A sign on a farm trailer reading “Food grows where water flows,” hangs over dry, cracked mud at the edge of a farm near Buttonwillow, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
Farmers across the Western U.S. have expressed concern about their crops as the dry weather conditions worsen. At least 72 percent of the region covering California, Nevada, Oregon and Utah have reported severe drought conditions.
Reports say scarce rain and snow contributed to the problem and emergency measures have been put in place. Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah) issued two emergency warnings for state this year mandating all state facilities to conserve water. The state government recently approved $280 million for water projects, including $100 million for conservation.
Extremely critical fire weather conditions expected tomorrow Thursday June 10th across northeast #UT and northwest #CO. Hot dry and windy conditions in ongoing drought will support dangerous fire weather through the afternoon. See @NWSSPC @nwsgjt @NWSSaltLakeCity pic.twitter.com/U0qEVxA49u
— National Weather Service (@NWS) June 9, 2021
Excessive heat warnings have been issued for many states across the U.S. as experts advise farmers to appropriately strategize and adapt to the conditions. Ron Gibson of the Utah Farm Bureau expressed his concern for the survival of his crops in disbelief that the drought has reached beyond alarming conditions.
“This water is so important you know. You know, we’ve talked about the drought all the time like oh it’s dry in Utah,” he explained. “This year it’s serious.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service expects there to be a peak heat for most of Southwest California next week, including the Central Coast.
Source: One America News Network
