March 5, 2012

March Meetings on the Nebraska Ag Water Management Network

A new cost share program is available to irrigators in the Lower Platte North NRD. The Lower Platte North NRD in cooperation with UNL Extension is looking for growers interested in learning more about the Nebraska Ag Water Management Network (NAWMN), a water and energy saving program.

Many producers are familiar with NAWMN and its tools: Watermark sensors to measure soil moisture down to 3 feet and the ET Gage to measure crop water use. Participation in the network and use of these tools has helped Nebraska growers save 1 to 2 inches of water per acre on both corn and soybeans without losing yield.

Expansion of the NAWMN in the Lower Platte North NRD offers several opportunities to irrigators who participate. First, cost share dollars are available to purchase Watermark sensors, data readers, and data loggers, ET Gages, and soil probes. Second, participants will receive support from UNL extension educators throughout the growing season, including help with installation and use of water-saving tools. Third and most importantly, participants in the NAWMN join a network of irrigators who are facing the same challenges and whose support and interaction can help everyone improve their efficiency while saving water and money.

Given the level of hands-on support and availability of cost share dollars, participation in the NAWMN in the Lower Platte North NRD will be limited to 40 irrigators in 2012.

Information Meetings

Past participants and new producers interested in learning more about the network are invited to attend an informational meeting. Please preregister for the meetings and meal by calling the Colfax County Extension Office at 402-352-3821. For more information on these programs contact Aaron Nygren, UNL extension educator at 402-352-3821 or anygren2@unl.edu