Create a free Feed & Grain account to continue reading

Vilsak: Drought Reveals Need for Stronger Protections

Some farmers are leaving fields fallow or looking for alternative water supplies

Drought 245157 1280

Farmers, ranchers and other food producers in western states face another summer of dry conditions, with more than 90% of the American West suffering drought, up from 43% a year ago, according to the American Drought Monitor.

According to Business Hala, reservoirs are being pulled, and some farmers are leaving fields fallow or looking for alternative water supplies.

According to federal data, the drought is now overtaking U.S. agricultural producers, making it one of the most severe to affect the southwestern U.S.

Meteorologists have said rising global temperatures and changing storm patterns are leading to more frequent and deeper dry periods, and less time for land to recover moisture before the next drought.

Page 1 of 71
Next Page