Sustainable Agriculture Literature Review - Boulder County

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Figure 1: Precipitation Rates for Western U.S. 2009-2010
According to historical data, Boulder County has experienced eight periods of drought
since 1930. This is an average of one drought every 9.34 years or a 10.67 percent
chance of drought in any given year. 18 Drought is likely to affect Boulder County in the
future given its geographic location, semiarid conditions, and historical drought cycles.
Major periods of drought have included: 19
1930-1937—The drought of the 1930s had the greatest impact on the agricultural
industry. Poor farming techniques, low market prices, and a depressed
economy compounded the problem.
1951-1957—Similar to the drought of the 1930s, the drought of the 1950s once again
impacted the agricultural industry. Improvements in irrigation and farming
techniques helped to mitigate the effects.
1976-1977—This drought was characterized as a winter event, limited in duration. It was
the driest winter in recorded history for much of Colorado’s high country
and western slope, severely impacting the ski industry.
1980-1981—This drought, beginning in the fall of 1980 and lasting until the summer of
1981, also had costly impacts to the ski industry.
1994—This growing season drought that impacted northeast Colorado was
considered to be one of the driest years on record. Significant impacts
included increased wildfires statewide, winter wheat crop losses, difficulties
with livestock feeding, and declines in the state’s fisheries.
1996—On July 29, 1996, the Colorado governor issued a drought disaster
emergency declaration. Fifteen counties were included in a request for U.S.
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