By Andi Anderson
Michigan has significantly expanded its irrigated farmland, nearly doubling from 432,665 acres in 2003 to 850,380 acres in 2023. This growth reflects efforts to address climate change, support crop production, and improve water use across farms.
MSU Extension plays a major role by educating farmers, ag professionals, and policymakers. In 2024, 42 irrigation presentations reached over 4,849 participants. Field visits and workgroups supported 1,597 farmers.
Key crops benefiting from irrigation include corn, soybeans, wheat, and various specialty crops. Drip irrigation has also grown to nearly 70,000 acres.
To further improve irrigation efficiency, MSU Extension hired two new water use educators. Their work focuses on teaching farmers how to manage irrigation sustainably for both crops and livestock.
Educational tools cover topics such as water productivity, scheduling, and soil moisture sensing.
A major tool introduced is the MSU Irrigation Scheduler App. Developed with Project GREEEN support, it helps calculate crop water needs and guide smarter water use.
By late 2024, it had 108 users managing nearly 20,000 acres of crops. The app is available in English and Spanish for both Apple and Android devices.
MSU also hosts the annual Michiana Irrigated Corn and Soybean Conference, drawing over 120 participants from Michigan and Indiana. Surveys show 66% of attendees plan to change practices, impacting thousands of acres and saving money.
In-person sessions and recorded webinars like “Water Day” further expand learning. Key presentations were held at events like the Great Lakes Expo and Blueberry Field Day.
Irrigation education continues to grow, with outreach through articles, websites, and industry events. MSU Extension’s work supports smarter irrigation decisions, helping Michigan farmers adapt to changing weather while protecting water resources for the future.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education