Ag101: Water Use in Agriculture

Photography: Getty Images, Glowimages.

Water plays an important role in our daily lives and agriculture. From raising livestock to growing crops to fueling hydroponics systems to cleaning and protecting produce and more, water affects the food we eat in more ways than one. Consider these stats — and opportunities for your future.

212,714

Total irrigating farms (applying water to crops using human-created systems) in the U.S.

8.1%

Decrease in the number of U.S. farms that irrigated between 2018 and 2023.

53.1 million

Total irrigated acres in the U.S.

2.8%

Decrease in the total amount of irrigated water applied by U.S. farms between 2018 and 2023.

1.5 acre-feet

Average amount of water applied per acre in the U.S.

Arizona

State that applied the most water per acre in 2023, averaging 4.3 acre-feet.

California, Nebraska, Arkansas, Texas and Idaho

Top five states with the greatest number of irrigated acres.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2023 Irrigation and Water Management Survey (2022 Census of Agriculture)

Soak Up Opportunities in FFA

If you want to continue learning about water use and explore how it relates to a potential career in agriculture, check out these awesome opportunities.

1. Competitive Events

The following career and leadership development events (CDEs and LDEs) can help you gain skills while sharing topics and issues, such as those connected to water, with a broader audience.

2. Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and Agricultural Proficiency Awards

These projects emphasize hands-on learning, and you may receive awards and recognition for your hard work. Since water touches so many areas of agriculture, the possibilities are endless. Here are some starting points.