The California drought has exacerbated some of the challenges farmers face. 
For example, they have to spend more on water, and not just because there is less to go around. A warmer climate causes water to evaporate faster and can force plants to consume more for the same amount of growth.
But researchers at the University of California, Merced, are finding where crops would use water most efficiently so that the state can continue to grow food in the new climate and offering data that can be used any time.
Because of the immediate importance of this work, UC Merced environmental science graduate student Lorenzo Booth earned top honors at the American Water Resources Association meeting in July 2016.
Read all about Lorenzo's research, the conference, and his award here.
