Century-Old Oregon Law Favors Wealthy Landowners Over Struggling Farmers in Drought Crisis

The Central Oregon Irrigation District diverts water from the Deschutes River to irrigate high desert lands near Bend and Redmond. However, a century-old state law that prioritizes certain water users has left many farmers struggling during severe drought conditions. Chris Casad, a 38-year-old farmer who purchased his property nine years ago, now faces significant challenges after water shortages forced him to fallow fields and take on other jobs to make ends meet. His two young children and wife, Cate, who works multiple jobs, are burdened by debt from their 85-acre farm.

The crisis for Casad’s farm began with three consecutive summers of severe drought, leading to crop damage from grasshoppers, toxic algae blooms in tepid reservoirs, and the drying up of over a thousand wells across Oregon. The Deschutes River's flow reached its lowest recorded levels during this period. However, it was the state law that exacerbated these issues by reducing the community’s share of irrigation water, causing farmers to abandon one-third of Jefferson County’s irrigated land.

The law protects some water users at the expense of others, allowing wealthy residents in the Central Oregon Irrigation District to continue using substantial amounts of water on less productive farmland. This practice has further strained resources for struggling farmers like Casad. The situation has led to significant economic hardships and even suicides among older farmers who have seen their life’s work and savings jeopardized by these policies.

The complex interplay between state law, environmental conditions, and local water management practices highlights the urgent need for policy reforms that balance the interests of all stakeholders in Oregon's agricultural sector.