Purpose of the Report
This report explores what it will take to make voluntary, temporary, and compensated irrigation
withdrawals on grass pastures feasible for livestock producers, with a focus on western Colorado. Our
aim is to provide insights that support the development of workable programs and policies that contribute
to meaningful regional water conservation, without undermining the long-term viability of irrigated
agriculture or livestock operations.
Raise Report 25-01 | Working Draft | June 2025 | A Final Revised Version is Planned for Fall 2025
Colorado State University | College of Agricultural Sciences & CSU Extension | Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
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Full Report
All Briefs (one page summary & supplemental information, tables, and figures) and Front Matter: Full Report RAISE 25-01
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Front Matter
Cover Page, Acknowledgements, Table of Contents, Foreword: Front Matter
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Introduction: Framing the Report
Making Voluntary Irrigation Withdrawals on Grass Pasture Work for Livestock Production and Water Conservation in the Upper Basin
Daniel Mooney, Dana Hoag, Seth Mason, Perry Cabot
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Brief #1: Measuring Water Conservation
Estimating the Water Conservation Potential of Voluntary Irrigation Withdrawals on Working Livestock Pastures
Perry Cabot, Adwoa Serwaa Amankwaa, José Chávez
Full Report: Brief 1
Report Summary: Brief 1 Executive Summary
Supplemental Info, Tables, & Figures: Brief 1 More Info
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Brief #2: Assessing Impacts
Evaluating Yield Performance across a Spectrum of Irrigation Withdrawal Scenarios in Pasture-Livestock Systems
Perry Cabot
Full Report: Brief 2
Report Summary: Brief 2 Executive Summary
Supplemental Info, Tables, & Figures: Brief 2 More Info
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Brief #3: Managing Implementation
Practical Guidance for Implementing Voluntary Irrigation Withdrawals on Pasture-Based Livestock Operations
Daniel Mooney, Perry Cabot, Dan Waldvogle, Mike Higuera
Full Report: Brief 3
Report Summary: Brief 3 Executive Summary
Supplemental Info, Tables, & Figures: Brief 3 More Info
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Brief #4: Incentivizing Participation
More information coming soon.
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Brief #5: Predicting Participation
Identifying Factors Associated with Farmer Willingness to Participate in Regional Water Conservation Programs
Seth Mason, Dana Hoag, Daniel Mooney
Full Report: Brief 5
Report Summary: Brief 5 Executive Summary
Supplemental Info, Tables, & Figures: Brief 5 More Info