It’s February in southern Colorado, and while trees are beginning to bud, the mood among farmers is anything but optimistic. Many are grappling with an unexpectedly dry season, expressing concern over prolonged drought conditions.

Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released on February 19, indicates that drought conditions are worsening across key agricultural states, including Colorado, Texas, and Illinois. Areas in the High Plains, particularly eastern Wyoming, Colorado, southwest South Dakota, and parts of Nebraska, are experiencing severe soil moisture deficits.

Nick Perchess, owner of Nola Naturals Farms in Avondale, Colorado, highlighted the startling weather patterns this winter. Specializing in raw dairy milk, pastured meats, and organic produce, Perchess notes that the region is currently classified as D0 or “abnormally dry.”

“Temperatures have reached the upper 50s to 78°F this early in February, causing trees to bud prematurely,” she explained. “There’s hardly any moisture left in the soil, and the snow pack in the mountains is alarmingly low.”

According to her, the conditions are well below typical expectations for this time of year. “You’d usually see some green shoots and runoff, but the river is running low even before the irrigation season kicks off in April. This outlook is dire,” Perchess added.

At local ditch board meetings, discussions are fraught with tension as farmers contemplate a future with minimal water access. “We anticipate average cubic feet per second, but with six weeks until spring, everyone is scrambling to devise strategies for coping with reduced water supplies,” she remarked.

Perchess mentioned she’s been anxiously watching for snow, which has been disappointingly absent. “The absence of winter storms has raised alarms; many farmers are considering cutting back their acreage due to the lack of resources,” she said, adding that fire hazards are now a serious concern.

“While the overall water supply for irrigation in the Arkansas River Basin is projected to be average, the increased heat and evaporation rates complicate crop growth,” she continued. “A recent large fire has already devastated significant acreage, and drought-driven dust storms have tragically led to human and livestock fatalities.”

Veteran farmers are recalling the severe drought of 1980-1981, marked by prolonged high temperatures. “We experienced a similar pattern last year, with extended heat waves. A nearby farm is already starting lambing early due to the unseasonable warmth,” she noted.

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data, around 32% of Colorado is experiencing severe to exceptional drought, with only 27% of the state remaining drought-free. Over the past three months, the drought-affected land has tripled, contrasting sharply with last year when 60% of the state was drought-free.

“This year feels drastically different from last year,” Perchess said. “The memories of the worst years linger on, but this drought resembles the severe conditions of 1982, perhaps worse. There’s a growing apprehension that not everyone will endure these trying times.”

The mental health toll of these dry conditions is becoming increasingly evident in farming communities. “In just the past week, several families have opted to sell their farms, and the emotional strain on our communities is palpable,” she stated. “Worry is pervasive, and for good reason.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for support. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.