Idaho is known for agriculture—particularly potatoes—across the world. In a state with plenty of land for farms, ranches and dairies, there is also an abundance of water. Without water to sustain Idaho’s most famous crops, the state would not rank first in the nation for the production of potatoes, trout, barley or peppermint.

However, ongoing droughts are affecting the amount of water Idaho has available to put toward agriculture. Growers and residents alike are looking at a future where they must prioritize how and where they use water.

As intense flooding destroyed infrastructure in places like Yellowstone National Park and its neighboring communities in June, the heavy rains also refilled many of the region’s reservoirs that had dropped to historic lows earlier in the year.

For Idaho farmers, 2022’s “miracle spring” brought short-term good news – paired with long-term challenges presented by changing climate and precipitation patterns.