Irrigated agriculture is critical, supplying 40% of the world’s food despite having only 28% of cropland. Irrigation also stabilizes food production by separating crop yields from the risk of variable rainfall (Troy et al., 2015). However, history reveals that most irrigation systems eventually fail. In Pillar of Sand, Sandra Postel discusses how irrigation-dependent civilizations collapsed due to these shared failure factors (Postel, 1999; Elias et al., 2023):
Modern irrigation systems face these same challenges. Drought, water scarcity, and soil degradation are on the rise. And climate change is expected to quadruple seasonal heat and rainfall variability by 2040, threatening the stability of crop yields (Troy et al. 2015; Walker et al., 2019). The Columbia Basin Irrigation Project (CBP) in Washington State has been producing food for over 70 years, but can that be sustained? Or will it fail from the same challenges that took down other irrigation systems? This analysis examines CBP’s sustainability by assessing its resilience to the four primary threats that have affected irrigation systems globally.
Read more about the project here: https://csanr.wsu.edu/the-columbia-basin-irrigation-project-as-drought-proof-and-sustainable-as-it-gets/
Agriculture Commodity Price Forecast: Late 2024 into 2025 As the end of 2024 approaches, US farmers are focused on planning for 2025, anticipating how commodity prices for major agricultural goods like corn, soybeans, and wheat will fluctuate. Numerous factors, including global demand, input costs, and government policies, will impact the agricultural market. This guide explores the latest price forecasts for agricultural commodities… Read More »Commodity Market Outlook
Bradley Calaway AFM, Root Agricultural Advisory, Boise, ID has been awarded the Accredited Farm Manager (AFM) designation from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers® (ASFMRA®). Calaway earned the AFM designation by meeting stringent requirements in experience and education in addition to passing rigorous written examination and abiding by the American Society’s Code… Read More »Bradley Calaway AFM EARNS HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL STATUS
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