As February unfolds, trees in southern Colorado are beginning to bud, but this early change is raising concerns among farmers. They are grappling with a notably dry season, which has left them anxious about ongoing aridity.
Recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released on February 19, indicates that drought conditions are intensifying in major agricultural states, including Colorado, Texas, and Illinois. Soil moisture levels have deteriorated, particularly in the High Plains regions, impacting areas such as eastern Wyoming, Colorado, and parts of Nebraska and South Dakota.
Unseasonably Warm Weather Affects Soil Moisture
Nick Perchess, who runs Nola Naturals Farms in Avondale, Colorado, expressed surprise at the high temperatures and dry conditions occurring this early in the year. Her farm produces a variety of goods, including raw dairy milk and organic produce. Currently, Avondale is classified as experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
"Temperatures have been soaring above 50 degrees, reaching up to 78, and even trees are budding prematurely," Perchess noted. "The soil is nearly devoid of moisture, even at deeper levels, and snowpack in the mountains is almost nonexistent."
This year's conditions are more severe than what farmers typically expect during this time, she added. "Usually, we'd see some green and runoff into the ditches by now," she explained. "However, even before irrigation begins in April, river levels are low, and the situation looks bleak."
At local ditch board meetings, discussions have become increasingly tense. "We anticipate average cubic feet per second (CFS) levels, but with six weeks until spring, everyone is strategizing on how to manage with limited water resources," she said.
Perchess has been watching the skies for snow, but her hopes have not materialized. "The warning signs appeared when winter storms failed to arrive. Many farmers are now reassessing their land use, with some contemplating reducing their acreage," she remarked.
Fire risks are also becoming a serious concern. "While the Arkansas River Basin's overall water supply for irrigation is projected to be about average, the heat waves and increased evaporation rates present significant challenges for successful crop growth," she cautioned. "Just last week, a large fire affected substantial acreage."
With around 32% of Colorado experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions, the landscape has shifted dramatically since last year, when the state was 60% drought-free. "This year feels reminiscent of the drought of 1982, if not worse," Perchess concluded, highlighting the growing apprehension among farmers about the future.