The Colorado River, a lifeline for Western agriculture, is at a critical juncture. As the 2026 deadline for finalizing operational guidelines looms, the pressure is on for the seven Basin States to reach a consensus on water allocation. This complex legal task is set to be a focal point at the upcoming Western Water, Agricultural, and Environmental Law Conference, taking place June 19-20 in Reno, Nevada.
The conference, hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation (NASDA Foundation), will delve into the intricacies of the Colorado River’s future. Nationally recognized attorneys James Eklund and Hannah Mink will lead a session titled “Deadlines Matter & the Two-Year Clock is Ticking: The Fate of the Colorado River & Future of Ag.” Eklund, a returning speaker, and Mink will provide an update on the river’s status and the implications for Western agriculture.
The Colorado River stretches 1,450 miles, providing water to 40 million people and irrigating vast agricultural lands across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The river’s management is a delicate balance, with federal directives requiring operational guidelines to be finalized by the end of 2026. These rules will govern the river’s management post-2026, making the current negotiations pivotal.
Eklund emphasizes the urgency of the situation. “Decisions made this year will shape the future of Western agriculture for decades,” he said. “While 2026 may seem like a distant milestone, the window for critical action is quickly closing. States need time to negotiate, build consensus, and implement solutions. Without progress, the risk of legal conflict and federal intervention grows.”
Mink echoes this sentiment, highlighting the broader implications for agriculture. “If an agreement isn’t reached between the seven Colorado River Basin States, there will be broad consequences for Western agriculture,” she said. “Water banking and demand management programs are growing but face regulatory hurdles. Upper and Lower Basin States remain divided on strategy, and with the new administration, federal funding is in flux. In short, it’s a pivotal time.”
The conference will offer attendees the chance to earn continuing education credits, including ethics credits, and continuing education from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream option is available. Registration and more information can be found online at nationalaglawcenter.org/western2025.
As the deadline approaches, the stakes are high. The outcomes of these negotiations will not only determine the future of the Colorado River but also the economic stability and environmental health of the Western agricultural sector. The Western Water, Agricultural, and Environmental Law Conference promises to be a crucial forum for discussing these pressing issues and charting a path forward.