Colorado Farmers Face Uncertain Irrigation Season as Arkansas Basin Snowpack Hits 40-Year Low

Description: As irrigation season begins March 15, Lower Arkansas Valley producers face low crop prices and historic low snowpack. The Lower Ark District is hosting community coffee stops to thank local agricultural producers and talk about this subject...


Published: 3 hours ago
Byline: SECO News

Lower Arkansas Valley Farmers Prepare for Challenging Irrigation Season as Snowpack Lags

As we look ahead to the start of irrigation season on March 15 here in the Lower Arkansas Valley, many of us do so with some uncertainty. This year is shaping up to be challenging for irrigated agriculture across Colorado. Crop prices remain low, and snowpack for the Arkansas River Basin is just 47% of median, the lowest in at least four decades of records. As Jared Gardner, a farmer on the Catlin Canal, recently said, “It would take a small miracle to get enough snow to give irrigators a break this season.”

Farmers are, in many ways, the ultimate risk takers. Every season requires significant investment and careful planning, even though so much is beyond their control. It takes faith, tough decisions, and perseverance to keep moving forward when conditions are difficult.

At the same time, producers in the Lower Arkansas Valley have weathered hard cycles before, adapting with experience and determination. While we plan conservatively, we also know that late winter and spring storms can still improve our outlook.

To all of the agricultural producers throughout the Valley, thank you for your continued commitment to your land, communities, and the essential work you do. Your grit and resilience are the backbone of our region.

To celebrate the start of the irrigation season, the Lower Ark District will be buying coffee for our communities at three events in mid-March. We hope you will join us for a cup.

Start of Irrigation Season | Coffee Stops

Jack Goble

General Manager, Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District

Irrigation season begins March 15 in the Lower Arkansas Valley — and this year brings challenges, with Arkansas River Basin snowpack at just 47% of median.

To thank the farmers and producers who keep our region growing, the Lower Ark District is buying coffee at three community stops



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