Highlighting western water leaders and providing a forum for irrigators and engineers to discuss solutions and technology.
making your voice heard
What we do at Irrigation Leader Magazine
Irrigation Leader is dedicated to the men and women providing water to irrigators in the 17 western states and beyond. Our interviews with irrigation district managers and personnel; supplier representatives; and leading local, state and federal government officials distill the issues of the day and offer real-world perspectives and insight.
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Current Editions
Here are the latest editions of Irrigation Leader magazine. You can find previous months by selecting the desired edition under the Magazines tab or by visiting our archives here.
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we learn about a wheelline system that was invented by a clockmaker and improved over years of close work with in-field users. This combination of precision and practicality has made Thunderbird Manufacturing’s wheel lines a favorite in Idaho—and increasingly…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we interview John Boelts, an active Yuma-area farmer who is also the state president of the Arizona Farm Bureau. In our conversation, Mr. Boelts highlights the bureau’s work and advocacy, discusses trends and challenges farmers face, and looks toward the future…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we speak with Jack Dwyer and Dani Quissell of the Upper Missouri Water Association about efforts to take full advantage of the great resources that the Missouri River represents. Representing irrigation districts, farmers, businesses, and more…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we focus on the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment’s recent adoption of the Aquarius software developed by Aquatic Informatics. Speaking with representatives of the department and of Aquatic Informatics, we outline the challenges the department…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we interview Mark Lukow, a commissioner of the Eledge Ditch in northwestern New Mexico and a resident of the local community for about 35 years. The 150‑year-old ditch, which serves 237 local landowners and producers, relies largely on the efforts of…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we interview Robyn Dynes, a principal scientist with the Bioeconomy Science Institute who was recently included in the King’s New Year Honours. She highlights trends and challenges in New Zealand agriculture, identifies the top best practices for producers to adopt…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
Jon Erickson is both the development coordinator for the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District and the chair of the Columbia Basin Development League. In both positions, he plays a significant role in pushing forward progress on the Columbia Basin Project (CBP), particularly the…
Volume 17 Issue 5 May
In our cover story this month, we interview Sarah Trehearne, the manager of LeClair Irrigation District in central Wyoming. Since stepping into the role in 2023, she has revamped management to be more proactive and set a strong foundation for future progress. In our conversation, we discuss the district’s…
Sharing The Waters
Sharing the Waters is a book written by the late Robert W. “Bob” Johnson, a career federal water management expert who rose through the ranks of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to eventually serve as its commissioner.
Commissioner Johnson’s insights remind readers that despite the seemingly unprecedented challenges confronting the Colorado River and its users today, contentious matters have always been a part of their history. Yet, he makes it clear that solutions for river and its use will never occur rapidly nor can they likely ever be permanent because as circumstances evolve, so too must the law of the river.
Sharing the Waters can be obtained by making a modest donation to the Water Education Fund.
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Our website serves as a clearinghouse for requests for proposals and job listings published by water agencies and irrigation districts throughout the United States. We post jobs at no charge, in the Irrigation Leader, Hydro Leader, and Municipal Water Leader magazines and websites.