New economic data from California shows the state could face anywhere from $3-14 billion in water losses each year if no action is taken.
California has faced water supply challenges for years and is expected to shrink by 12-25% by 2050.
The data collected by researchers at UC Davis and UC Merced shows that without coordinated action, nearly three million acres of California farmland could be taken out of production.
That would mean a loss of 67,000 jobs, severely impacting rural communities.
The research supports the state’s Senate Bill 72, which proposes California’s first-ever water supply target to develop 9 million acre-feet of new water by 2040.
Related Stories
The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
The application deadline is March 8, 2026. The 1890 National Scholars Program aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences.
Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.