Worker Tony Mendoza picks extra apple blossoms of trees in Jerry Haak's orchard. By removing the blossoms, Haak can grow larger apples with less resources, like water and sun.
credit:
Courtney Flatt
Farmer Jerry Haak inspects the drip irrigation system on his gala apple orchard in Outlook, Wash. Haak says one thing that’s vital to a healthy, profitable crop: water – an unreliable resource in Washington’s Yakima Valley.
credit:
Courtney Flatt
Jerry Haak farms about 400 acres of mostly apply orchards. He also has a few cherry and pear orchards. Perennial crops take less water than annual crops, but they are also more of an investment risk if they are lost due to lack of water.
credit:
Courtney Flatt
The Yakima River is part of a complex system, with farmers, tribes, communities and environmentalists all vying to use more water.