Irrigation Today

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $310 million investment to expand producer conservation work across the country. Funds will be available through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) with the goal of helping farmers, ranchers and forest landowners adopt conservation practices that improve operations while protecting natural resources.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $65 million available through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program to accelerate the development and adoption of new conservation technologies and practices on private agricultural lands. The program offers two funding opportunities: CIG Classic: Supports development of new tools, technologies and strategies for conservation.

Agriculture is one of the nation’s most dangerous occupations, according to the National Safety Council. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. farms reported 200,000 work-related injuries annually. Tractors and other machinery account for most injuries, but producers often overlook the potential safety risks associated with irrigation systems.

Michael Meyer, CID, of Coast Water Solutions has been working in the industry for 12 years. In his position as general manager, he balances a wide range of responsibilities, including new project development, design and delegation as well as overall company operations. Meyer says he is fortunate to work with a talented team of designers, field technicians, warehouse personnel and sales staff who take pride in their work. What first pulled you into irrigation—and what’s kept you in it?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the launch of a pilot program to modernize crop acreage reporting. The initiative is part of USDA’s One Farmer, One File effort to simplify recordkeeping and improve the crop acreage reporting process.

Efficient water use is important throughout the irrigation season and becomes even more critical during the hottest summer months.

Val Fishman of Netafim, Orbia Precision Agriculture has been working in the irrigation industry for five years. As an advocacy and development consultant, she works at the intersection of agriculture, industry and sustainability to accelerate the adoption of smart irrigation. Fishman helps translate corporate commitments into on‑farm impact, delivering measurable environmental benefits while supporting the long‑term viability of farming communities.

Saul Medrano of AvidWater LLC has been working in the industry for seven years. In his position as regional sales manager, he oversees sales on the Central Coast (Santa Cruz County to Ventura County) and recently the Baja Region in Mexico. What first pulled you into irrigation—and what’s kept you in it? Irrigation courses in the BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are what got me into irrigation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened nominations for Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committees on June 16, 2026. Farmers and ranchers nationwide are encouraged to apply because their participation contributes to shaping how federal farm programs are delivered at the local level, including decisions related to conservation, disaster assistance and commodity support.

New research from the University of Maryland shows irrigation needs for soybean crops on the Eastern Shore will quadruple in the coming decades during the hottest summer months. Researchers found that total seasonal irrigation requirements are unlikely to increase dramatically, but water stress during July and August is likely to increase. As a result, they predict soybean crops will need three to four times more water than rainfall can provide.