Drought’s Grip Tightens on Western Farms | Spokane News

Farmers in Washington’s Yakima River basin are enduring their fourth brutal drought, with water supplies slashed to just over half normal—still a grim relief after last year’s 40%. Facing collapsing margins, many are abandoning orchards and fallow fields, while others like fourth-gen farmer Tanner Winckler cling to survival despite loyal customers and owned land. The crisis isn’t isolated—it’s sweeping the American West, where late rains offer fleeting hope amid forecasts of relentless heat and uncertain snowpack. With “super El Niño” looming, officials scramble to enforce water cuts, but efficiency alone won’t save them. Planting drought-resistant crops is costly and slow, leaving farmers trapped between debt and disaster. The fallout? Wildfires, lost homes, soaring electricity, and even water trucks rolling into small towns. No easy fixes exist—and the future looks increasingly precarious. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9f8f9bc9985081ad