Environment & Energy

hatrack

(59,584 posts) Mon Sep 12, 2022, 09:37 PM Sep 2022

40% Of The Colorado River's Water Goes For One Thing: Growing Alfalfa For Livestock

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The large-scale production of alfalfa during a megadrought is, in large part, possible because the Imperial Valley is the single biggest controller of rights to Colorado River water. Now, with the basin on the brink of the most severe water cuts in history, the alfalfa industry has been propelled to the center of longstanding debates over sustainable water use and the future of farming in the west.

The stakes have never been higher. The Colorado River, which supplies freshwater to more than 40 million people in seven states and 29 federally recognized tribes across the south-west, as well as northern Mexico, is in rapid decline. Reduced snowpack, drought conditions and higher average temperatures have all reduced the river’s flow in recent decades. The two biggest reservoirs along the river, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, are each close to hitting levels so low that the Colorado River could stop flowing entirely, a condition ominously known as dead pool. “We’re teetering on the edge,” said Jack Schmidt, a professor and director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University.

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According to an analysis by the conservation non-profit Pacific Institute, alfalfa production in California uses around 5 feet per acre (6167.4 cubic metres) of water, making it one of the most water-intensive crops alongside the likes of almonds, pistachios and rice. Crops such as sugar beets use roughly 3 feet per acre (3,700 cubic metres), and dry beans as little as 1.5 feet per acre (1,850 cubic metres).

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In 2021, nearly 20% of alfalfa produced in the west was shipped abroad, according to analysis of United States Department of Agriculture data. Nationwide, alfalfa exports reached a record high last year, driven by strong demand from China. Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia are among other top importers. But farmers in the region argue that producers in the south-west can’t simply opt out of participating in a global food system, one that also serves the US – the world’s second biggest agricultural importer after China.

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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/12/colorado-drought-water-alfalfa-farmers-conservation

5 replies

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40% Of The Colorado River's Water Goes For One Thing: Growing Alfalfa For Livestock (Original Post) hatrack Sep 2022 OP

In my not so scientific opinion, there will be a time (not so far in the future) Ferrets are Cool Sep 2022 #1

These days so many good meat/cheese replacements ☺️ MLAA Sep 2022 #4

I agree 100% Ferrets are Cool Sep 2022 #5

Arizona has so much extra water that the Saudis have their own alfalfa farms. keithbvadu2 Sep 2022 #2

Gee, we don't seem to be using our resources wisely.. mountain grammy Sep 2022 #3

Ferrets are Cool

(21,106 posts)

1. In my not so scientific opinion, there will be a time (not so far in the future)

Reply to hatrack (Original post)

Mon Sep 12, 2022, 10:13 PM

Sep 2022

where we will not have the resources to waste on raising animals to kill and eat.

MLAA

(17,288 posts)

4. These days so many good meat/cheese replacements ☺️

Reply to Ferrets are Cool (Reply #1)

Mon Sep 12, 2022, 11:09 PM

Sep 2022

A few of my favorites: Field Roast Stadium Dogs, Impossible Burgers, Impossible Sausage in a tube (ala Jimmy Dean style), Follow your Heart parmesan and grated cheddar, I could go on and on. Trader Joe’s, Sprouts have their own options and mainstream grocery chains like Fry’s Food and Safeway are stocking more and more options including some great non-dairy ‘ice cream’ flavors.