Can eating less beef and dairy help save the Colorado River?
Reducing beef and dairy consumption could alleviate the Colorado River water crisis, where livestock feed uses nearly half of the water, prompting farmers to adopt less water-intensive crops.
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Research indicates that reducing beef and dairy consumption could significantly alleviate the water crisis facing the Colorado River, where nearly half of the water drawn is used for livestock feed. A study published in Communications Earth & Environment highlights that 46% of Colorado River water is allocated to growing feed for cattle, which is more than the combined usage of major cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity, experts suggest that modest dietary changes could help mitigate the impact on water resources. The seven states dependent on the river are negotiating water allocations ahead of a 2026 deadline, with agriculture, particularly in California's Imperial Valley, being the largest consumer of this water. Farmers are exploring alternatives to water-intensive crops like alfalfa, which is primarily used for livestock, and are considering less water-demanding vegetables. While individual dietary changes may seem insignificant, collective shifts could lead to substantial water savings. Farmers are also adapting by investing in more efficient irrigation systems and diversifying crops to comply with stricter water regulations. The ongoing negotiations and changes in agricultural practices reflect the urgent need to balance water use with sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
- Reducing beef and dairy consumption could save significant water resources in the Colorado River basin.
- Nearly half of the river's water is used for livestock feed, surpassing urban water usage.
- Farmers are transitioning to less water-intensive crops amid increasing water restrictions.
- Collective dietary changes can lead to substantial long-term water savings.
- Ongoing negotiations among states aim to address the water crisis by 2026.
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4 commentsNPR:” But for much of the year, the region’s primary crops are alfalfa and other hay crops, which have one primary purpose: feeding beef and dairy cows in the U.S. and around the world”
1: amounts doubled from 2007 to 2017. ”US is the lead exporter, and exports are now greater than the equivalent of 17% of the alfalfa and 41% of the grass hays produced in the 7 western US states. “
Per this USDA report (2) looks like numbers peaked 2021-2022, good overview of who’s buying here.
Our hay exports have risen 2193% over 10 years to Saudi Arabia (3)
And not exactly related to my argument, but it’s not far off, here’s a fun number: exports of beef to China has gone up over the last 10 years by 593949% (4). Obviously cherry picked for the large number, but dannnggg.
If I were doing more research I’d be including soybeans and corn as well.
I’ll admit my views are in part due to living in AZ and driving through wonderful desert areas littered with alfalfa fields and other water intensive crops. Never made sense. (That and lawns, having a rock front yard was great. Oh and the multitude of world class golf courses.) At the time I was told a lot of those fields were owned by Saudis who exported it.
(1) https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=2920...
(2)https://hayandforage.com/article-permalink-4700.html
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