In the heart of Texas’ Rice Belt, which spans Wharton, Matagorda, and Colorado counties, rice farmers like Berglund are grappling with a growing crisis. For the second consecutive year, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has denied water to irrigate rice paddies in Matagorda County, forcing farmers to leave land idle and potentially jeopardizing the future of rice cultivation in the region.
The Rice Belt, responsible for producing 60% of Texas’ rice, relies heavily on water from the Highland Lakes—Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis—managed by the LCRA. While Berglund irrigates his Wharton County fields with well water, his Matagorda fields depend on LCRA’s water, which hasn’t flowed for two years due to drought-triggered restrictions. Without access to this vital resource, the survival of the Texas rice industry is at risk.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Texas’ rice industry has historically been an economic powerhouse. In the 1950s and 1970s, about 1,400 farmers grew rice on 650,000 acres. However, by 2023, those numbers had dwindled to only 280 farmers cultivating roughly 149,000 acres. Urban and suburban sprawl in cities like Houston, coupled with unpredictable water supply, has contributed to this dramatic decline.
The LCRA, tasked with managing water resources, divides water users into two categories: “firm” and “interruptible.” Firm users, including urban centers and power plants, receive priority access to water, while rice farmers—categorized as interruptible—only receive water when reservoirs are at adequate levels. In 2023, amid worsening drought conditions, LCRA once again restricted access to rice farmers. With water availability decreasing and population growth in cities like Austin soaring, farmers are left with limited options.
Impact of Drought and Climate Change
Water availability has been unpredictable for Texas rice farmers. During the historic drought of the 1950s, which lasted 80 weeks, rice farmers were still able to irrigate their fields. However, the 2010-2015 drought was even more devastating. In 2011, Texas experienced its hottest and driest year on record, with water levels in the Colorado River plummeting. As a result, the LCRA’s 2020 Water Management Plan designated this period as the worst drought in recorded history, and the impact on rice farming was catastrophic.
In 2023, the situation worsened as the LCRA denied farmers water for their crucial second rice crop, known as “ratoon.” This secondary crop, harvested in October, often accounts for a significant portion of farmers’ profits because it is less costly to produce. Without water, the 2023 ratoon crop failed, leading to substantial financial losses for rice farmers.
Economic Consequences
Rice farming contributes significantly to the Texas economy, adding $550 million in 2022. However, this figure has plummeted from the inflation-adjusted $850 million that the industry generated in 1954. The effects of this decline ripple through related businesses, including rice drying, milling, and marketing companies. For example, Rice Belt Warehouse, which operates six rice-drying facilities across the region, saw its capacity slashed from 400 million pounds of rice to just 230 million pounds in recent years.
Similarly, Brookshire Drying Company, located near Katy, once operated in a thriving rice farming region. Today, it’s the last rice-drying facility in the area, as urban development has overtaken much of the agricultural land. To stay afloat, the company is exploring new markets, including exporting unmilled rice to Mexico and developing a state-of-the-art rice mill to sell directly to grocery stores under the brand “Honestly Texas.”
Urbanization and Competition for Water
The competition for water between urban areas and agriculture is intensifying. The population of Austin, for instance, nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020, and is projected to reach 4.5 million by 2050. As urban water demand increases, less water is available for rice farmers in rural areas.
The LCRA’s decision to prioritize firm water users over interruptible ones has forced many farmers to question the long-term viability of rice farming. While cities and industries continue to grow, farmers are left with unpredictable access to a vital resource.
The Future of Texas Rice Farming
Texas rice farmers face a critical juncture. Water scarcity, driven by climate change and urban growth, poses an existential threat to the industry. The state’s water policies, which prioritize urban users, leave farmers vulnerable to severe losses during droughts. As Texas continues to grow, finding a sustainable balance between urban water demands and agricultural needs will be key to ensuring the survival of the state’s rice farming heritage.
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