Irrigation Leader: What is the top issue facing your irrigation district today?
Tom Buchanan: Conserving water and the modernization of existing infrastructure, focusing on improving delivery percentage from supply to farm.
Irrigation Leader: What future issues are you preparing for?
Tom Buchanan: The protection of water rights as increasing groundwater withdrawals affect surface flows.
Irrigation Leader: What are your top issues regarding personnel?
Tom Buchanan: The implementation of new technologies throughout the district has actually resulted in a smaller workforce, so maintaining our current employees is the priority.
Irrigation Leader: What training do you currently provide your employees?
Tom Buchanan: As new infrastructure and technology is installed, we help employees get the most out of that investment, resulting in better service to landowners.
Irrigation Leader: How much do you spend on training each year?
Tom Buchanan: It varies greatly. The expenses are related to training refresher courses or new improvements.
Irrigation Leader: What kind of safety programs do you have in place?
Tom Buchanan: Ongoing safety reminders.
Irrigation Leader: What is the most important thing you have learned as a manager?
Tom Buchanan: Growing up in this community and working for my neighbors while still having ag interests of my own allows me to maintain a firsthand knowledge of and awareness of growers and crop production, which gives me the insight needed to respond to grower needs.
Irrigation Leader: What are the top skills needed to be a successful manager?
Tom Buchanan: Being a jack of all trades and knowing when to empower employees.
Irrigation Leader: What is the best way to work with a board of directors?
Tom Buchanan: In my case, it is being involved with board members during the ever-evolving processes of planning, implementation, and funding. Equally important is being involved proactively in the broader community, whether local, statewide, or national.