Oklahoma Irrigation Conference set for March 8 in Woodward

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Southern Plains agricultural producers looking to get the most out of their water-use investment should register now to attend the March 8 Oklahoma Irrigation Conference in Woodward.

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.

“Although the Southern Plains are no longer suffering from historic levels of drought, water remains the most important and in-demand resource in any state; that means informed decision-making is a must for agricultural producers,” he said.

In addition to agricultural producers, individuals interested in earning continuing education units should also consider attending this conference, since 4.5 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs are offered in the soil and water management category, as well as 4.5 Irrigation Association Tier 1 CEUs.

The conference will take place from 9:45 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Woodward County Event Center and Fairgrounds, located at 105A Temple Houston Drive, south of State Highway 412 between 1st Street and Lakeview Drive.

“Registration is $15 per participant,” Taghvaeian said. “We ask participants to pre-register no later than March 1. 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/woodward/oklahoma-irrigation-conference and through all OSU Cooperative Extension county offices.

Conference sessions will include an irrigation water quality assessment, two presentations on different aspects of subsurface drip irrigation, maximizing the long-term value of groundwater resources, future challenges of increased irrigation production, plant water use and evapotranspiration, energy and water efficiency for center-pivot systems and sensors for irrigation management, 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.

In addition, Brent Kisling, executive director of the Enid Regional Development Alliance and chair of the Northwest Oklahoma Water Action Plan steering committee, will lead a session detailing aspects of the plan.

“Participants will not only have 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 their own,” Taghvaeian said.

The conference is sponsored by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Water Resources Center, Enid Regional Development Alliance and Northwest Oklahoma Agriculture and Irrigation Association.

Additional information about the March 8 Oklahoma Irrigation Conference is available by contacting the Woodward County Extension Office at 580-254-3391.