bent.  As such, they receive very little support and a 

great deal of grief from the state capital.

 

Good timing, Joe - this very topic was the subject of discussion in this afternoon's writing class in Clovis, a suburb of Fresno and smack-dab in the middle of that circle.  

 

There are several "ag types" in the class; the capons and wethers in Sackamenna would likely be surprised to know that many (most!) farmers and ranchers are actually intelligent, educated, and articulate citizens.  AND partriotic.

[Subdeacon Joe]

8 hours ago, Hardpan Curmudgeon SASS #8967 said:

Good timing, Joe - this very topic was the subject of discussion in this afternoon's writing class in Clovis, a suburb of Fresno and smack-dab in the middle of that circle.  

 

There are several "ag types" in the class; the capons and wethers in Sackamenna would likely be surprised to know that many (most!) farmers and ranchers are actually intelligent, educated, and articulate citizens.  AND partriotic.

Now if we could get all of them to vote.  Same for gun owners.

 

And, thank you.  To be an "ag type" on any scale above household truck garden, the farmer needs to be an accountant, hydrologist, meteorologist, botanist, entomologist, mechanic, handyman, operating engineer, and likely at least a half dozen other things.

A decent book on the economic importance of California to our republic is "The Last Days of the Late Great State of California," even though it was written in 1971. It's also a pretty good short history of the Golden State.

In trying to find it online, I found another book by the author that looks interesting.  Link to it on Internet Archive

The madams of San Francisco ; an irreverent history of the city by the Golden Gate

I wonder if he was a Clamper?