That’s not just a load of hay you see rumbling by on Western highways during summer months.
Those hay bales form the foundation of rural agriculture in many Western communities.
Alfalfa is a major crop across the Western U.S., covering more than 6 million acres, according to USDA data for 2022. It is highly valued for its nutritional content and is primarily used as feed for cattle, horses, sheep, goats and rabbits.
Unfortunately, in recent years alfalfa has become a favorite target, with news stories and opinion pieces criticizing the use of Colorado River water to grow “animal feed” and that animal agriculture, particularly beef and dairy, results in overuse of water resources.
Despite this criticism, alfalfa is an efficient water user, provides environmental benefits, and is a significant part of our food chain.
The demand for dairy products in the U.S. is high, considering the public’s yearning for cheese, ice cream, butter, yogurt and whey protein.
The West’s growing population has also led to a high concentration of dairies in California and........