S. Kamphuis Blueberries, a Holland-based farm now in its fifth generation of family stewardship, has built its legacy on consistent quality and community service since 1941. The U.S. Drought Monitor says rainfall in the region is several inches below normal, and without extra water, crops can quickly become stressed or may not grow to their full potential.
To help with this, the latest-generation's owner, Scott Kamphuis, has installed a system that delivers water directly to each plants' roots.
"It's affected our crop terribly, the natural rain water is much better than the irrigation water," Kamphuis said. "Fortunately, we have all irrigation water and it keeps the plants alive. But, the size of the fruit is much smaller without natural rainwater."
The system spans the entire blueberry field, providing consistent water to each row and reducing the crop's reliance on unpredictable rainfall. Workers say it's helping keep plants healthy even as dry conditions persist.
Read more at News Channel 3
