As harvest activity winds down across Jefferson County fields and the irrigation season draws to a close, local farmers and ranchers are taking stock of one of the more challenging water years in recent memory. A Governor-declared drought emergency, reduced irrigation allotments, and tight water supplies defined the entire 2026 growing season for the region.
Drought Emergency Declaration
Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Jefferson County earlier this year through Executive Order 26-07, directing state agencies to coordinate assistance for affected communities. Jefferson County was among six Oregon counties included in the declaration — alongside Crook, Grant, Jackson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties — reflecting the scale of water stress affecting the eastern side of the state this year.
Reduced Irrigation Allotments
In March, the North Unit Irrigation District board approved reduced water allotments for the 2026 season, setting allocations at 1.30 acre-feet per acre from the Deschutes River and 0.65 acre-feet per acre from the Crooked River. Those figures were well below what many producers had planned for, forcing adjustments in crop selection, planted acreage, and irrigation scheduling across the district.
Jefferson County agriculture spans a diverse range of operations — from potato and grain farming to hay production and cattle ranching. Many producers responded to the reduced supply by prioritizing more drought-tolerant crops, fallowing marginal ground, and adopting more rigorous irrigation efficiency practices to stretch limited water as far as possible.
Water Transfers and Emergency Measures
Jefferson County also sought to facilitate temporary agricultural water rights transfers earlier in the growing season, issuing a public bid solicitation to help match available water with critical needs. Oregon water law allows temporary transfers under emergency conditions, helping ensure that water reaches producers who need it most during shortage periods.
Eyes on Winter Snowpack
With the irrigation season winding down, attention is turning to what winter will bring. The Deschutes Basin relies heavily on Cascade snowpack to replenish reservoirs and sustain spring and summer flows for downstream agricultural users. A strong snowpack this winter would provide meaningful relief heading into the 2027 season — and local producers, water managers, and agricultural lenders will be watching closely as the first winter storms move in over the mountains.
Farmers and ranchers seeking information about drought assistance programs, water rights planning, or 2027 production resources can contact the Oregon State University Extension Service office serving Jefferson County or reach out to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.