July 2025

Klamath Basin Agricultural Production

The Klamath Irrigation District and our farmers embody "America First," forming the core of one of the earliest Reclamation projects. Even before 1905, our farmers bolstered national security by producing food and fiber for the nation, thereby promoting self-sufficiency, an American ethos - The Backbone of the American Dream. The Project later prioritized homes and farms for American military veterans returning from the World Wars.

Klamath is America's First -

First Reclamation Project to incorporate private canals; and the

First Waterfowl Refuge; and the

First Woman Homesteader on a Reclamation Project; and the,

First Civilian Conservation Corps work in Reclamation; and the,

First Post WW-II military veteran land lottery; and the,

First Reclamation - Private Company Dam Contract; and,

Model for later Reclamation Projects.

As one of the earliest and most successful reclamation projects, the Klamath Reclamation Project served as a model and proof-of-concept for similar large-scale federal water development initiatives across the West. Its successes, lessons learned, and institutional structures (like the early organization of water users associations (K.I.D.'s foundation)) contributed to the overall development strategy for America. The broader goals of federal Reclamation projects, when the Klamath Project was authorized, aimed to develop the nation's agricultural capacity to ensure national security in a changing world.

The Klamath Reclamation Project has been a beacon for American military veterans since the early 20th century, when the federal government prioritized homesteads for returning soldiers. After World War I, veterans received land preferences starting in 1922, allowing them to homestead lands for growing potatoes, alfalfa, and cattle. Following World War II, from 1946 to 1949, over 200 homesteads were allocated to veterans with farming experience and their own savings, thereby fostering the development of generational family farms, many of which are threatened with continued operation today. These veteran-founded operations bolster national food security amid water challenges, with programs like OSU Extension supporting new veteran farmers. This legacy embodies our "America First" spirit of resilience.

Today, Klamath Irrigation District assists our communities in executing over $367.8 million in farm sales across a three-county area. Many of our farmers provide farm-fresh onions, garlic, and potatoes in addition to grains and cattle to regional and national markets. When income from farm sales is spent locally (e.g., farmers buying supplies, paying wages, employees spending their wages at grocery stores and restaurants, or the ever-needed healthcare), it circulates within the community, generating further economic activity and indirectly supporting the tax base.

How many times is each farm dollar respent in our local communities and contributed to our local tax base for government programs? Trade is based upon imports and exports from a region. Economics 101: Without exports, there is no income to import other foods and services that can not be developed in the region. Adapting to Challenges and Resilience: The Klamath Irrigation District continues to face significant challenges, particularly related to the huge pendulum swings of federal water policy and ever-eroding state laws that challenge private property ownership. The ongoing efforts of the Klamath Irrigation District, its farmers, and its sister districts to innovate, conserve water, and find solutions (e.g., through modernization projects, working with OSU Extension for new veteran farmers) demonstrate a continuous commitment to the productive use of American land and resources despite adversity. This resilience in the face of environmental and economic pressures reflects a core "America First" value of enduring and adapting for the nation's benefit.

These aspects collectively portray the Klamath Reclamation Project and its associated irrigation district as a notable example of early 20th-century "America First" endeavors, focused on strengthening the nation through agricultural development, hard work, and self-sufficiency.

Graphic Source: Economic Analysis of Agriculture in the Klamath Basin. Oregon State University, prepared by Highland Economics

2 July 2025 - K.I.D. Economic Pulse Check;

• Klamath Farmer Conditions Deteriorating

It's heartbreaking that on 2 July our Klamath Irrigation District had no choice but to place liens on 146 cherished family properties due to unpaid assessments required by federal contract and authorized under Oregon Revised Statute 545 for land improvements. Following our policy, we can't deliver any water to these lands until payments are made in full. Come October, we'll sadly have to begin foreclosure on twelve beloved family farms—it's devastating to see how federal policies over the past four years have shattered the dreams and livelihoods of these hardworking families.

• K.I.D. in D.C. - A Trip Summary
• Weather & Irrigation Season Update
• Klamath Watershed in the News
• Upcoming Events
• What We are Reading
• Opportunities

The Klamath Irrigation District and Klamath Basin Improvement District sent a delegation to Washington, D.C. in early June to meet with officials at the White House, executive agencies, congressional representatives, and others to discuss the failure of the federal Klamath Water Policy.

In December 2024, the federal Klamath Water Policy reached a breaking point with the publishing of Reclamation's 2024-2029 Klamath Project Plan. (See K.I.D.'s irrigation year by plan comparison chart showing how much worse this action is than every other plan put in place since 2001). Farmers have kept their promises, yet despite generations of good stewardship and upholding their contractual obligations, the Klamath farmers are trapped in a broken federal system with no recourse to escape the feudalism imposed by Reclamation's plan. While the recent passing of Public Law 118-246 is extremely helpful, more legislation is needed to implement the long-lasting solutions the federal government and tribes agreed upon years ago to provide water for farmers and sustain a healthy Klamath ecosystem and economy. Four dams are now out of the Klamath River, and Congress has appropriated the requested restoration dollars with the concurrence of the farmers; yet, the instability and uncertainty in water supply promised to the Klamath farmers remain.

While in D.C. we requested that President Trump, his Administration, and our elected Representatives keep America's promises to our Klamath farmers. Our asks included:

1.     Appoint a Cross-Department Task Force with a Strong Champion to Resolve Long-Standing Klamath Issues

2.     Direct the Department of Justice to Resolve Lawfare Against Klamath farmers

3.     Direct Title Transfer as part of Federal Contract Obligation Fulfillment

While enjoying the hospitality of the USDA, we discussed the need for the USDA to be part of a cross-departmental task force focused on the Klamath and to investigate the perception of Lawfare being levied against Klamath farmers. We brought forward our official lawfare complaint, highlighting the

After our productive visit with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), our team shed our ties and suit jackets for a photo opportunity showing our unwavering support for Secretary Brooke Rollins to Make AG Great Again.

From left to right: Grant Knoll (K.I.D. and Off-Project farmer), Fred Simon (K.I.D. and TID farmer with direct family ties to the promises made to Klamath WWI & WWII veterans), Ryan Kliewer (President of KBID and K.I.D. farmer), Kelsey Barnes (USDA) Gene Souza (K.I.D.), Executive Director, Jaxsen Sikorski (K.I.D. General Manager), Rodney Cheyne (President K.I.D., Board Member KBID, Oregon Wheat Growers Association)

Since the federal over-regulation of Klamath farmers' water supplies began in 1997, the Klamath communities' economic stability has been undermined, resulting in the loss of several thousand acres of some of the Nation's most productive farmlands which provide food and fiber for the Nation, promoting #nationalsecurity through #foodsecurity.

Farmland in Klamath County has been decreasing for decades. Environmental land purchases by the Nature Conservancy and others, changes in markets, and urban development have taken 1,000s of acres of farmland out of production. The lands served by Klamath Irrigation District's infrastructure include over 122,000 acres that can be gravity irrigated without the use of electricity. In a period of conflict, where electrical grids are unstable, it is important to preserve lands that can provide food and fiber for the Nation that do not require electricity to move the water to the farmland.

We also spent some time with the US Department of the Interior. Our key talking points remained the same as those of the USDA. In addition, we emphasized our frustration with the Bureau of Reclamation, including the Bureau's failure to uphold its federal obligations to the Klamath farmers under Article 35 of our contract.

We highlighted for the Department our frustration with Reclamation's refusal to fulfill its contractual obligations for Title Transfer since 4 May 1964 and the past four years of stall and delay tactics in responding to our renewed title transfer request under the Dingle Act. We also presented our Lawfare case and asked for the Department of Interior to review its contractual obligations with the District; to further evaluate the status of the District's claims in hopes that this administration fulfill its legal and contractual obligations.

The recent effects of Klamath Dam Removal on our family farms and our position on the future of Keno and Link River Dams were also discussed.

K.I.D. provided clarity to our 26 January 2025 communication to the Department, highlighting the significant problems with Reclamation's December 2024 5-year plan that will destroy Klamath family farmers and our regional economy if allowed to stand. K.I.D. previously provided this analysis in a public announcement on 22 April 2025 and in several 2024 newsletters outlining how the plan fails the Klamath farmer.

We are scheduled to follow up with the Department of Interior staff soon.

We met with NOAA Fisheries to discuss the science that the agency is utilizing in its assessment of the "affect" of the Klamath farmers deemed to be "effecting" listed endangered or threatened species. We discussed in detail our confusion about how Klamath farmers could jeopardize the future of 33 inbred whales, which are over 250 miles from our farm lands, the Klamath Irrigation District's biological assessment of the tributary (low-flow, deep pool, and groundwater preferred rearing habitat) coho salmon, and the political bias we see in the NOAA approach. We are hopeful that the science we provided, along with our questioning of the bias in their science, will enable the Agency to utilize its resources to recover species and look to farmers as partners, rather than adversaries.

In the current scheme, NOAA Fisheries plays a role in each farmer's on-farm plan, including both annual plans and long-term plans. As shown in the simplified decision tree at the link below, determining who can gain access to a Klamath farmer's state water right is a complex process that exceeds the authority provided in the Klamath River Basin Adjudication for water rights, Section 8 of the Reclamation Act, and the obligations of our contracts. If federal agencies abided by the requirements in the United States Code, the situation would be much less complex.

As our General Manager explained to D.C. officials, Federal employees are abusing the contract obligations of K.I.D. to require K.I.D. to act as the federal government's statutory extortionist, using the District's governmental power of foreclosure against the farmers who own the project and whom we serve. Most of the people in the Agencies listed on the decision tree don't walk the ditchbank, don't attend our community events, and don't hold conversations with each other in the local stores

Our time was also shared with our elected representatives to thank them directly for their efforts to get the Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024 passed to fulfill federal promises to Klamath farmers. We visited with Senator Merkley and Wyden's staffs with some good discussion and learning. We were greatly impressed by both Senator Merkley's and Congressman LaMalfa's staff in providing useful ideas, information, and asking for insightful and important follow-up information.

Of course, Congressman Bentz took the time to meet with us directly. To understand that the Congressman knows our issues directly and has a cabinet in his office dedicated to only Klamath issues speaks volumes. We have identified that additional legislation is needed to resolve long-standing issues; the Congressman gave us some homework, which we recently turned in.

Of course, the various committees and caucus groups were included in our itinerary. Understanding that any legislation that is brought forward will need to have wide support across both the House and Senate, we ensured that key members of these staffs were informed of the situation in Klamath.

It is highly likely that we will need legislative action for Title Transfer given Reclamation's delay in our Dingle Act request.

SO WHAT!!!! You went to D.C., what did you get accomplished?

You may have noticed that K.I.D. has not published a newsletter in a bit and has been fairly quiet on social media. This is primarily because the people we met with were generally interested in our issues, wanted to learn more, and provided the delegation with a great number of homework assignments which we are just now getting to the bottom of. Follow-up communications with select D.C. representatives include:

• Draft questions for Secretary Burgum's 12 June Hearing
• A full and complete lawfare packet to include a Litigation 101 Summary
• Title Transfer Draft Memorandums of Understanding
• Title Transfer Draft Legislative Concepts
• Klamath Reclamation Project Contracts and Repayments
• Input to DOI Regulatory Reform Request for Information DOI-2025-0005

Many of the people we spoke with generally care about the American people and the future of the Klamath farming families. Our timely responses to their inquiries will likely lead to a better understanding of the issues and a willingness to help champion change in D.C. to the paradigm that Klamath farmers have been subjected to over the past 30 years.

NOW WHAT? Are the Klamath Farming Families' water problems solved?

No!!! Far from it. Forces with a clear bias against the Klamath farmer continue to influence our future. K.I.D. is preparing for a second visit to continue advocating for a durable solution—one that secures water for agriculture, restores local stewardship, and protects the rural backbone of this nation. This isn’t just about water—it’s about leadership, fairness, and standing up to the bureaucratic agendas hollowing out the American West.

What can a Klamath farmer do to promote stability?

1. Send K.I.D. a message promoting your support for the federal government's fulfillment of its obligation for Title Transfer.
2. Express your support for Title Transfer to Congress: We ask those who are landowners within the Klamath Irrigation District and the districts we serve (Klamath Basin Improvement District, Enterprise Irrigation District, Poe Valley Improvement District, Pine Grove Irrigation District, Shasta View Irrigation District, Malin Irrigation District, Van Brimmer Ditch Company, Sunnyside Irrigation District, Tule Lake Irrigation, or landowners subject to over 110 individual Warren Act contracts) to let Senators Merkley and Wyden, Congressman Bentz and LaMalfa know that you are supportive of legislation to fullful contractual obligations for title transfer.
3. Let D.C. know you support addressing the policy issues K.I.D. brought forward in responding to DOI's Regulatory Reform RFI DOI-2025-0005.
4. Show your support for "Make Irrigated Agriculture Great Again". Tag K.I.D., KBID, KDD, KWUA, Secretary Rollins, Secretary Burgum, and The White House in your on-farm posts and videos about what Klamath agriculture means to your family.
5. Stop by K.I.D. Headquarters to provide authorization to use your photos of the devastation caused by the water-shutoff to your farms, to your families, to the refuges, and to our economy.
6. Share this newsletter

The storage in Upper Klamath Lake is decreasing more rapidly than in years past with Reclamation's new proposed action. The current conditions report for 21 July 2025 shows a story to compare this year to 2001 and 2010 drought conditions.

KWUA Board Meeting: 13 August at 2pm

As a water user, it’s important to remember that Oregon water rights are based on beneficial use without waste. This means the water allocated to you must be used efficiently and for its intended purpose, whether that’s irrigation, livestock, or another approved use.

Watch the Video

Three salmon species could get ESA protections

Listen to the Agi-Pulse Daybreak for 10 July

A federal court has ordered NOAA Fisheries to decide within the next year whether three populations of Pacific Coast Chinook salmon merit Endangered Species Act protections. The listings could reshape water management for key Northern California rivers.

The settlement sets a November 2025 deadline for NOAA to rule on spring-run Chinook populations on the Oregon Coast and in the Southern Oregon/Northern California coastal region. A decision on Washington Coast spring-run Chinook is due by 2026.

Conservation groups petitioned for the listings after years of steep salmon declines allegedly driven by habitat loss, dams and water diversions. They targeted Northern California’s Eel and Klamath river watersheds, where agriculture relies heavily on stream and groundwater flows. ESA protections could restrict when and how much water is diverted for farming during key salmon migration and spawning seasons.

Noah Greenwald, endangered species coordinator at the Center for Biological Diversity, charged that “many rivers in Northern California have been overdrawn for decades, pushing spring-run Chinook closer to extinction.”

Farmers and irrigation districts are bracing for increased regulatory pressure if the fish are listed. ESA rules often mandate minimum in-stream flows and habitat restoration. The outcome could further complicate water allocations in already strained basins critical to both wildlife and food production.

This push by environmental groups to use the ESA to put people out of business ignores several professional papers emphasizing ocean conditions as the primary impact on salmon populations, such as:

Beamish et al. (2009). A critical review of Pacific salmon marine research relating to climate. Ocean productivity main determinant of marine survival.academic.oup.com

Connors et al. (2020). Climate and competition influence sockeye salmon population dynamics. Ocean temperature key driver, varying by region.cdnsciencepub.com

Daly et al. (2015). Warming ocean conditions relate to increased trophic requirements of salmon. Warm regimes reduce productivity.journals.plos.org

Anderson (2000). Review of the influence of climate on salmon. Decadal ocean fluctuations drive year-class strength.

Team Magnetic-ag.com 22 July Report

Squeezed Farm Finances

High costs and low crop prices are squeezing farm margins. And the economic impacts are becoming more apparent. 

Margin pressures mount: Compounding financial pressures over the past year have been leading to higher bankruptcy rates. Farm bankruptcy filings totaled 259 between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. First-quarter filings this year beat out the same period last year. 

While crop prices have been trending lower, input prices, particularly seed and fertilizer, have been reluctant to follow suit. 

Soundbite: “That drop was due in part to some of that pandemic-related assistance and stronger commodity prices at that time. But now, we’ve really reversed course. I would suspect that we’re going to probably outpace or at least be right on the margin of what 2024 looked like.” — Ryan Loy, extension economist for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

Farms have been filing Chapter 12 bankruptcy, which allows them to propose a payment plan to pay off debts rather than being forced to liquidate assets. Still, poor margins have been draining working capital and cash reserves. 

Rural credit crunch: Sentiment over the farm economy has been turning more negative among rural banks. Many have faced challenges with producers struggling with loans. 

In May, the Chicago Federal Reserve said repayment rates for the first quarter of 2025 were much lower than a year ago. Still, demand for additional loans has been rising.  

Hermiston Irrigation District – District Manager

Job Scope - Provide water to district patrons in the most efficient and cost-effective manner by further developing water conservation, improving delivery methods, and water management. Improve the district’s financial standing by seeking outside funding opportunities. Maintain positive working relationships; treat employees with respect and ensuring a safe work environment. Provide exceptional customer service in a professional manner; maintain public trust through transparency and accountability. Build relationships through honesty and cooperation.

The ideal candidate is capable of representing the district competently in a variety of professional settings with customers, the local community, other organizations, and all governmental agencies to guarantee positive relationships. They are personable and innovative leader who will maintain superb public and diplomatic relations, with previous professional accomplishments.

Experience and Qualifications

Any combination of education, training or experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

·    Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a manager in the operation of similar irrigation works, or who shall have been employed for a period of at least five (5) years, in a responsible position, in the operation and maintenance of irrigation works equivalent in complexity to the project works.

·    Education: Project Management, Agricultural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, Business or Public Administration, or related field is preferred but not required.

·    A valid Class C Driver’s License is required at the time of appointment.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary is $80,000/annually and is negotiable depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant. This is an Exempt position.

The District offers a benefits package that includes:

·    Paid - vacation, sick leave, and 11 holidays

·    Medical and vision coverage for employee and dependents paid by the District

·    Employee paid Dental

·    Life Insurance

·    Deferred Compensation

Important Information

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and application to:

Hermiston Irrigation District

366 E Hurlburt Avenue

Hermiston, Oregon 97838

Cover letter, resume, and application may also be submitted electronically to Business@hermistonid.org

Propose start date: ASAP

Job announcement will remain open until the ideal candidate is found. First round applications to be submitted by June 6, 2025.

Hermiston Irrigation District is an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, or disability in accordance with state and federal law.

The information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied employment contract, and these provisions are subject to change. The District will not be responsible for materials lost in the mail.

Full job description and District information available

Tumalo Irrigation District – Full-time Ditch Rider

This full-time position is being advertised May 2025 until filled. Applications and resume should be submitted to the District office at staff@tumalo.org To view full job announcement visit our website at: https://www.tumalo.org/employment 

Top candidates will receive an interview, and interviews will be held until the position is filled. Start date is flexible and negotiable, but candidates are encouraged to be ready, willing, and able to start as soon as possible.

Appointment to the position is through an open competitive process and will be based on the General Manager and Field Manager’s evaluation of merit, qualification, experience, and character. The starting wage for this position is competitive with similar jobs in the County and negotiable depending on experience

Starting Wage: $23.00 to $26.00 DOE

Benefits (after 6-month probationary period): Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), District contribution to Retirement plan, 8 paid holidays/year, 5-15 days paid vacation/year (based on tenure), 10 days paid sick leave/year, District vehicle.

 Mandatory Job Requirements:

•             High school diploma or GED.

•             At least 2 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

•             2 years’ experience working in the construction trades or in an irrigation setting

•             Valid Oregon Class A driver’s license or ability to obtain one, with clean, safe driving record.

Special Job Requirements:

•             Employee must live within (30) minutes of District facilities (Bend, OR).

•             Employee required to take off-hours emergency call-outs (including weekends) one week per month.

•             Maintain CPR/AED and Standard First Aid certifications as applicable.

 Essential Functions:

•             Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the distribution, measurement, and delivery of irrigation water to irrigators.

•             Measurement and balancing of water distribution using weirs, meters, and basic math.

•             Perform repair work in, on, and around irrigation facilities including cleaning and maintenance of irrigation canals, ditches, trash racks, pipelines and other structures as necessary to assure: (1) safe access to facilities, (2) proper operation of facilities (3) proper conveyance and distribution of irrigation water in a timely manner.

•             Patrol assigned area by motor vehicle, by foot or any other management approved manner to detect leaks, breaks, weak areas, or obstructions and damage to the irrigation system.

•             Remove debris and make emergency repairs to banks, structures, and gates.

•             Curtail unauthorized or excessive diversions.

•             Repairs, reinforces, and modifies service lines, buildings, vaults, meters, water tanks, steel cylinder pipelines, and other metal structures.

•             Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public.

•             Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.

•             May work irregular or extended overtime hours.

•             Participate in the On-call irrigation season rotation schedule.

Full job description and District information available 

North Unit Irrigation District – Assistant General Manager

North Unit Irrigation District (NUID) is based in Madras, in beautiful Central Oregon.

NUID has served the agricultural water needs of the community since 1945, although the district was formed and given water rights in 1913! We provide agricultural water and today we remain the largest supplier of irrigation water in Central Oregon.

NUID maintains approximately 300 miles of lined, piped, and open ditch water delivery systems to service 900 active accounts over 58,880 acres. In addition, NUID operates and maintains 2 reservoirs totaling 205,600 acre -feet and 1 pumping facility with a pumping capacity of 200 cubic feet per second (cfs).

Compensation

·    Annual salary range of $70,000 to $90,000 depending on experience, full-time, exempt

·    Medical, dental, vision insurance for employee and dependents 100% employer paid

·    Short term disability and life insurance coverage, employer paid

·    Employer funded Health Reimbursement Account

·    401(k) Employer match of 5.75% with employee contribution of 3%

·    Paid vacation, sick leave, 8 holidays, 80 hours of comp time

·    District vehicle, phone, and possibility of district housing

Definition

Under the supervision and direction of the District General Manager, the Assistant General Manager assists the General Manager in planning, organizing, and supervising the district's operations and functions; assists with implementing Board policies and programs; assists with budget development and review; and acts on behalf of the General Manager in that person’s absence.

Desirable Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Agriculture, Business Administration, or Construction Management is desired.

• Experience: Five years experience, with two years in a management or supervisory capacity, in a public agency requiring the responsibility for the implementation of programs and development and administration of budgets.

License/Certificate/Registration/Requirement

• Possession of a valid Oregon Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Failure to obtain or maintain such required license(s) may be cause for disciplinary action.

• Possession and proof of a good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years. The driving record may not contribute to an increase in the District's automobile rates.

Other Requirements

The Assistant General Manager position may require living in housing provided by the District. The position will also require extended and “on-call” hours during the irrigation season.

Submit your resume and cover letter to nuid@northunitid.com Feel free to tell us about your experiences and why you are interested in this position.

Job description and other related information

https://www.owrc.org/resources/job-opportunities