Happy Valentine's Day- Let's thank a farmer!

Many people think of Valentine's Day as a romantic, gushy holiday. While some of you may be dreading today because you may not have a lover, or you may be waiting at the door for the flower delivery truck, others are working hard to delivery you those roses on time. From a person who worked as a florist through college, it is nice to be on the receiving end instead of the arranging end.

But did you ever look at Valentine's Day from a rose farmers perspective? Rose growers are farmers too, just maybe ones who don't pop in our minds as often. Kern County and more specifically Wasco, produces the largest amount of roses in the United States. Wasco grows garden roses and one of the biggest garden rose companies is right here in my backyard. Rose plants, trees and transplants can be seen along Highway 46 and 43 which runs through the town. Roses used to be one of the biggest agriculture crops in Wasco, but now you wont be able to spot as many as years ago. Roses are becoming harder and harder to grow in Kern County. With land prices rising and water as scarce as it is, farmers are turning to more high dollar crops that give them a larger return on their investments.

I am thankful for my amazing husband and the roses he sent me today. But we also have to remember and thank the farmer who grew the roses! So next time you think twice about what to buy for Valentine's Day, support a farmer and buy roses!

Until Next Time,

Almond Girl