AG DRIP

About

The Ag Water Demonstration, Research, and Implementation Program (Ag-DRIP) is an innovative initiative launched by Utah State University, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience to drought and conserving water in the Colorado River Basin. Recently funded by a grant from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District and the Colorado River Authority of Utah, Ag-DRIP represents the first phase of a five-year commitment totaling $5 million.

In response to the severe impacts of the 2020 to 2022 drought on Utah's agricultural sector, the program seeks to optimize irrigation practices through collaboration with farmers and water managers. By providing educational resources, onsite evaluations, and access to advanced irrigation technologies, Ag-DRIP aims to empower farmers to make the most of their water resources. This initiative not only supports the vital agricultural industry in Utah but also contributes to the overall food and water security of the state. Through hands-on projects and data-driven approaches, Ag-DRIP will play a crucial role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the face of increasing water scarcity.

Highlights

Program Launch
  • The Ag Water Demonstration, Research, and Implementation Program (Ag-DRIP) is an innovative initiative launched by Utah State University, aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience to drought and conserving water in the Colorado River Basin.
Recent funding
  • Recently funded by a grant from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District and the Colorado River Authority of Utah, Ag-DRIP represents the first phase of a five-year commitment totaling $5 million.

Participant Benefits

Sensor and Weather Station
Soil Moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling and water use monitoring includes:
  • 3 Water Content Sensors
  • 1 Matric Potential Sensor
  • 1 Data Logger
  • Telemetry for 5 Years
         Total value: $4,500
Flow Monitor
Installation of one flow-monitoring device to assist in water management, including five years of telemetry for remote access to flow data.
Irrigation Evaluation/Support
The participating crop field will receive:
  • An irrigation system evaluation
  • A complete soil sample analysis
  • An irrigation water quality analysis
$2,000 in Crop Seed
Funding to try a new crop, a low-water-use crop, or one not recently grown
Annual $750 Irrigation Credit
Compensation for annual reporting.

Enroll Now!

Participant Requirements

  • Agree to a 5-year participation period
  • Agree to collaborate with USU on the project
  • Develop a 5-year irrigation management plan (IMP)
  • Annually report on IMP progress
  • Share sensor and flow meter data, from the installed flow meter, with USU during the 5-year period
      • *Data will only be shared internally without farm names    to maintain privacy
  • Participation is voluntary and will not obligate participants to participate in any other water management program

Enroll Now!

Annual Reports

2023 Annual Report

The 2023 AG-DRIP report outlines the initial phase of enrolling 21 farmers in a water management program, installing soil moisture and weather sensors, and beginning irrigation management plans. Despite delays, farms were provided with training, soil and irrigation samples, and equipment for better irrigation practices. Alternative crop trials were encouraged with financial incentives. Workshops and field days were organized for water managers and farmers to demonstrate techniques and share knowledge. The program aimed to improve water measurement accuracy with flow meters and to support farmers and irrigation companies with technology and training. Educational tools and resources were developed to assist in water optimization and management.

On This Page