Using Energy Wisely on the Farm and Ranch
Energy is one of the more expensive components of raising crops and livestock. In fact in 2005 in Nebraska, ag expenditures rose 10 percent above 2004 costs according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture due in part to rising costs for fuel and fertilizer – which is petroleum-based. An earlier USDA study found nearly half the cost of production was being spent for energy because of rising costs.In this issue, the Quarterly profiles ways to save on the cost of irrigation using a number of techniques from a variety of sources.
The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Crop Watch for June 2006 offered several irrigation management ideas:
-
Using available irrigation water strategically
- Improving surface irrigation efficiency; surge valves available
- How much will diesel price increases affect irrigation costs
Wateright.org offers information on irrigation scheduling at their web site, including a tutorial. The tutorial was developed by the Center for Irrigation Technology at Cal State University in Fresno.
A source for drip irrigation resources and information is the Small Farm Connection web site at Washington State University. The site includes information on design, management, rules and regulations and suppliers and sources.