Irrigation

Both water management and irrigation system maintenance can help maximize forage production with a limited water supply. Currently, in Idaho, reservoir storage is low, giving little carryover water to augment a potentially short snow year.

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a wireless wetting-front monitoring and a cellular communication system for use in flood-irrigated alfalfa and other surface-irrigated crops. Using individually numbered wireless sensors placed in the field, water arrival to a specific location is detected.

Irrigation has enhanced corn production significantly in the U.S. over the past several years. However, concerns have increased about the sustainability of irrigated corn acres during a time of declining surface and groundwater supplies as well as increased pump costs.

In semi-arid environments such as Utah, water is one of the most limiting factors to crop production and the single-most important factor influencing plant growth and crop yields.

In 2003, Terry and Linda Ketterling started TLK Farms, Inc. and TLK Dairy, Inc. along with their son Tony Ketterling and daughter Launa Fowler.

As Terry put it, “I bought a dairy to learn about dairy.”

Before you forget about irrigation for this year, consider the following management practices to prepare for next season.