Nevada agriculture producers rely on irrigation water to produce all crops. However, with the state in the midst of a four-year drought, water for irrigation remains in short supply. Without irrigation, there's no production. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is offering free workshops, "Irrigation Management, Tips and Techniques When Water is Short," March 14 in Eureka and March 15 in Fallon to help agriculture producers get the most out of their crops by irrigating effectively with less water.
"We try to help farmers and irrigators be as effective as they can with the water available to them," Cooperative Extension Alternative Crops and Forage Specialist Jay Davison said. "These classes will provide tips and information on how to do that."
Topics include:
- Simplified Irrigation Scheduling on Your Computer or Mobile Device, presented by Irrigation Specialist Troy Peters from Washington State University Cooperative Extension
- Deficit Irrigation of Alfalfa and Grass, presented by Siskiyou County Crops Farm Advisor Steve Orloff from University of California Cooperative Extension
- Update on the Low-Energy Sprinkler Application Water-Saving Trial in Diamond Valley, presented by Water Management Engineer Howard Neibling of University of Idaho Cooperative Extension (Eureka workshop only)
- Soil Moisture Monitors and Irrigation Scheduling, presented by Davison
- Irrigating Alfalfa: Putting all the Pieces Together, presented by Orloff
- Preliminary Results of Nevada Alfalfa Variety Trial, presented by Davison
The Eureka workshop is from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Eureka Opera House, 31 S. Main St. Lunch is provided. To register, contact Jessica Santoyo at 775-237-6137 or ECD@eurekanv.org. The Fallon workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Churchill County Cooperative Extension Office, 111 Sheckler Road. To register, contact Pat Whitten at 775-423-5121 or whittenp@unce.unr.edu. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the scheduled event.