AFBF Economist: Food Security Concerns Grow as Western Snowpack Levels Drop Below Historical Averages

AFBF Economist Danny Munch joined us to discuss snowpack levels in the Colorado River Basin, water supply concerns, and the potential impact on agricultural production.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Snowpack across much of the western United States is below historical averages, limiting runoff and tightening irrigation supplies heading into the growing season. Many are now speculating how these conditions could impact production decisions in the months ahead.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report with the latest update on current weather conditions in the region and how they might impact agriculture.

In his interview with RFD News, Munch explained where snowpack levels currently stand and why below-average snowpack matters not only for farmers but also for food availability nationwide. He also discussed conditions in the Colorado River Basin and how managed reservoirs are helping the region navigate the ongoing drought.

Finally, Munch outlined the potential decisions farmers and ranchers may face if dry conditions persist.

Related Stories
Tennessee 4-H’ers Allie Paschall and Ramey Boone join us to discuss summer opportunities in 4-H, youth leadership development, and community involvement across Tennessee.
North Dakota FFA President Cole Anderson joins us to discuss the upcoming state convention, leadership lessons, and what FFA means to students across the state.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to discuss the 4 R’s of nutrient stewardship and how farmers are adapting best practices in today’s evolving ag economy.
Firefighters continue battling multiple wildfires across southwest Kansas as drought conditions fuel fire danger and raise concerns about additional cattle herd liquidation.
Rayburn Electric Cooperative’s Chris Anderson discusses rapid AI data center expansion, mounting pressure on the electric grid, and impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
The BMO 2026 Wine Market Report describes the wine market’s current conditions as a reset, not a pause.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A U.S. Federal District Court upheld an Arizona rancher’s legal complaint against the Biden Administration’s decision to halt construction on a U.S.-Mexico border wall violated environmental law and the plaintiff’s property rights.
RanchHER Season 2, Episode 9
Premieres Tue, 11/5/24 – 9 PM ET | 8 PM CT | 7 PM MT | 6 PM PT
RanchHER Sarah Kieckhefer joined the Market Day Report on Tuesday morning to discuss the new episode of the show featuring her, which premieres tonight only on RFD-TV.