Severe Drought Affecting Colo. Farmers

BROOMFIELD, CO – Colorado agricultural officials and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne got a first-hand view of the severe drought conditions affecting farmers in Colorado this week.

A group of agriculture leaders visited the Isgar Ranch in Hesperus, Colorado, and spent time hearing from farmers and ranchers about "how they are navigating water shortages, crop loss and high costs of feed," the Colorado Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

The “Drought Impacts Tour” also included presentations on how droughts are influencing Colorado's wildfires, flooding, tourism and wildlife, as well as the state's economic and public health.

"The Drought Tour offered us the opportunity to see first-hand the impact the exceptionally dry conditions have had on soils and crops," said Don Brown, commissioner of agriculture. "Colorado farmers and ranchers are often faced with challenges outside of their control such as the economy, market prices, and drought. Right now, we are facing all three and if there is something we, as a state, can do to help them through these tough times, it’s important that we look into it."

Southern Colorado has been experiencing below normal precipitation conditions since last fall. Currently, 13 percent of the state is classified as in exceptional drought, while 27 percent is classified in extreme drought, an additional 21 percent is experiencing severe drought according to the US Drought Monitor. Governor Hickenlooper activated the Colorado Drought Mitigation and Response Plan on May 2.

In New Mexico, Arizona and the Four Corners area, the monsoon-season rains are not making up for an exceptionally dry season, experts told the Denver Post.

“Most of the West is dry,” said Nancy Selover, Arizona’s state climatologist. “You’ve got dust storms across Interstate 10 in southern New Mexico, and we’ve got really dry range conditions. We’ve got lakes that are drying up. It’s pretty ugly.”

Image: Colorado Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Brown listened to farmers and ranchers from Southwest Colorado as the Drought Tour makes a stop in Hesperus

Get Patched In:
Stay up-to-date on Colorado news with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free newsletters and Email Alerts|Facebook