Oklahoma Irrigation Conference set for Aug. 18 in Ft. Cobb

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Southern Plains agricultural producers looking to get the most out of their water-use investment should register now to attend the Aug. 18 Oklahoma Irrigation Conference in Ft. Cobb.

Saleh Taghvaeian, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension water resources specialist, said producers should think of the conference as “one-stop shopping” where they can receive the latest research-based insights and information about many irrigation-related subjects.

“Rainfall in June and early July was very helpful in replenishing surface water for irrigation but it will take still more rainfall to recharge deep underground water supplies such as the Ogallala and Rush Springs aquifers, and that means informed decision-making will be a must for producers,” he said.

The conference will take place from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 4:15 p.m. in Building 400 of the Caddo Kiowa Technology Center, located at 1415 7th St. in Ft. Cobb, south-southwest of State Highway 9 and north of E. 1320 Rd.

“Registration is $15 per participant,” Taghvaeian said. “Although we will be accepting payment at the door, we ask participants who can to pre-register as soon as possible. This greatly aids our planning and helps ensure we have sufficient lunches, refreshments and session materials on hand.”

Registration forms are available online at http://oces.okstate.edu/caddo/oklahoma-irrigation-conference and through all OSU Cooperative Extension county offices.

Conference sessions will include understanding irrigation and evapotranspiration, cotton irrigation requirements, interpreting soil and water tests, managing salinity in irrigation, comparing performance of mobile drip irrigation to low-elevation spray applications, irrigation efficiency and conservation, tools for pre-season and in-season adjustments in irrigation management, using sensor-based technologies to improve irrigation management and planting strategies for wheat under subsurface drip irrigation, among others.

Sessions will be led by scientists and specialists from OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, and Kansas State University.

“The conference is not only an opportunity to hear and interact with some of the region’s top experts in irrigation, but also to compare notes with other producers who may be in a situation similar to your own,” Taghvaeian said.

Additional information about the Aug. 18 Oklahoma Irrigation Conference is available by contacting the Caddo County Extension Office at 405-247-3376.