Irrigation Association Asking Growers For Input On Water Use

The Irrigation Association (IA), in partnership with USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is asking its members to complete and return a Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey. The survey, a supplement to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, was mailed to 35,000 producers nationwide on Jan. 12. Completed surveys must be returned to NASS by Feb. 17. This year, surveys were sent to horticulture and nursery operations for the first time. NASS hopes to take an in-depth look at irrigation practices for this growing sector of the agricultural industry. “We encourage IA members to promote the survey to agricultural colleagues and participate in the process,” said Erin Field, IA agriculture affairs director. The survey collects data about irrigation water use in 2008, including application methods, equipment, facilities, expenditures, crop acreage, and yield. Participation by producers is important because the survey provides the only complete, consistent data regarding on-farm irrigation activities in the U.S. Survey results are critical inputs to government programs that promote efficient irrigation practices. More information about the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey can be found at www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/index.asp.