Odd Lots

An Arizona Farmer on How to Grow Alfalfa in the Middle of the Desert

Thu Jul 13 2023

Bank of AmericaWater AvailabilityAlfalfa FarmingWater ManagementUrban GrowthAgriculture

Description

Bank of America expanded operations in Paris in 2019 to serve European clients seamlessly. Arizona is experiencing concerns over water availability and halting new home approvals in parts of Phoenix. Trevor Bales, a sixth-generation farmer in Arizona, runs Bales Hay Farm and Ranch which grows alfalfa. Water management in farming is crucial to avoid wastage and ensure efficiency. The water used for farming in the area comes from Eastern Arizona, specifically the Salt River and Gila River. Urban growth poses challenges to agriculture in Arizona, but technological advancements and alternative land use strategies can help maintain agricultural productivity.

Insights

Alfalfa Farming in Arizona

Arizona's climate allows for multiple turns of alfalfa in a year, unlike other regions. Alfalfa has a bad reputation for being a high water-intensive crop, but it is actually very efficient due to its long lifespan. The quality of alfalfa grown in Arizona is superior to other regions due to the unique climate.

Water Management in Farming

Advances in water use technology, such as laser systems and GPS, have greatly improved efficiency over time. Subsurface drip irrigation is an efficient method that saves on evaporation and delivers water directly to the roots.

Impact of Urban Growth on Agriculture

Water use became an issue as the city grew larger. Losing farming in California would result in increased reliance on imported produce sprayed with chemicals.

Summary

Transcript

Bank of America Expansion in Paris

00:00 - 07:17

Bank of America expanded operations in Paris in 2019 to serve European clients seamlessly.

Water Availability Concerns in Arizona

00:00 - 07:17

Arizona is experiencing concerns over water availability and halting new home approvals in parts of Phoenix.
There are questions about the sustainability of water usage in Arizona, particularly regarding agriculture.
75% of the water used in Arizona is for agriculture.

Alfalfa Farming in Arizona

00:00 - 20:43

Trevor Bales, a sixth-generation farmer in Arizona, runs Bales Hay Farm and Ranch which grows alfalfa.
The Bales family has a long history of cattle ranching and farming in Arizona since the late 1800s.
Alfalfa is a unique plant that has high feed value properties and is used for making high-quality milk and beef.
In Arizona, alfalfa can be cut multiple times a year due to its hardiness and temperature conditions.
Alfalfa is a crop that can be cut multiple times in a year, providing high-quality feed for several years.
Alfalfa has a bad reputation for being a high water-intensive crop, but it is actually very efficient due to its long lifespan.
Arizona's climate allows for multiple turns of alfalfa in a year, unlike other regions.
The quality of alfalfa grown in Arizona is superior to other regions due to the unique climate.
Switching from alfalfa to corn would worsen the water usage problem.
The math behind crop production involves balancing water usage, labor, and feed output for livestock.
Arizona produces higher quality alfalfa compared to other parts of the country.
Arizona's climate allows for better drying and curing of alfalfa, resulting in higher quality hay.
Other states may have more cuttings per year, but each cutting produces less hay compared to Arizona.
Arizona fills the gap in hay production during droughts or excessive rain in other states.
The quality of alfalfa is important for both horse and cattle feed.

Water Management in Farming

00:00 - 33:54

Water management in farming is crucial to avoid wastage and ensure efficiency.
Farmers order a specific amount of water for a designated area of their fields.
Laser leveling the fields helps ensure even water distribution from side to side.
Subsurface drip irrigation is an efficient method that saves on evaporation and delivers water directly to the roots.
Evaporation accounts for only about 2% or less of water loss in irrigation.
Advances in water use technology, such as laser systems and GPS, have greatly improved efficiency over time.
Borders, dirt ridges running from top to bottom of the field, help section off areas for irrigation.
The laser system has been the most efficient way of irrigation, although subsurface drip is even more efficient but expensive.
The cost of implementing subsurface drip irrigation can range from $3,000 to $4,000 per acre depending on oil prices and material costs.
Water shortages have not affected this farmer significantly as they use water from Eastern Arizona rather than relying on sources like the Colorado River or Salt River Project.
The water used for farming in the area comes from Eastern Arizona, specifically the Salt River and Gila River.
The water is extremely salty and was previously considered unusable until technology improved water treatment.
A non-native invasive tree called salt cedar has overgrown the Gila River, reducing water flow.
Farmers are concerned about the future availability of water for agriculture.

Impact of Urban Growth on Agriculture

00:00 - 46:14

Water and soil availability determine the crops grown in agriculture.
The market demand dictates what crops are grown, not personal preference.
Cotton production would increase if there was a high demand for it.
The location of the farm, particularly its proximity to freeways, affects the potential for home builders bidding on the land.
Water use became an issue as the city grew larger.
Arizona and parts of central California are unique places for farming due to year-round production and quality.
Losing farming in California would result in increased reliance on imported produce sprayed with chemicals.
Alfalfa markets are unpredictable compared to other agricultural markets like cotton or wheat.
Exporters drove up alfalfa prices last year but are not buying as much this year, causing uncertainty in the market.
Significant price fluctuations in the alfalfa industry have caused uncertainty and market volatility.
The current market swing has seen prices drop from $340 a ton to $195 a ton in just a few months.
Perception and speculation play a significant role in decision-making, rather than focusing on actual market conditions.
Technological advancements, such as laser measurements for irrigation and farming, are being utilized in the industry.
Farming alfalfa in the desert may seem counterintuitive, but it offers advantages in terms of easier curing of hay.
A substantial portion of alfalfa is consumed by fancy horses, which often escape scrutiny regarding climate change contributions.
The consistency and predictability of arid regions like Arizona make them efficient for agriculture despite water ambiguity.
As cities develop and semiconductor factories are built, tough decisions may need to be made regarding land use.
Considering alternatives to expanding cities like Phoenix could help maintain Arizona's agricultural productivity.
Moving semiconductor fabs elsewhere could also be a solution to balance urban growth and agriculture.