UNCE offers irrigation management workshops

Nevada agriculture producers rely on irrigation water to produce all crops, but 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,” Monday in Eureka and Tuesday 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 the following:

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.