NOTICE TO KLAMATH PROJECT IRRIGATORS FROM THE KLAMATH PROJECT DROUGHT RESPONSE AGENCY:
2026 DROUGHT RESPONSE PROGRAM OPEN NOW!
As you are aware, the irrigation water supply for the Klamath Project this year will fall well short of what is needed to sustain normal operations for family farms and ranches.
On April 6, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an initial water availability of 221,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake, representing just over half of the volume required for full Project deliveries. This reflects a combination of very low snowpack and resulting snow drought conditions, early spring-like weather conditions, and requirements to operate under an unworkable set of regulatory requirements that can’t be changed in time for this season.
Based on these conditions, 40,000 to 50,000 acres within the Project will need to be idled during the 2026 season.
In response, the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (KPDRA) has now opened the 2026 annual program and is accepting applications during the enrollment period of April 15 through June 15. Up to $19.1 million is available, with estimated payments ranging from $300 to $350 per acre. The program is intended to provide an option for irrigators as they make operational decisions for the coming season.
Additional information, including program details and enrollment materials, will be available April 15 at: https://t.co/SlRjEE8gAP. Irrigators should review the program as they evaluate their plans for 2026 and carefully review eligibility requirements. For example, to qualify for full payment, a parcel must receive no irrigation water from any source (surface or groundwater) from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. Applicants should review the program policy for additional eligibility requirements.
The KPDRA and Klamath Water Users Association will host workshops to assist participants with the sign-up process and to answer questions about the program. Workshop details will be shared soon.
Irrigators are encouraged to stay informed as conditions evolve and to consider available programs and tools as part of their planning for the 2026 irrigation season.
The 2026 Irrigation Season is officially under way. Unfortunately our snow pack is essentially zero and inflows are below 50%. Also the Biden eyes rules require more water to flow to the ocean than we anticipate flowing into UKL this month.
#klamathbasin
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Reliable water supplies are not just vital to ranchers and farmers, but also support the wildlife refuges and the communities that call the Basin home.🤞
https://t.co/eik2d5V0Lh
FFA could lose most of its funding under proposed Oregon state budget cuts. The governor tasked the Oregon Department of Education to cut roughly 70% of the organization’s operating budget. https://t.co/PxzkjPKQ1c
I'd like to set the record straight here:
1. Ranchers want your costs down just as much as you do!
2. We're not "afraid to compete with foreign beef." We're worried that beef - like lamb - will no longer be "what's for dinner" if it continues being this expensive.
3. We're already a net-importer of beef in the United States. Prices have steadily increased as:
A. We've imported more beef,
B. Production took a nose-dive
C. Exports tanked and farms went under.... making us more reliant than ever on foreign nations for our food security,
4. Your ranchers know from time and experience that the only way to stabilize prices is by increasing U.S. domestic herd sizes and production capacity. THAT'S why people are upset... Not because we might have to compete with foreign beef, but because we already are and prices are higher than ever.
5. Nobody goes into/stays in farming or ranching because they're greedy or money loving. Period
As cattle ranchers - and I feel safe to speak for us all here - we want real solutions all the way around, so we can keep serving our fellow Americans quality beef. We're in this together!
I have LOVED using this new study Bible, so I’m going to give one away.
🚨 GIVEAWAY! 🚨
Just do these simple things to enter…
1️⃣ Follow me ( @JoshuaBarzon )
2️⃣ Share this post
3️⃣ Comment below with your favorite book of the New Testament! 💬👇🏼
Picking the winner on Friday!
Happening right here in Nigeria as we speak. If you see this, share it to help save the lives of Nigerian Christians, as long as they are concerned, there is no government in Nigeria😢