Irrigation continues to play a critical role in modern crop production across Minnesota. As technology evolves and water management becomes increasingly important for both productivity and sustainability, opportunities for irrigators to stay informed are more valuable than ever.
The Minnesota Irrigator Program will return March 10–11 at the Cactus Event Center in Perham, bringing together researchers, industry professionals, and growers for two days focused on practical irrigation education and emerging technologies.
Hosted by University of Minnesota Extension and supported by irrigation partners across the state, the program is designed to help irrigators strengthen their management decisions while learning about new tools and strategies being used in the field today.
Participants will hear from leading experts from the University of Minnesota, Oklahoma State University, Colorado State University, and North Dakota State University, along with industry representatives and growers who are actively working with irrigation systems across the region.
Topics throughout the two-day program include:
- Using evapotranspiration data to schedule irrigation
- Soil moisture sensor-based irrigation management
- Variable rate irrigation and prescription mapping
- Autonomous irrigation pivots and emerging technology
- Nitrogen management under irrigation
- Irrigation system maintenance and pump management
- Funding opportunities for irrigation practices
- Grower experiences implementing variable rate irrigation
The program also provides an opportunity for irrigators to connect with vendors, researchers, and fellow producers to discuss challenges and opportunities in irrigated agriculture.
Day one of the program will focus heavily on irrigation tools and technology, including evapotranspiration tools such as OpenET, irrigation scheduling approaches, canopy sensors, telemetry, and autonomous pivots.
Day two will explore broader irrigation management topics such as soil health, irrigation system maintenance, nitrogen management strategies, funding opportunities for irrigation improvements, and a grower panel discussing real-world experiences with variable rate irrigation.
For irrigators looking to improve water use efficiency, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and connect with industry experts, the Minnesota Irrigator Program provides a valuable learning opportunity ahead of the growing season.
The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day and includes meals and vendor networking opportunities.
Registration information and additional details about the program can be found here Minnesota Irrigator Program | UMN Extension.
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