Water scarcity is a significant issue for the Texas dairy industry, affecting production and investment. Strategic water management and innovative practices, as demonstrated by A-Tex Dairy, are essential for sustainability.
Water scarcity is a pressing challenge for the dairy industry, particularly in Texas, where the cow population has more than doubled in the past two decades. This surge in dairy production has intensified the struggle for water resources, making efficient water management crucial for sustaining growth and development in the sector.
The Importance of Water Resources
At the Idaho Milk Processors’ Association (IMPA) Annual Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, Sarah Dorland, managing partner at Ceres Dairy Risk Management, emphasized the pivotal role of water in determining the location of new dairy facilities and investments. Dorland’s insight, “where there’s water, there is a way,” underscores how critical water availability is for future dairy operations and investment opportunities.
Investment Migration Based on Water Availability
Dorland observed that areas with significant investments in milk processing, such as Texas, may experience a slowdown in further investments due to water limitations. Conversely, regions along the U.S.-Canadian border, where water resources are more abundant, are likely to attract new dairy investments. “If you run along the U.S.-Canadian border, both sides tend to be sufficient in water. In my opinion, that’s where you’ll see opportunity,” Dorland said.
The Reality of Water Scarcity in Texas
Juan Piñeiro, assistant professor and extension dairy specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, identifies water scarcity as the main obstacle for Texas dairy producers. The Panhandle region, characterized by semi-desert conditions with 12 to 18 inches of precipitation per year, faces severe water shortages. Piñeiro stresses the need for improved water efficiency through new irrigation technologies, drought-tolerant crops, hydroponic systems, and soil health management.
A-Tex Dairy’s Adaptation Strategies
A-Tex Dairy, located in Friona, Texas, is directly impacted by water scarcity. Co-owner Tom Alger explains that even though the dairy, which houses 5,300 cows, has historically faced water challenges, the situation has worsened. “The wells’ average flow rate is 400 gallons per minute, and today they might get 150-200 gallons per minute,” Alger notes.
To adapt, A-Tex Dairy has reduced the acreage of corn in favor of drought-resistant crops like sorghum and wheat. “Double cropping is not an option anymore,” Alger says. With 3,500 acres available for crop rotation, the dairy allocates 900 acres for corn silage this year and supplements its feed with gluten, distiller grain, and cottonseed. Collaborations with neighboring farms to purchase additional feed help manage the water scarcity issue and ensure a stable feed supply for 2025.
Collaborative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Water scarcity in Texas’s dairy industry requires innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. Through proactive water management and strategic crop selection, dairies like A-Tex Dairy are working towards a more resilient and sustainable future, despite the challenging environmental conditions.
