Borderland Pecan Farmers Face Water Shortages Due to Ongoing Drought

Pecan farmers in the Borderland, particularly in El Paso and Doña Ana counties, are grappling with severe water shortages as drought conditions persist. Shannon Ivey, a fourth-generation farmer, highlights the shift from relying solely on the Rio Grande to developing wells for irrigation, as groundwater supplies dwindle. The region, which produces nearly a third of the nation's pecans, is facing increased costs due to the challenges of using brackish water and insufficient monsoon rains. These factors have led to higher production costs, yet farmers are unable to raise prices for their crops, putting financial strain on the industry.

Key Details: • Farmers are now relying on well water due to drought. • Brackish water from wells poses challenges for pecan growth. • Monsoon seasons have been weaker in recent years, affecting irrigation. • Increased production costs have not translated to higher prices for pecans.