Land values plunge as groundwater law dims farm prospects

A disconnected well stands near an almond orchard in Madera County. Farmers in parts of the San Joaquin Valley have seen the value of their land decline this year as groundwater pumping restrictions tighten under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Janie Gatzman, almond grower, appraiser and former president of the California chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, in her orchard last month in Oakdale. Photo/Caleb Hampton