This 3-day event will be held in person at Sherburne History Center
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Over the past few years, efficient agricultural irrigation has become a hot topic in Minnesota. In regions with sandy soils and limited precipitation, irrigation is a key component of production agriculture. (Licensed under the Unsplash+ License)
WAITE PARK, Minn. — Over the past few years, efficient agricultural irrigation has become a hot topic in Minnesota. In regions with sandy soils and limited precipitation, irrigation is a key component of production agriculture. Matching irrigation with crop water use has become more important to maintain profit and maximize groundwater resources. An understanding of the plant-water-soil relationship, proper irrigation system maintenance, and use of irrigation scheduling are just some of thetoolsirrigators use for cost-effective crop production. If you want to improve yourirrigationuse efficiency, the University of Minnesota Extension is offering the Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP) to provide you with the information you need to make irrigation decisions in 2025.
This 3-day event will be held in person at Sherburne History Center at 10775 27th Ave SE Becker, MN 55308 on April 2nd, 9th, and 16th from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. A light breakfast and warm lunch will be provided. Programming will include a discussion of the basics of irrigation, irrigation systems, how to use soil moisture sensors on your farm, irrigation scheduling, and special topics like variable rate irrigation and remote sensing.
In addition to learning about the most effective irrigation management, producers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) can earn credits for the Irrigation Endorsement. Certified farms will receive the endorsement with proof of complete MIP attendance and the adoption of a new irrigation practice or scheduling method on-farm. Tuition reimbursement is available for MAWQCP farms. Continuing education credits (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors will also be offered for this program.
The University of Minnesota Extension will be offering this program at rotating locations throughout the state in the coming years. Participation is capped at 25 individuals, so be sure to register soon! The cost of this 3-day program is $75. Light breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information and to register, go toz.umn.edu/IrrigatorProgram
Thank you to our sponsors and partners: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Nelson Irrigation, Reinke Irrigation, Earthscout, R.D. Offutt Farms, and NutraDrip.
–University of Minnesota Extension
