Working for the Future of Irrigation, in Wyoming and Worldwide

By Kris Polly

The issues Ric Herman observed as an active and involved farmer and rancher led him to help form the Wyoming Association of Irrigation Districts (WAID), of which he now serves as vice president. In our cover interview with him this month, we learn more about WAID’s mission and activities and discuss the importance of securing the future of irrigated agriculture in Wyoming and across the nation.

The South Island of New Zealand is rich in irrigated agriculture, irrigated pasture, hydropower resources, beautiful views, and charming and resourceful people. Participants in a March 2024 tour organized by Irrigation Leader experienced all this and more, and this month, we bring you their thoughts and experiences.

Next, we learn about challenges and solutions at three U.S. irrigation districts: Tualatin Valley Irrigation District in Oregon and the Kirwin and Webster Irrigation Districts in Kansas. While all are affected by drought and are working hard to maintain and modernize their water delivery systems despite funding challenges, the details of their challenges differ interestingly by location.

There’s significant irrigation north of the border, too: We learn more about irrigated agriculture in Alberta in a conversation with Margo Jarvis Redelback, the executive director of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association, and also preview the association’s February 2025 conference.

Then, we speak with Dani Quissell, the executive vice president of the North Dakota Water Users Association, who also serves as the executive director of the North Dakota Irrigation Association and the North Dakota Water Education Foundation. These statewide organizations advocate for adequate water funding and sound water policy, support irrigation development, and promote the education of future water resources professionals.

Finally, we interview Molly Davidson, the natural resources market group leader for Morrison-Maierle, a professional services consulting firm based in Helena, Montana, that has worked on many water resources and irrigation projects.

Across many regions and nations, irrigated agriculture continues to grow strongly, while also working doggedly to confront the challenges posed by drought and the aging of infrastructure. I hope you find our interviews with the tenacious and determined professionals in our industry inspiring.

Kris Polly is the editor-in-chief of Irrigation Leader magazine and the president of Water Strategies LLC, a government relations firm he began in February 2009 for the purpose of representing and guiding water, power, and agricultural entities in their dealings with Congress, the Bureau of Reclamation, and other federal government agencies. He may be contacted at kris.polly@waterstrategies.com.