2025 Efficient Water Management for Forage Crops

Overview

On May 20, 2024, UCCE co-hosted a workshop on efficiency water management for forage crops. The team assisted with program development, outreach and facilitation. The workshop had over 25 participants including community stakeholders, elected officials, technical service providers and farmers and ranchers with over 4,600 acres of irrigated crops (pasture and hay). 100% of farmers and ranchers noted the workshop improved their awareness of irrigation efficiency practices. Additionally, 100% of farmer and rancher participants had additional educational needs following the workshop to improve best management practice implementation. Lastly, all farmers and ranchers have had follow-up regarding cost-share opportunities for irrigation efficiency with NRCS and the groundwater district (CDFA block grant, local funding).

Highlights

• Being an efficient irrigators starts with good design. 
• You should conduct a system evaluation every 3-5 years 
• Must conduct maintenance to maintain performance. 
• There are pitfalls in design, installation and utilization. 
• Understand your application rate and crop demands: soil moisture sensors, flow meters and local ET sensors. 

Resouces

• What it takes to be Efficient Irrigators- from Principles to Practical Implementation
• Efficient Water Management for Sprinkler and Surface Irrigated Forages
• Water Use of Alfalfa -- for Irrigation Planning and Scheduling
• For video presentations visit co-host Sierra Valley Ground Water Management District page at https://www.sierravalleygmd.org/2024-05-20-board-workshop-efficient-water-management-for-forage-crops.