"This is a monstrous project," said Mr Wilkinson, 49, a third-generation farmer who has a 500-acre dairy farm.

"I do believe it's all gone," said Mr. Alger, a third-generation farmer.

One local hero is Michel Chauvet, 63, a third-generation farmer has been working the land for 45 years.

A third-generation farmer, Mr. Terry watched his own parents lose their farm in the economic collapse of the early 1980's.

Jason Ryder and his wife are third-generation farmers in the Lynedoch area.

Lund is a third-generation farmer on the family farm.

Mark Bream, a third-generation farmer, was one of the first fruit growers to sign on.

"This is going to have a significant impact on the whole area," said Michael Machado, a third-generation farmer from near Stockton and a state senator.

Her husband, 61, who has an open, sunburned face and muscular arms, is a third-generation farmer.

"In a good year, you hate paying that insurance," said Mr. Stancill, 34, a third-generation farmer who is partners with his brother.