But it's unclear whether other growers, who farm more than half of the 23,050 acres in the Russian River watershed, would follow their lead as they head into a critical time of year when water is commonly used to protect crops from frost.

A ruling Thursday by Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Ann Moorman halted enforcement of new state rules that regulate the use of water along the Russian River. The rules prohibit growers from spraying their crops with water during frost season unless they have submitted plans that outline the steps they will take to protect the river. Read more...