BISMARCK, N.D.—More than $1 million was awarded to North Dakota Irrigators this spring through a collaboration with the North Dakota Irrigation Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This funding opportunity was available through the NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Funds were awarded to 20 irrigators from across the state to make updates to existing irrigation systems that will help systems be more water efficient. Projects funded included proposals to convert systems from flood irrigation to pivots and adding variable rate irrigation to systems.
“Recent drought has put stress on North Dakota’s aquifers and surface water. Irrigators need every tool available to them to make sure they make the best use of the water available,” said Loren DeWitz, Irrigation Association president. “We are grateful for this assistance from the NRCS.”
This is the second year in a row that the Irrigation Association has partnered with NRCS to provide EQIP funds to irrigators. To date, close to $2.2 million has been awarded to irrigators to make updates and improvements to their system.