The USDA is making $10.7 million available to fund research for water problems in rural and agricultural watersheds in the U.S. The funding is available through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). “Finding solutions for dealing water scarcity as well as maintaining water quality is critical for communities … Read More
To Improve Soil, Know Your Soil
Cornell University is now offering farmers a tool to better understand their soil; one that goes beyond the average test. The in-depth knowledge provided by this assessment gives growers tools to make management decisions that improve soil health. “The Cornell Assessment of Soil Health is really a framework that’s based on measuring a number of indicators of soil health—physical, chemical … Read More
Valley Irrigation Earns Recognition
The worldwide leader in precision irrigation, Valley Irrigation, has earn the Groundwater Guardian Green recognition from the Groundwater Foundation. This program honors organizations that implement, measure and document their groundwater-friendly stewardship practices. They focus on company’s water and chemical use, pollution prevention, water quality and environmental stewardship. “The Valley management team worked closely with the Groundwater Foundation to achieve this important … Read More
Thirsty Land Debuts To Positive Response
As a hush came over the theater and the lights went down for the opening scene of the documentary Thirsty Land, the sound of rain pounding on the roof served as background noise. A bit ironic. Especially in light of meeting a community in California that has run out of water. Thirsty Land, directed and produced by Conrad Weaver, focuses … Read More
McCornick Named Executive Director for WFI
The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska has announced a new executive director. Peter G. McCornick, an expert recognized internationally for his research in water, food, and the environment, will be taking the reins for the institute on September 1. Currently McCornick is serving as the deputy director general for the International Water Management … Read More
CropX Gets Boost from Top Sensor Manufacturers
CropX has been one of the world’s most advanced adaptive irrigation services. Now they have announced that service will be going even further with new investment partners. The global leaders in sensor manufacturing, Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) and Flextechnology accelerator, Lab IX have signed on to accelerate product development and rapidly expand market adoption. CropX has also unveiled a … Read More
Garden City, Kansas Co-Op Now an MZB Provider
More than 2,000 growers are now part of the MZB’s zone-based precision farming system, thanks to a roundtable discussion at the Precision Farming Dealer Summit held this past winter. Participation in the summit has lead to participation in a partnership for MZB Technologies and Garden City Co-op (GCC). Garden City Co-op is now a provider of MZB’s platform, which provides up … Read More
Hortau Irrigation Expands to High Plains, Southwest
Hortau has been a provider of precision irrigation management systems and services for agriculture since 2002. Now they are expanding their line of products and services in the High Plains and Southwest regions of the U.S. This new announcement comes on the heels of last month’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest. Hortau’s smart irrigation management platform reports to growers how … Read More
Vineyard Uses Worms & Microbes to Treat Wastewater
Fetzer Vineyards has already made a name for themselves as a leader in regenerative wine growing, earning a B Corporation Certificate for social and environmental responsibility in business. Now they’re going a step further by revolutionizing the way U.S. wineries conserve water. A revolutionary BioFiltro BIDA System is soon to be installed at the Medocino winery, marking them as the first American winery … Read More
AgGateway’s PAIL Project Helps Achieve Smarter Water Use
Growers and scientists have access to more data than ever– often more data than can be used in their operation. Data management for irrigation systems has become critically important in agriculture’s pursuit of sustainability, leading to the creation of AgGateway‘s PAIL Projects (Precision Ag Irrigation Leadership). For the past four years the people behind this project have been developing open, … Read More