The devastating drought that has settled over much of the U.S. this summer has renewed interest in using water more efficiently. Nowhere has the issue been more critical and for a longer time than in the West.

A recent water management conference, sponsored by the USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture and Research and Education and New Mexico State University, brought together some of the West’s foremost authorities to Santa Fe to discuss water conservation methods and water policy.

“A recent survey indicated that water is a priority issue in New Mexico,” said NMSU Extension vegetable specialist and conference organizer Stephanie walker.