By Scout Nelson
New county-level data shows that irrigated farmland in the United States increased by more than 3 million acres between 1997 and 2022. However, irrigation trends vary widely across regions, reflecting differences in water availability, policy decisions, climate conditions, and economic factors.
The data comes from an updated analysis by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska. The study combines information from the USDA’s 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey and earlier irrigation surveys to provide a long-term view of agricultural water use.
While total irrigated acreage grew nationally, some regions experienced declines. California has seen reductions due to drought, groundwater regulations, and water transfers to urban areas, while parts of Colorado, the High Plains, and Florida have also recorded decreases because of water shortages, population growth, and land-use changes.
At the same time, irrigation expanded in several areas. Nebraska added irrigated acres because of strong groundwater resources and favorable crop markets, while producers in the Midwest and Eastern United States increasingly adopted irrigation to manage variable rainfall.
The Mississippi River Valley also experienced irrigation growth, particularly for rice and other water-intensive crops. These trends highlight how local conditions and production needs influence irrigation decisions across the country.
Researchers say the updated dataset provides valuable insight into long-term agricultural water-use patterns. The findings can help producers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders better understand changing irrigation practices and support future water management decisions.
Photo Credit: istock-laughingmango
Categories: Nebraska, Crops