PLANNED 27% Water Cuts – What Happens to Farms Next

A proposed Local Enhanced Management Area (LEMA) plan in southwest Kansas would reduce groundwater pumping by roughly 27% over 20 years to help stabilize the Ogallala Aquifer. Supporters see conservation. Many farmers see hard tradeoffs. This video breaks down what the draft plan does, how equal percentage cuts can impact operations differently, and why water policy often becomes land and food policy. Kansas may be a test case for managing long-term water scarcity.