Tag: irrigation efficiency

Drip Irrigation Benefits Crops, Water and Habitat for California Farmer

Posted on August 3, 2017August 2, 2017 by torodriptips

During times of water scarcity, like California’s recent drought, it’s tempting to take on a binary view of the world. This was definitely the case with agriculture, which appeared to be at odds with everyone: farms vs. fish, farm vs. cities, farms vs. regulators. As a dominant water user in the state, they were easy targets.

But when one digs deeper, it’s obvious that many in the agricultural community want to move beyond this debate and do things differently. Yes growing food and fiber takes water, but there are plenty of farmers laser-focused on improving irrigation efficiency, maximizing multi-benefit solutions and striking a balance between growing crops and preserving the environment.

Irrigation Efficiency: Best Practices to Keep in Mind for Drip Irrigation, Tree Fruit Growers

Posted on April 26, 2017April 26, 2017 by torodriptips

Irrigation efficiency is all about irrigating at the right time and the right place.

The majority of requests to a plant doctor – 80 per cent — are water-related. Not insects or disease but water! One of California’s foremost experts on irrigation efficiency shared this statistic with tender fruit growers at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention.

Tulare World Ag Expo showcases 50 Year Evolution of Irrigation

Posted on March 7, 2017March 14, 2017 by torodriptips

Amidst one of the worst droughts in California’s history water remains at the forefront of agricultural issues, and as the World Ag Expo in Tulare celebrates 50 years one can see how irrigation techniques have changed throughout the world and state.

“50 years ago we were flood irrigating you know, gravity siphon pipe irrigating,” said Inge Bisconer, Toro Micro Irrigation.

Webinar: The role of Uniformity in Irrigation Water Efficiency

Posted on July 25, 2016July 22, 2016 by torodriptips

Irrigation water efficiency is a priority for producers in the United States and is impacted by field uniformity. Uniformity issues may result in over irrigation, however, new technology and science can bring potential solutions.

This Monday, July 25, Western Growers Association will host a Lunch & Learn webinar that will highlight findings of a recent study conducted in key produce regions in California and provide participants with some practical ideas to address differences in uniformity and efficiency.

The Toro Company Recognizes World Water Day with Efforts to Promote Water Efficiency

Posted on March 22, 2016November 18, 2020 by torodriptips

Today is United Nations World Water Day 2016, promoting awareness of serious regional water shortages around the world and the search for solutions to the critical threats these scarce water supplies pose to humanity. The Toro Company is a worldwide leader in the development of innovative water-preservation technologies for turf and agricultural irrigation applications. In recognition of the company’s commitment to driving water sustainability, Toro was invited to the nation’s capital today to participate in the White House Water Summit.

Colorado Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program

Posted on February 3, 2016December 14, 2020 by torodriptips

Colorado’s agricultural industry faces direct energy expenses of more than $400 million annual that account for 7% of the industry’s overall expenses. Now there is a new statewide dairy and irrigation energy efficiency program available to ag producers.

The new initiative, geared toward dairies and irrigators, will provide energy services to a minimum of 80 agricultural producers annually for three years. Program participants will receive:

Water Use Efficiency in Alfalfa on The Water Zone

Posted on January 12, 2016 by torodriptips

Alfalfa’s been getting a bad rap lately, thanks in part to the drought currently affecting much of the western United States. This Thursday, January 14th, at 6p.m. PST on The Water Zone Radio Show, join special guest-hosts Inge Bisconer and Paul McFadden as they discuss water use efficiency in alfalfa.

CDFA: $16 Million SWEEP Funding for CA Water Saving Projects

Posted on December 2, 2015December 2, 2015 by torodriptips

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has announced that another $16 million in State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) funding has been released for projects within California. The CDFA will be accepting applications immediately, and will continue receiving applications until Friday, January 8, 2016 at 5:00p.m. PST.

The funding will provide financial assistance to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water at California agricultural operations. The funding is made available through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, from proceeds of California’s Cap‐and‐Trade program.

Staples Irrigation Efficiency Program Update

Posted on October 13, 2015October 12, 2015 by torodriptips

Get in touch with Staples Energy ASAP about any projects that save energy and use less water – projects must be approved by PG&E and installed by November 30th. There’s still time to get these incentives if you act fast.

The Irrigation Efficiency Program is offered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in collaboration with Staples Energy to help growers achieve both energy and water savings through more efficient irrigation equipment.

Water Technology and The California Drought Summit

Posted on September 17, 2015September 11, 2015 by torodriptips

On July 10, 2015, Toro Micro-Irrigation was invited by Governor Brown to attend the “Water Technology and The California Drought Summit” at CalEPA headquarters.

The 2015 Summit on Water Technology and the California Drought explored existing and upcoming technologies that can be more broadly deployed to strengthen California’s drought resiliency.

Farmer Solves Water Woes with Subsurface Drip Irrigation

Posted on June 10, 2015November 5, 2020 by torodriptips

When Jim Bahrenburg looks across the land he’s worked in the Monument and Kimberly areas, he sees buried treasure.

That treasure isn’t gold, but water.

Drawn from the North Fork John Day River, this water flows through small underground tubes to gradually irrigate blocks of land for crops. Starting on the North Fork Ranch in the Kimberly area, Bahrenburg said he first planted rye to choke out the thistles on what was just a neglected pasture, and then continued the transformation by planting row crops.

Today the land produces corn, onions, beets, peppers, squash and dill.

Staples 2015 Irrigation Efficiency Program

Posted on May 19, 2015November 18, 2020 by torodriptips

The Staples Irrigation Efficiency program will provide incentives to any irrigation design which can demonstrate energy/water savings. The program will offer almost unlimited possibilities for submitting savings for rebates instead of only two “deemed” projects with set values for incentives.