The 2022 irrigation season doesn’t look promising, as New Mexico farmers brace themselves for another tough year.

Albuquerque CBS affiliate KRQE reported that the state is still in the throes of a drought, with parts of Chaves, Union, and Colfax counties classified in the exceptional drought category.

Jason Casuga, acting chief engineer with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, said recent snowfall has given a glimmer of hope but he maintains a wait-and-see outlook.

“We’ve had some snow, the water situation I think folks are a little more optimistic right now, unfortunately, I think it’s too early,” Casuga told KRQE.

Whether this year will give farmers a much-needed boon hinges on conditions during next month and the upcoming monsoon season.

Casuga said he has visited with farmers to see how they’re doing with the water they have, hoping not to repeat last year.

“I think it’s prudent that we prepare for another difficult season,” Casuga told KRQE.

Chile farmer Glen Duggins of Lemitar crosses his fingers that there will be more snow to mitigate the drought.

“We need snow in the mountains ... in the northern mountains, we need a lot of snow up there,” Duggins told KRQE.

He said that it will be business as usual for him, as he plans to keep planting and rely on water pumps if necessary.

NEEDS PHOTO; ready to publish otherwise