Extension Agent, Agronomy Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Castro/ Hale/Lamb County 325-665-8790 Kristie.keys@ag.tamu.edu I recently attended the Plant Protection Conference in College Station, where the theme “Water: Essential but Limited for Texas Agriculture” could not have been more timely. Water management is a major focus of my work during the 2026 AgriLife year, so I wanted to share a few key takeaways from the conference along with several valuable resources that may be useful to you.
In Texas, agriculture is the largest single user of our groundwater and surface water supplies. Roughly 50 % of the state’s total water use goes to agriculture when you combine irrigation for crops and water for livestock and other farm needs.
A big chunk of that agricultural water use happens right here in the Panhandle and South Plains, where 80–90 % of the agricultural water use is concentrated. The Ogallala Aquifer, part of a massive system spanning about 174,000 square miles, is the primary source of irrigation water across much of the Texas High Plains and Panhandle. Across its footprint, roughly 95 % of the water pumped from the Ogallala in Texas is used for irrigated agriculture. In many areas, water levels have been declining for decades as pumping outpaces new water entering the system.
Despite major improvements in irrigation efficiency from flood irrigation to center pivots and even to advanced precision systems, overall application rates haven’t changed much since the mid-1970s. More efficient systems simply let us irrigate more acres or use water where it matters most without necessarily reducing total extractions. Technological gains are essential, but on their own, they can’t solve a resource challenge at this scale.
Research is currently underway to evaluate the Dockum Aquifer as a potential source of usable groundwater. However, the depth of this aquifer presents unique challenges, particularly elevated salinity levels. In some areas, salt concentrations are too high for municipal or agricultural use. While desalination may offer a possible solution, it remains a costly option and presents additional economic considerations.
Water isn’t just an input for crops; it’s the backbone of the rural economy in much of Texas. From cotton and corn to forage and livestock, agriculture supports jobs and communities across the state. But that system depends on having access to reliable water supplies. With a growing population and climate variability adding pressure on both surface and groundwater supplies, planning and conservation have never been more important. Groundwater districts, producers, and researchers are all working on strategies that range from water-conserving irrigation practices to collaborative water sharing agreements, but long- term sustainability will take thoughtful action from all of us.
Attending the Plant Protection Conference reminded me that water isn’t something we talk about only when there’s a drought on the horizon. It’s something we should be thinking about every day for our farms, our communities, and the next generation of Texans.