#ICYMI West TX Farmers and Ranchers Facing Drought
In 2011, the driest year on record for Texas, there was an estimated cost of $7.62 billion in crop and livestock losses, and farmers and ranchers fear the effects of the current drought this year is a repeat of one of the state’s worst years. [1] Research shows that more than 80% of Texas has been facing drought conditions most of the year, which has led to crop loss, heat stress, limited feed availability for livestock, and increased risk of wildfires. Despite some rainfall in recent weeks, the drought has been affecting West Texas since August 2021. Some farmers are optimistic that there is still the possibility of a decent crop this year, but there are worries of investing in crop that may not survive the harvest past the summer.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows that May 2022 and May 2018 are tied for the warmest May on record in Texas, confirming the concern Texas farmers and ranchers are experiencing. [1] Midland, a city in West Texas, had its driest period on record from September 2021 to May 31, 2022, when it received only 8% of its normal rainfall. The second-driest was in 2011. In the same time period, Lubbock experienced its driest time on record since 2011. The Texas High Plains area produces about 66% of the state’s cotton and cottonseed, and about 30% for the U.S1. After the 2011 drought, many producers depended on crop insurance, which covers crop losses caused by natural events like drought and destructive weather. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than $1.65 billion covered the losses in 2011, the majority of it distributed in West Texas. Farmers and ranchers worry 2022 will be the same as 2011, especially as inputs like fertilizer, water pumping and seed are more expensive from inflation.
Dry conditions when combined with heat creates a feedback cycle that can evaporate precipitation before it reaches the soil, critically impacting agriculture and crop yields. At this rate, crops would not be able to survive and would need irrigation. However, one of the main reasons for the $7.62 billion in damages in 2011 was due to increased use of water irrigation systems. Data from the Texas Water Development Board shows that Texas reservoirs are about 77% full, but most of the fuller reservoirs are closer to Central and far East Texas2. The majority of reservoirs in West Texas range from 1% to 32% full. Water supply in Texas are projected to decline by 18% by 2070, while the demand for water is expected to increase by 9% in that same time period. Between 2020 and 2070, Texas’ population is projected to increase by more than 70%, from 29.7 million to 51.5 million, with half of the growth expected in the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth area. [2]
The long-term underinvestment in water irrigation systems provides an opportunity to upgrade the Texas water infrastructure. Given the substantial projected population growth and potential demand increase, Texas should invest in a water system that is resilient against future droughts and facilitates sustainable economic growth. Though state and local governments will be responsible for designing and implementing water-related policies, federal funds will be needed to help advance the process of ensuring access to safe and quality water for all state farmers, ranchers, and residents. [2]
[1] https://www.texastribune.org/2022/06/28/texas-drought-agriculture/
