The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska is partnering with award-winning filmmaker Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios to produce “Thirsty Land,” a new documentary that will share the impact of drought on agriculture production throughout the United States and the world.
The Water for Food Institute, along with UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, have provided startup sponsorship funds for the project. It is expected to premiere in Lincoln in conjunction with the seventh Water for Food Global Conference in late April 2016.
“Thirsty Land” explores drought and its impact on agriculture, communities and the global food supply. It will feature expert voices from around the United States, including faculty from the University of Nebraska who specialize in drought management and preparedness, groundwater policy, irrigation technology and other water and agricultural sciences.
“We are very pleased to participate in this important documentary about the challenges of drought and climate change,” said Roberto Lenton, executive director of the institute. “It supports our mission by educating people about the threats, as well as the opportunities, to achieving water and food security for generations to come.”
Weaver is a video producer and president and owner of ConjoStudios, a video production company based in Frederick, Md. His most recent project is the 2014 documentary “Great American Wheat Harvest.” His work has been recognized nationally by the Telly Awards.
“The University of Nebraska is well known for being a leader in research in the areas of water, hydrology and drought mitigation,” Weaver said. “DWFI has access to world-renown researchers dealing with drought issues, so it’s exciting to be able to talk with them to see and experience what they are doing to help farmers solve some of these complicated issues in providing more food for a growing global population.”
For more information on “Thirsty Land,” click here. Updates will be provided on Facebook and Twitter.
The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska was founded in 2010 to address the global challenge of achieving food security with less stress on water resources through improved water management in agricultural and food systems. The institute is committed to ensuring a water and food secure world while maintaining the use of water for other human and environmental needs.
