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Cost-Share Resources USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program provides financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air and related resources on their land. The NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides producers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement conservation practices that lead to cleaner water and air, […]

Furrow irrigation supplies water to crops through shallow, evenly spaced furrows. University of Missouri Extension describes it as, “parallel beds usually spaced 30–38 inches apart. Water flows from a pump in lay-flat plastic pipes with holes in them to obtain desired flow rate.” Though furrow irrigation is not very efficient on its own, the economics […]

In 2013–14, University of California Davis Extension Specialist Ken Tate interviewed ranchers and asked if their current management strategies would be sufficient to deal with more frequent drought events (5–8 drought years in a 10-year period). Most (82%) did not think so, and more than half said they would reduce their base herd size as […]

Tile drainage systems are widely used to manage excess water in regions that receive a lot of precipitation. But when crop production practices that diminish soil health, such as excessive tillage and no crop rotation, are also used, then tile drainage systems do not operate as efficiently as they can because of poor water infiltration. […]

Many irrigation packages and operating methods are available. For example, with proper design and installation, a center pivot sprinkler system can achieve high irrigation efficiency and uniform application. Furrow irrigation strategies, such as tailwater recovery, irrigating every other row and polyacrylamide application, also provide ways to lower water use. Other water delivery systems include lined […]

Farmers and ranchers in many parts of the country are taking steps to make irrigation systems more efficient and cost effective. Regardless of which irrigation system you use, there are common ways to improve your management of irrigation water. An irrigation audit may help determine what goals or outcomes are best for your individual farm. […]

As farmers in western Nebraska face higher cash rents and property taxes, many want a more profitable, sustainable alternative to fallow for crop rotation. Strahinja Stepanovic, a University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension educator, received a SARE grant to find suitable crops for the mix. “Farmers in the semi-arid regions of western Nebraska (14–19 inches of […]

Ranchers must prepare for the ever-present challenges posed by drought. They need practical ranch management options during drought to sustain soil health, plant diversity and livestock production while supporting rural economies in the western United States. Rangeland livestock producers are often the first to feel the impacts of drought, especially in California, where the majority […]

Certain varieties of grain crops can perform well in dry conditions and can help conserve moisture. Likewise, certain cover crops help farmers and ranchers conserve soil moisture. Look for crops that work in your specific climate and that might provide a market advantage. For example, cotton is a significant water user. Texas accounts for 45 […]

Crop rotation is one of the most effective ways to manage water resources nationwide. Since farmers began growing grain, particularly in the Great Plains, they’ve used long periods of fallow to conserve water for wheat and other cash crops. The fallow system leaves the land bare over a year or more and allows water to […]