Dan Thelander, a local farmer, revealed that due to water restrictions imposed by CAP in 2022, he has only been able to utilize half of his 6,000-acre farm for cotton, alfalfa, and durum wheat cultivation.
This limitation prompted him to explore other crops. As a trial for Bridgestone tires, his farm started growing guayule, a desert plant that yields natural latex.
Thelander expressed optimism about guayule becoming a profitable crop, stating, “If left unwatered, it can survive like a cactus.”
He credits federal crop insurance for keeping his business afloat and acknowledges the possibility of selling some of his land due to the uncertain water supply.
“We have offers from a solar company to purchase some of our land, which we hope they will exercise,” Thelander mentioned.
the battle continues
The distribution of water from the Colorado River is a contentious issue, with downstream states like Arizona facing mandatory restrictions while upstream states are unaffected.
Nevada recently filed a lawsuit challenging the federal plan and seeking a halt to its enforcement.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo criticized the inequity in water allocations, highlighting the disparity between downstream and upstream states in the Colorado River agreement.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs echoed similar concerns, advocating for a shorter-term management plan that would offer more stability for the state.
The ongoing water crisis has raised speculation about potential legal action by Arizona against the water management plan, mirroring Nevada’s lawsuit.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
