May 8, 2008--Colo. farmers form 'Super Ditch' to negotiate water deals (Denver Post)
Some southeast Colorado farmers are joining forces in a "super ditch" company in hopes of negotiating better prices when they lease irrigation water to cities and other users. Organizers said the new Lower Arkansas Valley Super Ditch Co. could lease up to 45,000 acre-feet of water a year, or about 14.7 million gallons, and generate $10 million to $15 million annually for farmers and other water-rights owners. About 40 owners signed paper work this week forming the company. "It gives farmers an equal fighting chance to do something they wouldn't otherwise be able to do," said John Schweizer, who farms near Rocky Ford and was elected to the Super Ditch board. "I like it because it's all voluntary. Nobody has to do anything they don't want to," he said. The company could give farmers a new tool in the competition with urban interests for Colorado's scarce water.
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