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
What started as a small field trip for fifth graders has grown into a multi-day agriculture education event serving nearly 2,000 students.
The two-year fellowship focuses on developing leadership and policy skills for the next generation of agriculture advocates.
Passing a farming operation to the next generation causes incredibly complex challenges, so estate planners often use the QTIP Trust, a powerful estate-planning tool, to bridge the gap.
The challenge is adoption.
Conservation programs may work better when they recognize yield risk and cash-flow pressure during adoption.
Drought and Planting Shape Weekly State Agriculture Recap

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:

The machines do all the work at Hickory Hill Milk in South Carolina, where the pampered cows get on-demand service. They make a premium cream line of milk you still have to shake. It is so good it is used to make the world-famous Clemson blue cheese.
Many turn to the online resale market when economic times are uncertain, buying items for cheaper prices or selling quality items for extra money. Reselling secondhand items is also an efficient way to declutter and get some cash back for valuable items you no longer need.
In today’s blog post, RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger A. McEowen shares some random thoughts on land value and transitioning your farming or ranching business to a new generation.
Today’s blog post by RFD-TV Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen takes a look at the “preferential payment rule,” a unique bankruptcy provision that can come as a suprise to farmers in financial distress.