water usage - Page 1

Five ways to improve irrigation efficiency without buying new equipment

Five practical irrigation management strategies can help Idaho producers improve water-use efficiency, conserve limited water supplies and maintain profitability without investing in expensive new technology.

June 10, 2026

Emily Bedwell

While new irrigation technologies can be valuable tools, improving irrigation efficiency does not always require a major investment. In many cases, small management changes can have a significant impact on water use, crop performance and overall profitability.

Water is becoming the hard limit on U.S. ranches

With drought tightening supply and diesel driving up the cost of every mile, the real risk on most ranches isn’t running out of water – it’s not knowing you’re already losing it.

June 9, 2026

Andrew Coppin

Across much of the U.S., ranchers are dealing with a shift that’s been building for years: The patterns they’ve relied on are changing.

Putting wheel-line sprinkler technologies to the test

Utah trials show newer wheel-line sprinklers can improve irrigation efficiency without reducing yields, offering farmers a way to conserve water while maintaining crop performance.

May 17, 2026

Matt Yost

Even small improvements in how water is applied and managed can make a noticeable difference in irrigation efficiency and crop performance. Utah State University (USU) is currently studying four types of wheel‑line sprinklers (traditional impact sprinklers and newer rotator styles) to see how they affect irrigation efficiency and yields in common forage crops.

Smarter cooling starts at the bunk: How precision sprinklers are reshaping heat stress management in dairy barns

Precision cooling strategies triggered by cow presence help dairy producers manage heat stress, conserve water, maintain cleaner barns, protect infrastructure and safeguard animal health across all life stages.

March 24, 2026

Ruth Robertshaw

As heat events become more frequent and more intense, dairy producers are reevaluating when – and how – they cool their cows.

Automated surge irrigation shows potential to reduce water diversions

Automated surge irrigation can potentially transform surface irrigation from a labor-intensive practice into a precision-managed system capable of achieving real diversion reductions without reducing crop yield.

January 21, 2026

Matt Yost

One promising and often overlooked solution in helping to improve surface irrigation systems’ efficiency is optimizing how it is managed. Automated surge irrigation is a promising example of such solutions, one that can significantly reduce water diversions while fitting within existing farm management systems.

Gov. Brad Little highlights American Falls Dam and Magic Valley water infrastructure projects

In June, Gov. Brad Little highlighted the importance of major water infrastructure investments aimed at helping canal companies, irrigation districts, cities and other partners modernize and sustain critical water systems.

June 26, 2025

Cassidy Woolsey

On June 16, Gov. Brad Little and Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) Chairman Jeff Raybould visited American Falls Dam and the Highline Canal south of Buhl to highlight two major projects funded through the state’s Modernizing Water Infrastructure grant.

Solving soil moisture challenges with surfactants

Soil surfactants enhance water infiltration and retention, reducing heat stress in crops and, when paired with best irrigation practices, significantly improve efficiency and soil moisture management.

June 10, 2025

Ian Crawford

Soil surfactants when utilized correctly, can optimize soil moisture that would otherwise be limiting and leave the cool-season grasses vulnerable to heat stress. When coupled with well established “best management practices” for irrigation efficiency (i.e., proper maintenance, moisture monitoring, irrigation scheduling based on evapotranspiration and other precision irrigation practices), soil surfactants can be implemented to fully optimize irrigation water supply and improve efficiencies.

Alfalfa: A misunderstood crop in the West’s water crisis

Alfalfa has frequently been portrayed negatively in discussions about water consumption in the western U.S. Media reports often blame this crop for depleting vital resources in dry areas. Such claims oversimplify a complex issue and overlook the essential contributions of alfalfa to agriculture.

April 10, 2025

Emily Meccage

Nationwide, 14.6 million acres are cultivated for alfalfa. Critics argue this is too much for regions with limited water, yet they fail to compare these numbers to other staple crops.

Understanding water management challenges in Idaho’s Treasure Valley

The Treasure Valley faces water management challenges due to urbanization's impact on drain flows, with the Treasure Valley Water Supply Project providing innovative solutions to understand and manage these changes.

July 31, 2024

Cassidy Woolsey

The Idaho Water Users Association (IWUA) midyear meeting in June highlighted significant water management challenges and innovative solutions in the Treasure Valley.