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December 21, 2006 Irrigation Workshop Set in Park River The North Dakota State University Extension Service is holding an irrigation workshop in Park River on Thursday, Jan. 11. “With rising crop prices and excitement about biofuel production, consistent production of long-season crops is increasing interest in irrigation,” says Tom Scherer, NDSU Extension water quality and irrigation specialist. Irrigation projects are being developed in many parts of North Dakota that previously never had much irrigation, according to Scherer. Northeastern North Dakota is one of those locations. Although it receives the highest average precipitation of any part of the state, irrigation is being developed in areas with sandy soils. Farmers in the area have found that three weeks of drought in August can cut the potential yield of long-season crops in half. However, finding an adequate water source can be a problem. This workshop will explore options for development of water sources in the area. The workshop will be in the Walsh County Extension building. It’s scheduled to start at 9 a.m. The morning program will have a presentation on proposed water storage projects and a panel discussion by representatives from the North Dakota State Water Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The panel will discuss the permitting requirements and regulatory roles of each agency. The afternoon program will cover the irrigation water permitting process, water storage construction permits, irrigation finance options and the economics of irrigated crops. The $6 registration fee includes a noon meal. Attendees can register at the door. However, please preregister with the Walsh County Extension office before Jan. 8 at (701) 284-6248 so workshop organizers can get an accurate count for the noon meal. For more information, visit the Web site at www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/upcoming.htm, contact any county office of the NDSU Extension Service or call the NDSU Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department at (701) 231-7239. ### Source: Tom
Scherer, (701) 231-7239, thomas.scherer@ndsu.edu |
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