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reserve your ad hereThe farm Green Monkey Cultivators in Northern California was an idyllic location surrounded by stunning mountains and hills that were covered in lush green vegetation. We were incredibly fortunate to spend an entire week there documenting their cultivation processes and capturing breathtaking footage and photographs under the bright sun.
As the days went by, we felt increasingly enamored with the picturesque setting, and it almost felt as though time had stood still. However, everything changed overnight, and the calm afternoon we were enjoying took an unexpected turn.
Someone mentioned that a snowstorm was on the way, and while we knew it was possible, nobody thought the storm would arrive so soon and with such force. The sight of the snow-capped mountains was a welcome one, but as the storm approached, it became clear that we were in for something more significant than we had anticipated.
When we woke up the next day, the entire landscape was covered in a thick layer of snow. It was the largest snowstorm of the year in a season where it hardly ever snows. You couldn’t see a single blade of grass or the leaves of the trees. Everything looked like an immense ski slope.
The worst was yet to come. As the snowstorm raged on, we quickly realized our concerns were justified. The six greenhouses that housed Green Monkey Cultivators’ precious plants were completely covered in snow, which could have serious consequences.
The weight of the snow could crush the plants, and the lack of sunlight could severely stunt their growth, putting months of hard work in jeopardy. We knew that we had to act quickly if we were going to save the harvest.
Despite our best efforts, not all of the plants survived the storm. The genetics that were able to withstand the cold were Girl Scout Cookies and Northern Lights, two strains known for their ability to tolerate low temperatures. Unfortunately, some of the other genetics didn’t fare as well, and couldn’t survive being in contact with the snow for several hours.
After hours of hard work and sweat, the group finally managed to shake the snow off the greenhouses and save some of the plants. But the aftermath of the storm was far from perfect. The plants outside had suffered damage from the storm, and those buried under the snow for too long did not survive.
However, the bigger problem that we faced was the drying process. The farm was not prepared to handle the challenge of drying pounds and pounds of completely wet harvest. Since the plants were covered in ice, the drying process was even more difficult.
We were stuck on the farm for days because of the heavy snowfall. Our original plan was to film a commercial for a week, but the snowstorm came unexpectedly, and we had to seek shelter in an old cabin on the farm. The conditions were harsh, with limited resources and temperatures below freezing. Despite our efforts to wait it out, the roads remained snow-covered, and we were running low on supplies.
After six long days, we made the difficult decision to leave the farm and brave the snowy roads, even with the risk of another storm. We asked a neighbor for help and guidance, and with chains on our wheels, we drove for four hours through the snow to reach the nearest highway. It was a nerve-wracking and exhausting journey, but we were relieved to finally be on our way home.
A neighbor helped by lending his quad to guide them out of the snow-covered farm. Despite the danger, they took the risk and drove their RV on the icy roads, eventually reaching their destination. The photo of the snow-covered plants was worth the risk, displaying nature’s resilience and strength. The experience taught them the importance of being prepared for any situation.
That snowstorm at Green Monkey Cultivators farm left a lasting impact, transforming it into an even stronger and more resilient farm. For the Matca team, the snow adventure would always be a memorable experience that brought them closer and taught them valuable lessons about survival and nature’s power. Despite the challenges, they managed to capture breathtaking images of the snow-covered plants with frozen trichomes, a beautiful testament to the strength and beauty of nature.
We hope this story inspires others in the industry to be resilient and never lose sight of the beauty of nature. After all, when it comes to cultivation, nature always has the final say.
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Feature image photo credit: Matca Films
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reserve your ad hereMatias Cardozo from MATCA FILMS