Research Report: Producer Response to Drought Policy in the West

Abstract

The study assesses Utah producers’ preferred drought management strategies, the level of drought at which producers adopt specific management strategies, and the level at which they exit farming/ranching. Results show that preferred strategies differ across producer groups. Fresh produce growers prefer adopting a water-saving technology, hay growers prefer switching to a more efficient irrigation system, and cattle producers prefer purchasing feed or reducing the herd. Producers would only exit farming in dire circumstances, such as no water availability. Policies aimed at assisting with drought adaptation should focus on preferred strategies.