Farmers alloted more water this season

Farmers in the Borderland are getting six more inches of water per acre thanks to increased runoff from the mountains.

While it might not sound like much, local farmers told us it would be great for their crops.

“That’s gonna give me two additional irrigations, and the bottom line is that is going to save me from pumping at $70 cost with El Paso Electric per irrigation, so that’s a net saving of $140,” said George Want, and alfalfa farmer in Anthony.

The Elephant Butte Irrigation district voted to increase water allotments from 18 inches per acre to 24 inches per acre,.

Want explained that irrigating two extra times in his alfalfa fields, when he normally does three, could mean he can harvest an extra 50 bales for every 100 he would normally produce.

The water is first taken from the river up in the Mesilla Dam, where it travels down the Westside Main Canal before breaking up into smaller channels.

It’s from those smaller canals where it will eventually be split into smaller and smaller canals and ditches, eventually reaching farmers and their fields who can then use the water to irrigate their crops.

Want explained water from the canals has had more time to pick up important nutrients plants need that aren’t found in water pumped from aquifers.
As the plants get more water from the canals it also makes them healthier for animals, meaning more profit for the farmers

“Minimal water produces a very stiff stem that’s edible, but there’s no nutrient in it and no left, so that’s another reason why water is so important,” Want said,

Mr. Want told us they already have access to the extra water. He said he’s looking forward to being able to have two extra harvests this season and not having to pump wells.