IA News

Irrigation Vital Component Of Energy Strategy

Irrigation management will become a significant element in USDA's new plan to help farmers cope with high energy costs.

Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns announced the department would form an Energy Council, create risk management tools,

Help is on the way for participants in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program who were unable to complete projects because of rising costs. USDA recently made available $40 million for qualified projects affected by spikes of at least 20% in the cost of concrete, steel, plastic pipe, and other construction materials due to high energy prices.

Johanns also said the department would promote renewable fuels and conservation practices, such as irrigation management. For example, USDA said growers could save $9 per acre on fuel by converting medium-pressure center pivots to low pressure and $41 per acre by converting high-pressure systems to low pressure. A 10% improvement in water use efficiency could reduce diesel consumption by 80 million gallons and save farmers $180 million a year.