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
Artists from around the world are finding inspiration in the quiet pace of Nebraska’s prairie landscape.
NRCS leadership affects how conservation dollars, technical assistance and working-lands priorities reach farmers and ranchers.
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller and Rep. Henry Cuellar say rising costs and generational shifts are making it harder to keep young producers in the industry.
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.

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:

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found human sewage, not fertilizer, is mainly responsible for dangerous nitrogen levels in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon.
On this episode of The New Crop’s Learn to Grow, Misilla discusses how to building and improve soil health in your organic garden.
Take a tour of Misilla’s late spring garden on The New Crop’s Learn to Grow!
RFD-TV founder and president, Patrick Gottsch is asking for you to please contact your two U.S. Senators, asking them to support attaching Senate Resolution 113 to the Farm Bill, then, contact your Congress person to ask him or her to support attaching House Resolution 451 to their version of the Farm Bill.