NDSU hosts Irrigation Workshop

Bismarck, North Dakota – On December 8, a public irrigation workshop will be held by the North Dakota State University Extension in cooperation with the North Dakota Irrigation.

The workshop’s focus is on business potential associated with irrigation science. The conference hall will also host an irrigation exposition for vendors in addition to the training itself.

With the help of the Water Users Association, the first and second presentations in the morning are held. The first is a panel discussion on the economic potential of agriculture, and the second is an introduction to western water regulations. An update on NDSU’s Oakes irrigation research site, including their work on drought-resistant corn, and a talk on the state’s revolving fund for irrigation districts will follow a morning break in the program.

Talks on automated drip irrigation, revised crop budgets, introductions to irrigation districts, and managing resistant weeds, and presentations on the variable irrigation project of the Natural Resources Conservation Service are also part of the afternoon’s program plan.

“The competition for water is increasing every year and access to good quality water for expanding irrigated acres will become more difficult in the future,” said NDSU Extension Agricultural Engineer Tom Scherer in a press release. “However, with a reliable water source, investing in irrigation is a great hedge against drought periods during the growing season.”

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center. It will coincide with the annual conference of the North Dakota Irrigation Association, which runs from noon to one in the afternoon. Registration for the event costs $50, which must be paid at the door. Registration includes a meal. Disability accommodation requests must be submitted at least two weeks before the workshop.

Contact Tom Scherer at thomas.scherer@ndsu.edu or 701-231-7239 for further details about the session.