The following may be attributed to Oregon Farm Bureau: “On May 11, Central Oregon LandWatch issued a report about water efficiency that compared irrigated agriculture in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. “Different crops and animals thrive in different regions of the state and have different water needs. But all of Oregon’s 225+ ag commodities, from carrot seed to cattle, are valuable and essential to the strength and diversity of Oregon agriculture. Oregon Farm Bureau opposes water management proposals that seek to pick winners and losers among different commodities or farming methods, or attempt to limit farmers’ and ranchers’ productive use of farmland. “Farm Bureau has long supported the proactive work by the Central Oregon irrigation districts to protect local farmers and ranchers, while also emphasizing water conservation and wildlife preservation. We appreciate the districts’ collaborative process for tackling tough water management issues by involving and respecting all stakeholders, including families involved in agriculture.”
