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Why researchers are working to reduce water use on certain crops

Many farmers across our region grow alfalfa - which is dried into hay and fed to beef and dairy cattle. But it requires a lot more water than most crops. Now, researchers are working on new technologies to reduce the amount farmers use. Still, some say allowing them to grow such a thirsty crop in the arid west is the problem.

Broadcast on:
09 Feb 2024

A field of hay and alfalfa.
(Bon Eats / Flickr)

Many farmers across our region grow alfalfa - which is dried into hay and fed to beef and dairy cattle. But it requires a lot more water than most crops.

Now, researchers are working on new technologies to reduce the amount farmers use. Still, some say allowing them to grow such a thirsty crop in the arid west is the problem.

The Mountain West News Bureau's Kaleb Rondel reports.