Alex McGregor: An Advocate for Irrigated Ag Informed by 140 Years of Family History
Alex McGregor’s family has been involved in agriculture in the inland Northwest for 140 years. That means that the McGregors have seen central Washington transformed from a dusty wasteland to one of the nation’s most productive farmlands. Meanwhile, they founded the McGregor Land and Livestock Company and the McGregor Company, which provides agronomic supplies and […]
Ray Mayne: Pivoting With Irrigation Trends on New Zealand’s South Island
For 40 years, Ray Mayne has sold irrigation systems in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Since 2000, he has been a dealer for Reinke, one of the largest U.S. center-pivot manufacturers. In this interview, Mr. Mayne talks about the development and growth of irrigation in New Zealand, the shift from boom-type to center-pivot systems, […]
Keri Johnston of Irrigation New Zealand: Representing Irrigated Ag at the National Level
Keri Johnston is the chair of Irrigation New Zealand (IrrigationNZ), a member-founded industry organization committed to representing the interests of New Zealand’s irrigation sector and promoting best practices across the industry. In this interview, Ms. Johnston tells us about New Zealand irrigators’ top issues and how IrrigationNZ advocates for them to the national government and […]
Senator Jon Kyl on Arizona’s Response to Its Water Challenges, Past and Future
During his more than 26 years in Congress and his time working as a lawyer in Arizona, Senator Jon Kyl was directly involved in groundwater management programs, surface water allocation settlements, and the development of a major water supply project, the Central Arizona Project (CAP). In this interview, Senator Kyl reflects on his accomplishments in […]
Roosevelt Water Conservation District Embraces Assura Technology to Meet the Increasing Demands of Urbanization
The Roosevelt Water Conservation District (RWCD) in Maricopa County, Arizona, is facing soaring demand for its services after rapid urban growth changed its model from agricultural to small-acreage and subdivision customers. General Manager Shane Leonard turned to technology company Assura’s solutions to bring much-needed efficiency to RWCD’s operations. In this interview, Mr. Leonard tells us […]
How the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation Is Supporting the Fallon Flats Irrigation Project
The Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC) is currently studying the possibility of establishing a new irrigation district, the Fallon Flats Irrigation Project, in eastern Montana. In this interview, EPEDC Executive Director Beth Epley tells us more about the concept and the growth and value it could bring to the region. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Headline_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Irrigation Leader: […]
Dennis Teske’s Vision for a New Irrigation Project Along the Yellowstone River
In the arid lands of Prairie County in eastern Montana, an expansion of irrigation could increase the value of land from $600–$900 an acre to about $3,600–$5,000 an acre while also making local farming livelihoods more dependable. In this interview, Dennis Teske, the president of Teske Farms, talks to Irrigation Leader about the project’s potential, […]
Field Test: Farmers and Water Managers Turn to Midwest Laboratories for Results
Midwest Laboratories helps its customers make smart decisions based on analysis of soil, water, and plant tissue samples. In this interview, field representative and third-generation farmer Ashley Babl talks with Irrigation Leader about the company, its offerings, and the importance of customer services. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Headline_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Irrigation Leader: Please tell us about your background and how […]
Lee Orton: Supporting Irrigated Agriculture in Nebraska
Since 1893, the Nebraska State Irrigation Association (NSIA) has represented the interests of the state’s farmers and water districts. In this interview, Executive Director Lee Orton talks with us about the association’s current agenda, which includes trying to channel federal dollars to rehabilitate the state’s aging water and irrigation infrastructure. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Headline_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Irrigation Leader: Please […]
Jesse Mintken: Reducing Flood Risk in Central Nebraska
Protecting people and property, including ag lands, from flooding is a priority for the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD), one of Nebraska’s 23 natural resources districts (NRDs). In the alluvium along the Platte River, the district has 40 dams as well as levees and detention cells. In this interview, Assistant Manager Jesse Mintken tells […]