Bo and Dru Stevens of Pleasure Lake Farms are looking toward the future of agriculture in eastern New Mexico, where declining groundwater and recurring drought are forcing producers to rethink how they use the land. In this episode, the Stevens share how those challenges led them to restore a playa behind their home, transition struggling cropland to grass, and make management decisions focused on conserving water while keeping their operation productive. They discuss the benefits they’ve already seen, from reduced erosion and productive grazing to encouraging water levels in the well closest to the restored playa.
For Bo and Dru, though, conservation is about more than what happens on the farm today. It’s about making sure their four daughters have the opportunity to choose agriculture in the future. They reflect on the importance of planning before water becomes a crisis, understanding when irrigation no longer makes economic sense, and transitioning an operation piece by piece. They also share how partnerships with conservation organizations and programs have helped make those changes possible. Their story offers a hopeful look at what farming for the future can mean: adapting to changing conditions, working with the land, and creating a path forward for the next generation.