Indeed, agriculture accounts for 72% of Arizona's water usage, as reported by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. However, this figure is not unusual globally; most countries with significant agricultural sectors use between 75% and 90% of their water resources for farming. If a nation's agricultural water consumption falls below the 70% range, it might indicate that the country struggles to produce enough food to meet its domestic needs.

Farmers and ranchers have long been committed to enhancing water efficiency, with some achieving reductions in usage by up to 50%. Their collective dedication ensures the sustainable use of this vital resource, supporting both food and fiber production.

Finally, another crucial insight from the December "Farm Fresh" Hour on Rosie on the House, which is held the first Saturday of each month, is that every county in Arizona faces unique water challenges. The issues in Cochise County differ from those in Yuma, illustrating why a one-size-fits-all solution is not viable across Arizona's counties.

Our guest last Saturday was Senator-Elect Tim Dunn from Legislative District 25. His insights on the water issue in Arizona are greatly appreciated and we’re glad to have him in the 57th Legislative session this January! We covered quite a bit on the water issue and you can hear the entire show below, commercial-free.