The upper Colorado River near Burns, Colorado. Farmers along the river are concerned about water management, according to a new survey.

The Western Landowners Alliance and the University of Wyoming recently surveyed farmers and ranchers in the Colorado River Basin. The survey revealed two major conclusions.

One was surprising, and one was not.

The surprising conclusion was that three-quarters of the more than 1,000 farmers who responded to the survey were unaware of state and federal water conservation and management programs.

These are not hobby farmers. The Colorado River provides water to 15% of the nation’s farmland, which produces 90% of its winter vegetables. That a farmer operating in the region was unaware of any water-related program is interesting. If nothing else, it demonstrates that the government agencies involved in the programs need to do a better job of getting the word out.

The lone exception was the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s EQIP program, which provides technical and financial aid to farmers to conserve water. But familiarity with EQIP — short for Environmental Quality Incentives Program — was still thin. Though most farmers were familiar with it, nearly 41% were not.

This is a region where water isn’t just a concern; it’s the concern. Even after this year’s quenching rains and robust snowfalls, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which store Colorado River water, are less than 38% full. The two reservoirs represent the linchpin of the West’s water system. Unless and until they recover, agriculture will remain on life support.

Which brings us to the conclusion that wasn’t surprising. Only 14% of farmers said there was a high level of trust between farmers and state and federal agencies.

While it’s not surprising, it is disappointing. Our guess is the two conclusions — the lack of knowledge about water programs and the lack of trust in the government — are somewhat related. A lack of knowledge will always lead to a lack of trust.

The survey also unearthed other concerns related to how water rights are handled. Farmers were generally opposed to water transfers, either temporary or permanent, for fear of losing their rights.

They also preferred local control over state or federal agencies managing the river.

This brings to mind a survey Oregon State University did on agricultural water issues across the state. Researchers talked with 59 farmers and ranchers — and did they ever get an earful.

They complained about water managers, government, how complicated applying for government programs is and that the state government has shown little interest in developing water storage.

Perhaps a deep distrust of government is at the heart of all these issues.

An old adage goes: When someone says, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help,” that’s when farmers and ranchers get nervous.

Without working with farmers and ranchers, government agencies will never be able to effectively manage water shortages — in the Colorado River Basin, Oregon or anywhere else.

Only farmers know their needs and how to stretch water supplies effectively.