Donna farmer repurposing land into bike trail due to lack of water
A Donna farmer says he can’t find enough water for his land, so he’s finding a new use for it.
John Billman has a total of 400 acres of farmland, 10 of which are used for Donna’s Corn Maze — which he owns.
Twenty acres of his property were left untouched for several growing seasons, causing the trees and brush to grow back.
“We literally grew vegetables here on this land… we ran out of water a little over two years ago,” Billman aid.
As the next corn maze season approaches, Billman and his son started building three and a half miles of winding trails to convert the area into a bike trail that will soon be open to the public.
“There is little water that they're giving to the growers, but I can't base my future on a little water. Either I have water or I don't,” Billman said. “In a sense, we don't really have the water, so I have to diversify with this property."
Billman is looking for ways to make use out of his unused farmland, which he's still paying property taxes on.
Irrigation just started on his 10-acre corn maze, and Billman says he was able to find someone to sell him just enough water for that plot.
“The Valley is hungry for outdoor activities,” Billman said. “... If you build it, they will come. I strongly believe that."
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