Last month, members of the Nevada Drought Forum asked to hear from agriculture interests about the impacts of the ongoing drought, what actions farmers and ranchers have taken to deal with those impacts and what actions we’d like from the state in the short and long term.
As we head into this month’s state Drought Summit, it’s important to correct some misconceptions. Agriculture, especially in California, has been in the hot seat lately for the amount of water it uses. Anything but drip irrigation is considered a waste of water. But I was heartened to see that in recent public opinion surveys, residents support conservation to preserve local agriculture and the environment.
First, there are some simple facts we need to face. 1. Cutting back the agricultural industry means people no longer would be able to afford healthy food for their families. 2. Water for the West already has been allocated, and in most cases, over-allocated. 3. Water systems are interconnected, and a diversion at one point has ripple effects. 4. There simply is no new water, or easy answers, left.
Some folks pit agriculture against the environment, but farmers and ranchers depend on the health of the land to stay in business. Any destructive or unsustainable practices hurt not just the environment but also the livelihoods and homes of family-owned, family-operated farms and ranches.
When a basin is stressed in Nevada, the state can make cutbacks. Lovelock has a zero percent allocation right now. Smith and Mason valleys may see 50 percent cuts. Because of how Nevada’s water rights work, that means the newest operations will get nothing. Try to wrap your head around being told you have no water to work with for a year.
Some have talked about reducing the land in production. Grazing is a beneficial use on many western lands that are too rugged for farming, controlling potential fuel for wildfires. When we irrigate and grow feed for our cattle, we’re sustaining a herd that can forage on nonirrigated land the rest of the year. That’s a smart investment.
When it comes to growing alfalfa for export, more dairy farms and even ranchers need feed now, thanks to the drought. Keeping that land in production in good years means that in difficult times like these, we can keep more of those supplies close to home for those who need them.
Water and food both are necessary for life. We all need to work together and share the difficult choices to keep the West a bountiful and beautiful place for our children and grandchildren.
Tom Baker owns and operates Baker Ranches Inc. in Snake Valley with his two brothers. He is president of the White Pine County Farm Bureau.