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The narrator reflects on his journey through California, navigating between the old Highway 99 and the GPS-recommended Interstate 5. Along the way, he observes the transformation of the landscape by agriculture, particularly in the Central Valley, where vast orchards and farmlands dominate. He delves into the history of water management in the region, detailing how farmers like Stewart Resnick have capitalized on government water projects to expand their agricultural empires, despite ongoing drought conditions. The Resnicks, in particular, have become immensely wealthy and influential through their extensive farming operations, which include almonds, pistachios, and pomegranates. The narrator also highlights the Resnicks' philanthropic efforts and their integration of farming with celebrity culture, as well as their controversial methods of securing water, such as building off-the-books pipelines. The story concludes with the narrator's discovery of one such pipeline, symbolizing the complex and sometimes illicit means by which water is obtained and controlled in California's agricultural heartland.

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1. The farmers in Kern County, led by Stewart Resnick, demonstrate remarkable innovation and adaptability in maintaining and expanding their orchards and vineyards despite drought conditions.

2. The agricultural expansion, particularly in high-value crops like almonds, pistachios, grapes, and mandarins, contributes to economic growth in the region, creating jobs and revenue.

3. Despite water scarcity, farmers employ various strategies such as importing water from distant rivers, tapping into underground aquifers, and even constructing private pipelines to ensure water availability for irrigation.

4. The use of micro-irrigation systems and other advanced techniques promotes more efficient water usage, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.

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1. The reliance on imported water and excessive pumping from aquifers raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of water resources, leading to potential environmental degradation and conflicts over water rights.

2. The vast land ownership and control of water resources by large agricultural corporations like Paramount Farming, owned by the Resnicks, may lead to monopolistic practices and inequitable distribution of resources.

3. Intensive agricultural practices, particularly mono culture farming of water-intensive crops, may degrade soil quality, reduce biodiversity, and exacerbate water pollution and salinization.

4. While the Resnicks' philanthropic initiatives benefit some communities, they may also perpetuate social inequalities by exerting disproportionate influence over local economies and decision-making processes.

5. The construction of off-the-books pipelines and diversion of water from other farmers raise legal and ethical questions about water rights, transparency, and fair competition in the agricultural industry.

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Kern County, located just shy of the mountains in California, is home to some of the largest farmers in America, led by Stewart Resnick, the richest farmer in the country. Despite facing severe drought conditions and dwindling water supplies from federal and state sources, agriculture in Kern County continues to thrive and even intensify. Farmers have expanded their orchards and vineyards, focusing on high-value crops like almonds, pistachios, grapes, and mandarins to meet the global demand. To overcome water scarcity, farmers have implemented innovative strategies such as importing water from distant rivers, tapping into underground aquifers, and even constructing private pipelines. However, these practices raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of water resources, environmental degradation, and social disparities. Despite these challenges, Kern County remains a hub of agricultural innovation and economic growth, albeit with complex water management issues and ethical considerations.

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Critics argue that it favors large agricultural interests like Resnick's over smaller farmers and the environment. Additionally, there are concerns about the legality and transparency of water transfers and allocations from the bank. Despite these criticisms, the Kern Water Bank plays a significant role in providing water security for agriculture in Kern County, albeit with ongoing debates about its governance and impact on water distribution.

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POM wonderful has achieved remarkable success by capitalizing on the health benefits and popularity of pomegranates. The Resnicks transformed the ancient fruit into a modern-day sensation with their POM Wonderful pomegranate juice, packaged in distinctive and eye-catching bottles. Through clever marketing campaigns highlighting the antioxidant-rich properties of pomegranates, POM Wonderful has become synonymous with health and wellness. Their success extends beyond just the juice, with the brand expanding into other products like teas and supplements. Additionally, the Resnicks' philanthropic efforts, along with their focus on sustainable farming practices, have further enhanced the brand's reputation.

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As of 2024, California continues to grapple with the effects of prolonged drought, which have been exacerbated by climate change. The state has experienced multiple years of below-average rainfall and snowpack levels, leading to depleted reservoirs, strained water supplies, and parched agricultural lands. This prolonged drought has put significant pressure on water resources, affecting both urban and rural areas.

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Building on their success in nut, fruit, and beverage production, the Resnicks have ventured into wine cultivation and marketing. Leveraging their expertise in farming and brand management, they are poised to make a significant impact in the wine market. The Resnicks' expansion into wine represents a new chapter in their agricultural empire, demonstrating their adaptability and vision for growth in diverse sectors of the food and beverage industry.

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The author's curiosity for water in 2003 prompted him to look into Stewart Resnick, a significant player in California agriculture who possessed enormous tracts of land and water. Resnick first refused to meet with the author, but in 2008, they were able to arrange one. Resnick, a modest but prosperous businessman of Jewish heritage, talked about how he and his wife Lynda built an agricultural empire. Their prosperity resulted from well-timed investments in a number of sectors, including as security, cleaning services, and the Franklin Mint. Later, they concentrated on farming, especially with regard to pomegranates, almonds, and pistachios. Resnick frequently faced criticism for his aggressive branding and market-cornering tactics, but he credited luck and perseverance for a large portion of his success.

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1. Stewart Resnick's rise from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire is a compelling narrative of ambition and entrepreneurship. Starting with small ventures like cleaning floors and later expanding into security services and agriculture, his journey reflects the American dream.

2. Resnick's ability to identify opportunities and innovate in various industries is commendable. From founding Clean Time Building Maintenance to acquiring Teleflora and the Franklin Mint, he demonstrated a knack for business development and marketing strategies.

3. Resnick's entry into the agriculture sector, particularly with pistachios and pomegranates, led to significant changes in the market. By cornering a large portion of the pistachio crop and popularizing products like POMWonderful, he reshaped consumer preferences and industry dynamics.

4. Despite his business success, Resnick and his wife, Lynda, are noted for their philanthropic endeavors. Their contributions to healthcare, arts, and education institutions highlight their commitment to giving back to society and securing a positive legacy.

5. The excerpt provides intimate insights into Resnick's personal life, including his upbringing, family dynamics, and relationship with Lynda. These details add depth to his character and offer a glimpse into the motivations behind his actions.

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1. The narrative begins with the author's interest in water resources, which led him to Stewart Resnick, a figure whose rise in the agricultural world had largely gone unnoticed by the media.

2. After several attempts to contact him, the author finally meets Resnick in person. Resnick is described as a small, trim man with a background influenced by his Jewish heritage and upbringing in New York.

3. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Resnick comes across as modest and health-conscious, attributing his success to luck and hard work. He expresses a desire for his family's legacy to be documented for future generations.

4. The narrative delves into Resnick's family background, upbringing, and early entrepreneurial ventures in New Jersey and California.

5. Resnick's journey to becoming a billionaire is outlined, including his foray into the security and alarm business, his success in the floral industry with Teleflora, and his acquisition of Paramount Farms and the Franklin Mint.

6. Resnick's dominance in the agricultural sector, particularly in pistachios and pomegranates, is highlighted. His strategic investments and marketing innovations, such as POMWonderful, contributed to his success.