Mexico Resumes Water Payments Under 1944 Treaty, But Shortfalls Persist for Texas Producers

RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (RFD NEWS) — After years of delays, Mexico has begun making water payments to the United States under the terms of a 1944 water treaty. However, farmers say the amount of water delivered still falls short of requirements.

In an exclusive interview, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey what it took to pressure the Mexican government to resume payments under the agreement.

McCaffrey takes us to Texas to speak with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle about the issue, where Sen. Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) emphasized that water access and treaty compliance remain major concerns for producers.

Both lawmakers believe water will be a significant topic during this year’s review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which President Donald Trump recently called “irrelevant.”

That review process is scheduled to begin this summer.

Related Stories
Georgia Rep. Jaclyn Ford reflects on her farming roots and cotton gin experience, saying agriculture drives her work and rural policy priorities in the state.
David Gruchot with USDA APHIS joined us to discuss the growing threat of invasive pests and the steps individuals can take to help protect U.S. agriculture.
ASFMRA’s Shawn Wood joins us to discuss farmland market trends in Arizona and the key factors shaping land values and water-driven decision-making.

RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey covers news from Texas, in the US-Mexico border region. He has provided in-depth coverage of immigration, the 2021 Texas freeze, the arrival of the New World screwworm, and Mexico’s water debt owed under a 1944 treaty.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dave Duquette, founder of Western Justice, joined us to discuss wolf management, rancher concerns, efforts to return control to the states, and his upcoming documentary, “Wolves: True Conflict.”
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Isabella Chism joined us to discuss Ag Day planning, community involvement, and supporting the future of agriculture.
EPA Administrator Scott Mason shares updates on farm equipment regulations, regional accomplishments, and federal efforts supporting agriculture in honor of National Ag Day.
Sen. Roger Marshall joins us in honor of National Ag Day to share legislative updates, highlight key policy victories, and initiatives supporting farmers and rural communities he is championing in Washington.