Evaluating Impact of Confined Livestock Operations on Water Use and Groundwater Resources in the Texas High Plains

Lal Almas, Stephen H Amosson, Bridgett Guerrero, Jackie Smith, Jeffrey Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Justin Weinheimer, Lal Almas and Jacob Roberts

No 3455, EcoMod2011 from EcoMod

Abstract: The ever-growing livestock industry in the Texas High Plains has a significant impact on water usage and groundwater resources throughout the region. The groundwater sources are depleting at an excessive rate and have low-recharge while precipitation is scarce in this region. The regional economy depends on the irrigated agriculture and livestock industry. The collection of data on direct and indirect water usage by confined livestock operations will aid the industry, policy makers, and citizens in making correct decisions in water budgeting, and water manage-ment. Correct water budgeting and continuous water availability will lead to the growth of livestock industry and sustainable practices for the Texas High Plains. Water usage data may also be used to minimize losses in drought years. The expected results will certainly be helpful for all the stakeholders involved in planning and management of groundwater resources to sus-tain regional economy and rural communities of the Texas Panhandle. See above The study will provide important data as it pertains to water usage by the confined livestock operations in the Texas High Plains region. A large portion of the regional economy depends on the irrigated agriculture and livestock industry. Large-scale water issues in the region could have severe adverse economic impacts on rural communities. Correct water budgeting and water use information will help to sustain livestock industry in the Texas High Plains. Water usage data may also be used to minimize losses in drought years. The expected results will certainly be helpful for all the stakeholders involved in planning and management of groundwater water resources to sustain regional economy and rural communities of Texas Panhandle.

Keywords: Texas High Plains; Agricultural issues; Impact and scenario analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011-07-06
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