Part 3/7:
Farmers in Yuma County have implemented modern irrigation practices, including advanced sprinkler systems that have become essential in recent years. These innovations allow for precision in water usage, ensuring high yields despite the sparse rainfall that averages only three inches annually. The region's climate is characterized by consistent sunshine, which is a key factor enabling effective crop cultivation.
However, the agricultural landscape is shifting. The ongoing multi-year drought in the West has led to historic lows in the Colorado River's reservoirs and a significant decrease in water flows, dropping by about 20%. Scientists have linked these trends to climate change, which has intensified drought conditions, resulting in the driest two decades in over a millennium.