dry farming

noun

: farming on nonirrigated land with little rainfall that relies on moisture-conserving tillage and drought-resistant crops
dry-farm transitive verb
dry farm noun
dry farmer noun

Examples of dry farming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2007 Emeritus acquired Pinot Hill, a smaller vineyard with soils that also allow for dry farming. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 23 Jan. 2024 The technique, known as dry farming, traces its roots back to Indigenous peoples, including the Hopi, who thrived in the arid climate in the West. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023 Cirone specializes in dry farming — applying little or no water, and relying on rainfall and the moisture stored in the ground. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023 The Hopi sense of identity is vulnerable when Hopis live off the remote reservation, are distanced from religious and cultural practices like dry farming and ceremonies in the kiva, and can’t speak the language that is part of a spiritual covenant with the creator, Maasaw, Qötsahonmana said. Felicia Fonseca, ajc, 9 Nov. 2021 Why is dry farming important? Eric Asimov, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2021 No-till farming, compost tea applications, and dry farming bring out the best in terroir while maintaining a vibrant ecosystem. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022 Other wineries are trying to adapt with dry farming, a method that requires minimal irrigation. Hollie Stephens, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2022 Importantly, Daugs added, much of the valley’s agriculture is dry farming. Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dry farming.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dry farming was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near dry farming

Cite this Entry

“Dry farming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dry%20farming. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dry farming

noun
: farming on dry land without irrigation using moisture-conserving methods and drought-resistant crops
dry-farm verb
dry farm noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dry farming

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!