Water is a precious resource to all farmers and ranchers, and infrastructure, technology, and conservation are especially critical in regions like the western U.S., which historically receives less rainfall than the rest of the country. Water access in the West has far-reaching effects for American agriculture and consumers near and far. In terms of our nation’s food supply, more than 80% of fruits, nuts and vegetables, more than 55% of wheat, more than 40% of dairy, and nearly 30% of cattle production come from the western U.S. These American farms and ranches not only bring food to the table but also jobs to communities across the country.

Farmers are continuously improving their water conservation as they grow the food, fuel and fiber we all depend on, thanks to advances in technology. While U.S. agricultural production has increased to meet the demands of a growing population, the amount of water used for agriculture has remained steady as more farmers adopt precision technology and more advanced irrigation systems.

You can visit the American Farm Bureau's new webpage on drought and responsible water management to learn more about the role farmers and ranchers play in water usage, storage & recycling, and sustainability, as well as get a deep dive into the impacts the current historic drought is having on agriculture.

Visit the new website HERE.