In the 40 years he has farmed the fertile soil of California's San Joaquin Valley, Fred Starrh has known his share of hardship. But never has he had a year like this. Rainfall and snowfall 75% below normal have left the state parched, and Starrh is struggling to save his 8,000-acre spread. He has let all 40 of his permanent employees go. He won't plant cotton this spring -- it needs lots of water. His alfalfa, another thirsty crop, will come in at one- sixth of last year's harvest. He is desperately scrounging for water to sustain his almond trees. Still...
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