Navigating today’s challenges together

Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of our nation’s economy, but today, our growers face some of the most challenging conditions in decades. With the farm economy under mounting pressure, the resilience of our agricultural community is being tested like never before. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, net farm income is projected to decrease by $6.0 billion — or 4.1% — to $140.7 billion in 2024. This stark forecast reflects the financial headwinds confronting our farmers, who continue to grow the food, fuel and fiber that sustain us all.

Compounding these challenges is a notable shift in irrigation practices across the country. The recently released 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service paints a sobering picture. Over the past five years, the number of farms irrigating, the acreage irrigated and the total water applied for irrigation have all decreased. In 2018, 231,474 farms irrigated 55.9 million acres, using 83.4 million acre-feet of water. By 2023, those numbers dropped to 212,714 farms, 53.1 million acres irrigated and 81 million acre-feet of water used.

From advancing smart irrigation practices to advocating for policies that empower growers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and advocacy.

While these statistics underscore the mounting pressures on water resources, they also highlight an opportunity for our industry to lead. The irrigation sector is uniquely positioned to provide the tools and technologies that growers need to do more with less — delivering water smarter, improving distribution efficiency and optimizing resource use in ways that directly offset these economic and environmental challenges.

At the Irrigation Association, our mission is clear: we are here to support these efforts every step of the way. From advancing smart irrigation practices to advocating for policies that empower growers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and advocacy. Through collaboration and education, we are helping to build a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.

To our growers, I want to express our deepest appreciation. Your work continues to inspire us, and your resilience in the face of adversity strengthens our resolve to help you succeed. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build a thriving future for American agriculture.

Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE
Irrigation Association Chief Executive Officer