The dry bed of the Arkansas River near the Santa Fe Trail crossing at Cimarron serves as a visual reminder of the declining groundwater levels in western Kansas. According to the Kansas Geological Survey, the Ogallala aquifer, which spans the region, has experienced a significant drop in groundwater levels since the 1950s due to increased pumping activities. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management practices in the area.
The Ogallala Aquifer Summit was held in Liberal last month, attracting around 200 stakeholders. The summit focused on the future of irrigated agriculture in the areas that rely on the Ogallala Aquifer. Despite the widespread awareness of the declining water levels in the aquifer, there was no clear consensus on the severity of the decline or the need for immediate action. It is evident that inaction is not a viable solution to address this pressing issue.
After carefully reviewing the fine print, two notable outcomes emerged from the white papers presented by organizations located in the states that cover the Ogallala.
According to a survey conducted among 206 producers from the Ogallala area, it was found that a majority of producers do not perceive themselves as personally responsible for groundwater depletion and do not feel the need to minimize or reduce their groundwater usage. The report emphasized this finding. In a separate survey conducted in late 2023, 51 agriculture producers from the Oklahoma Panhandle were surveyed, and it was concluded that only 60% of respondents considered groundwater decline to be a serious problem.
It is quite evident, from the information I just mentioned, that there seems to be an alternate reality at play. The numbers speak for themselves, clearly highlighting the decline of the Ogallala. In the face of such undeniable evidence, one might wonder how we can save it when there are still doubts surrounding this issue.
As a farmer with five generations of experience, I have witnessed numerous transformations in the agricultural industry over the course of my life. Despite these changes, one thing that has remained constant is the unwavering sense of independence and resistance among farmers when it comes to outsiders making decisions that impact their farms. I want to be clear that my remarks are not meant to criticize farmers personally. In fact, almost every farmer I know has a deep affection for the land and a strong desire for self-determination.
In today’s ever-changing world, the conversation surrounding climate change has become more prominent. Over the past decade, farmers have had to navigate a landscape that has been transformed by social, economic, and environmental factors. It is no longer possible for farm-level decisions to be made in isolation; they must now be considered within the context of the bigger picture.
Continuing to use the Ogallala in its current state is simply not sustainable.
There is no doubt that when a significant portion of the local and state economy is based on outdated premises, there are only two possible solutions. The first is a top-down approach, where higher levels of government impose change. The second solution involves a collaborative effort between local and state entities. Even though residents of Lawrence may believe that what happens in Tribune has no impact on them, the truth is that it does. If the decline of the Ogallala aquifer continues, the entire state of Kansas will suffer.
According to recent white papers published in Liberal, it has been observed that the implementation of technology for water measurement and management has been sluggish in various regions. This finding is consistent with anecdotal evidence gathered from my network in the High Plains area.
That is absolutely mind-blowing! My hypothesis is that farmers tend to prioritize production above all else. Throughout the years, there have been numerous valuable lessons learned, and one of the most important ones is that achieving the highest crop yield doesn’t necessarily guarantee the highest profit. The key factor lies in how effectively one can utilize the available resources. The ultimate goal is to determine the level of production that generates the most sustainable outcome.
We need to change our mindset.
In my opinion, it can be challenging to acknowledge reality and make changes when a pattern has been established for generations. However, there are certain milestones that must be achieved in order to protect the Ogallala.
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- Financial incentives from state and other government entities to use water-saving technology.
- Mandatory participation in groundwater management districts, with penalties for over-pumping the aquifer (this is akin to the model in the North Plains Groundwater Management District in the Texas Panhandle).
- Funding from the federal government to retire X number of acres from irrigated production. This concept is already in use at a local level in the “South Fork (of the Republican River) Focus Zone” in northeastern Colorado.
- Private industry participation to encourage farmers to change agronomic practices not only in the name of saving water, but for reducing carbon emissions from less use of fertilizer, fuel for pumping water, etc.
The mindset of “this is not my problem” needs to shift. Farmers, governments, bankers, and other stakeholders must work together in a collaborative effort to address this issue.
The impact on balance sheets due to the decline of the Ogallala aquifer is undeniable. Land values are bound to change as a result. These adjustments can occur swiftly and dramatically, or they can be more gradual and less severe. However, it is important to remember that farmers are in it for the long run. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a long-term perspective when seeking the appropriate solutions to address the decline of the Ogallala aquifer.
We must not waste any time or water. The journey towards change begins by looking at ourselves in the mirror.
Ben Palen, a fifth-generation farmer and agriculture consultant from Kansas, brings his expertise to Colorado and Kansas. Kansas Reflector, a platform that aims to highlight the perspectives of those impacted by public policies or left out of public discourse, provides a space to share opinions and engage in meaningful discussions. For more information on submitting your own commentary, please visit their website.
