# OPINION: As the West gets drier, the humble pear cactus may be Nevada's savior

> An opinion column profiles UNR biochemist John Cushman, who is researching pear cactus varieties as a water-efficient source of livestock feed, fuel and carbon capture. Patents have been filed on some findings, funded by the US Department of Energy and state research programs.

- Date: 2026-11-15 · published 2026-11-15T03:17:48.971Z
- Category: report · region US · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/100615-opinion-as-the-west-gets-drier-the-humble-pear-cactus-may-be-nevada-s-savior
- Commodities: [Alfalfa Hay](https://feedsoft.ai/c/ALFALFA.md), [Grass Hay](https://feedsoft.ai/c/GRASSHAY.md)

## Why it matters

Research into drought-tolerant forage crops is long-term and has no near-term effect on feed supply or prices. It is background context on arid-region feed alternatives rather than a market-moving event.

## Sources

- thenevadaindependent.com: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/opinion-as-the-west-gets-drier-the-humble-pear-cactus-may-be-nevadas-savior

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