NDSU Offers December Irrigation Workshops

The North Dakota State University Extension Service is holding irrigation workshops Dec. 10 in Bismarck, Dec. 15 in Grand Forks, Dec. 16 in Turtle Lake and Dec. 17 in Williston.

“Although rainfall was well-distributed across the state, some areas of the state experienced drought conditions during the growing season, and having the ability to irrigate produced a substantial difference in yields,” says Tom Scherer, NDSU Extension irrigation/water quality specialist. “Irrigation provides more consistent crop production on a year-to-year basis; allows longer-season crops, such as corn, potatoes and soybeans, to be grown; provides a consistent supply of forage for animal operations; and diversifies the farm enterprise.”

The workshop on Thursday, Dec. 10, is at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck. It will be held in conjunction with the North Dakota Water Users Association convention. The NDSU Extension Service, Missouri Slope Irrigation Development Association and North Dakota Irrigation Association (NDIA) sponsor the workshop.

The morning program will have presentations on the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), center-pivot sprinkler uniformity, site-specific sprinkler irrigation research and North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN), as well as an update on the Devils Lake irrigation project. During the meal break from noon to 1:30 p.m., the NDIA will hold its annual business meeting.

The afternoon program has presentations on grain storage options, fertility management and chemigation, high-moisture grain drying and design of center-pivot sprinkler packages.

Registration will begin about 8 a.m., and the registration fee is $20.

The workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 15, is in the County Office Building (sixth floor), 151 4th St. S., Grand Forks. This workshop is for experienced irrigators in the area. This workshop will have presentations on groundwater permits, using NDAWN resources, pivot sprinkler uniformity, fertility management and chemigation, the site-specific Web-based irrigation scheduling program, tile drainage under irrigation and winterizing irrigation systems, and an update on the irrigation portion of AWEP.

Preregistration is required by Dec. 11. The registration fee is $10 and includes lunch. To register, call (701) 780-8229.

The workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 16, will be held in the American Legion Hall, 23 2nd Ave. E., Turtle Lake. This workshop was organized due to interest in developing the irrigation potential along the McClusky canal and surrounding area.

The workshop will address Bureau of Reclamation requirements for water service contracts to use water from the McClusky canal, irrigation permits and groundwater resources in the area, fertility management and chemigation, economics of irrigation development and availability of electric power. It also will include an update on the water delivery project from the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and a farmer panel.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. No registration fee is required.

The workshop on Thursday, Dec. 17, is in the Ernie French building at the Williston Research Extension Center just west of Williston on U.S. Highway 2. This workshop is for experienced irrigators in the area.

Topics to be covered include an update on AWEP, Nesson Valley irrigation research, using NDAWN resources for irrigation, rental rates and crop budgets, fertility issues and applications, center pivot sprinkler uniformity and an update on strip tillage systems. The afternoon session will have presentations on Nesson Valley irrigation research, broadleaf crop disease issues and soybean/dry bean production.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The workshop is free of charge.

For more information, contact any county office of the NDSU Extension Service or call Scherer at (701) 231-7239.

NDSU Agriculture Communication