Monday, Mar 11 2013 12:30PM

Drought conditions may impair Colorado agriculture.

The risk of drought has prompted some areas of Colorado, such as Fort Collins, to impose restrictions on water usage for residents and rising prices for access to water system services. However, many agricultural communities may also be impacted by limited rainfall and a shrinking water supply, according to Coloradoan guest columnist Frank Garry, who is a professor and veterinarian at Colorado State University.

In addition to drought-like conditions impacting the ability of farmers to grow crops, limited water supplies may also force the cost of hay and other products used to feed cattle to skyrocket. This can have a domino effect on rural agricultural communities, and force the costs of water, produce, meat and farming supplies to increase in already hard-hit areas.

Garry noted that many ranchers, some of whom are at least 60 years old, are often forced to sell their cattle herds because they can't afford to feed them. Because of their ages, many are unable to rebuild their cattle herds, which can raise the risk of going out of business and jeopardize the state's food supply. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture included 30 Colorado counties in its 2013 disaster area designations as a result of drought. These counties, along with 567 additional locations around the nation, may be eligible for financial assistance to help them overcome drought-related hardship. 

For more information, check out this resource: The Coloradoan