In the June 6 issue of Western Farm Press, Glennon penned a guest commentary on his water vision. He suggested alfalfa growers skip the irrigation cycle during the ‘summer slump’ period in late July into August and send the water to cities.

He contends the late summer irrigation is a poor use of water as hot summer temperatures can increase plant water needs and decrease yields.

“A modest reallocation of water from farms to cities need not jeopardize rural communities’ vibrant futures,” Glennon professes.

Glennon suggests another option - a water trade out. In exchange for taking farmers’ water, cities would pay for the installation of higher efficiency irrigation systems on farms.

“It’s a win-win option,” Glennon said.

If further improvements in water conservation were achieved, Glennon says alfalfa farmers could grow the same amount of alfalfa but with a little less water.

Glennon will share his water outlook ideas in more detail Dec. 3 during the 2015 Western Alfalfa and Forage Symposium in Reno, Nev.