Small Farms Are Being Impacted by Water Shortage the Most
Around the globe, agricultural communities are beginning to feel the catastrophic effects of climate change. Here in the US (as in many other countries), farmers are faced with increasingly severe droughts and dwindling groundwater levels.
These quickening ecological changes have produced a massive strain on countless American farms of all shapes and sizes. But owners of small farms have been disproportionately affected by water shortages in recent years.
If you own a small farm, you’ve undoubtedly already begun to feel the pressure of a decreasing water supply. In this article, we’ll discuss why small farms have been so seriously affected, and how small farm loans can help.
The Severity of the Problem
Just how serious is the water shortage problem in the United States today?
As we all know, record-breaking droughts have become an annual norm in many regions of the country. This includes places like California, where routine droughts have produced a vicious cycle of water shortages and wildfires. In fact, 2020 is already shaping up to be another historically dry year for much of California.
But despite the droughts, don’t we have enough freshwater stored in basins to be able to cope with water shortages?
Yes and no. While it’s true that the US has several massive freshwater basins, there are concerns that they may not last. Recent research predicts that by 2071, roughly half of our basins will be unable “to meet the monthly water demand.”
In other words, the water crisis isn’t a problem that’s only affecting countries in the Middle East or Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s here, and there’s every reason to believe that it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
What Does this Mean for Small Farms?
But all of this still leaves us with the question: Why are small farms being hit the hardest? It makes intuitive sense that industrial-scale farming operations would be impacted. But yet it appears that small farms are carrying the brunt of the economic burden. What exactly is going on here?
For one thing, small farms by definition do not have the legal and financial resources of industrial farming companies. This is the most obvious factor that makes them more vulnerable to a dwindling freshwater supply. They also have much less political clout than larger companies do when it comes to influencing local water laws. The fact is, most small farms are largely at the mercy of ecological and political forces beyond their control.
But that does not mean that they are totally powerless. There are many financial and technological strategies that small farmers can adopt to more easily navigate an increasingly dry environment. Small farm loans, for example, can provide you with the financial security that you’ll need to continue to thrive.
Shop for Small Farm Loans Today
At MSG Agriculture, we’ll pair you with a small farm loan catered to your unique budget and business needs. To learn more about our services or to start shopping for a small farm loan, please contact our office today!