USDA Survey

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently released the results of the 2008 Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey (FRIS). Conducted every five years, FRIS includes details on acres and yield of irrigated crops, quantity of water applied, method of water application, and irrigation expenditures. In 2008, for the first time ever NASS included all horticultural specialty farms in the survey.

While the number of farms decreased from 2003 to 2008, the number of irrigated acres increased by almost 2.5 million. Sprinkler irrigation was the most common method used, irrigating more than 30 million acres. The use of both sprinkler and drip irrigation has increased over the last decade while gravity and subsurface irrigation methods grow less popular.

To Taccess the full results of the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.

Plan Now For Smart Irrigation Month

SMART Irrigation Month may not begin until July but your preparations for it should begin now. The Irrigation Association (IA) hosted a webinar on April 6 to provide members with promotional ideas and highlight success stories. Information included marketing suggestions and tips for consumer- and business-directed outreach. The webinar also introduced the new Smart Marketing Contest, designed to recognize the most creative and successful marketing tactics of 2010. It is accessible at www.smartirrigationmonth.org.

Certification Improvements

To boost the value of certification for its members, IA is systematically improving its certification program.

“We’re seeking to have our certification programs accredited by a third party because it not only increases the value of the certification itself, but also the demand for certified professionals,” said Brent Mecham, industry development director for IA. “It’s a clear message to not only federal and state authorities but also consumers that irrigation efficiency is vital to our future.”

IA currently offers two certifications for the agriculture industry: the Agriculture Irrigation Specialist and the Certified Irrigation Designer (CID). CID professionals serve as technical experts (Technical Service Providers) for USDA Conservation Programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. These programs directly serve growers by helping them cost share on-farm conservation activities.

Trade Shows, Education, And Legislation

Two Irrigation Association staff joined more than 2,400 producers at the first annual Ag CONNECT Expo in January.

“We wanted to gain more insight into growers’ concerns and priorities,” said Erin Field Huston, agriculture affairs director for IA and member of the Ag CONNECT Expo Education Committee. “IA is actively involved in helping shape the education content for next year’s show, so we’re paying particular attention to post-show research regarding education sessions.”

At this year’s show, IA instructor Mike Mills, CID, Reinke Manufacturing Company, led a session on precision irrigation and conversion for farms. The
association hopes to offer additional irrigation classes at next year’s show.

Research also revealed that legislation is a major pain point for producers, so Huston advised those interested in irrigation legislation to attend the upcoming IA government affairs briefing, scheduled for June 10 via webinar.