Chapter 1: The Reality of Drought

I used to think I understood droughts until I truly faced one. Since May 1, our farm has recorded a mere seven-tenths of an inch of rain. While that number may appear acceptable on paper, when it's distributed over several light showers, it hardly provides sufficient moisture.

Between February and April, we were inundated with snowstorms, experiencing a steady flow of snow each week. The snowblower tractor logged countless hours during that winter. However, once the snow melted in early May, we encountered flooding and washouts, leading to a very delayed spring. At that point, the last thing we anticipated was a moisture deficit. Typically, our focus centers on alleviating excess water rather than yearning for more.

Then, around May 10, we fell into a weather pattern akin to that of West Texas, which has persisted for five weeks now.

I've endured several crop failures over my three decades of farming, but I had never faced the challenge of drought—until now. I've witnessed yields evaporate when the rain fails to arrive in July and August, but this is different. For the first time, seeds have languished in parched soil for an extended period. By June 15, we were down 78% from average rainfall.

It's been a month since I struggled to find enough moisture for our seeds to germinate. I couldn't have planted deeper; the ground was unyieldingly hard and dry, and that was thirty days ago. Very little has changed in those fields since.

Experiencing drought is perhaps the most agonizing way to witness crop failure. The process unfolds slowly, akin to death by a thousand cuts. Each day I drive past, I see no new plants emerging, while those that do struggle for survival, becoming so dehydrated they begin to consume themselves. Few things frustrate me more than a poor crop stand.

Each day, I reflect on what I could have done differently. I conjure up a variety of excuses that never truly satisfy me. I tell myself I could have planted slower or refrained from tilling the soil before planting. Yet, these thoughts are futile.

The reality is there’s nothing we can change now. The seeds remain where they are, bone dry. We must accept our efforts as they stand. Agriculture demands a stoic mindset.

Imagine dedicating an entire year to cultivating a crop, investing every ounce of energy into planning, preparing, planting, and protecting it. Then, picture watching as circumstances gradually strip away the fruits of your labor, bit by bit.

This is the essence of drought.

It's like witnessing someone gradually destroy themselves through addiction, as crops suffer a slow, painful demise. The worst part? There’s absolutely nothing you can do but watch. For someone like me, who thrives on challenges, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

Enduring a drought makes us acutely aware of what lies beyond our control—things like hair loss, insecurities, and even mortality. Observing our crops wither in such an agonizing way forces us to confront the inevitable truth of our own mortality.

Some argue that suffering carries purpose. However, it’s often challenging to discern that purpose in the moment, which is why we grapple with pain in the first place. Our minds crave understanding, seeking reasons behind both joy and sorrow. Without clarity, moving forward feels nearly impossible.

Yet, we must persevere. The arrival of rain is beyond our control; we can only observe and wait. We can even try ceremonial dances for rain, but ultimately, precipitation will come on its own schedule. Just like death and taxes, weather doesn’t consider our plans or desires.

“Plant in the dust, and the bins will burst” is a saying that resonates deeply in agriculture. Each year is distinct, and this year is no exception. Every season offers lessons if we remain open to them, rather than simply lamenting the loss of rain.

Like previous years, we will navigate this one, enduring our share of hardship. The key to emerging on the other side lies in adopting a stoic approach, not just in farming but in every aspect of life.

If you find yourself grappling with challenges beyond your control, remember the words of Ryan Holiday:

“The obstacle is the way.”

Keep moving forward; you will reach your destination, and eventually, the reasons behind your struggles will reveal themselves. Just like the rain, clarity always comes.

Hang in there.

Utah is facing its worst drought since the 1500s, highlighting the severe impacts on agriculture and the environment.

Chapter 2: Resilience in Farming

In this chapter, we explore how farmers in various regions have adapted to and mitigated the effects of drought.

Discover how innovative farming techniques have reshaped regions and addressed the challenges posed by drought conditions.