Alabama Irrigation Initiative Making a Difference in the Wiregrass
between his irrigated and non-irrigated corn.
The Alabama Irrigation Initiative, launched by the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee (ALSWCC), aims to address the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns in the state of Alabama. The initiative focuses on increasing the percentage of irrigated farmland in the state by encouraging the adoption of water-saving irrigation systems and techniques. Some of these methods include drip irrigation, micro irrigation and center pivot irrigation. By using these water-efficient practices, farmers can optimize water use and reduce waste, making their agricultural practices more sustainable.
The initiative started in 2019 in the Middle Tennessee River basin and expanded into the Choctawhatchee and Pea River (Choc-Pea) watersheds of southeastern Alabama in 2021. The Choc-Pea watershed has sandy clay soil with low water-holding capacity, making irrigation particularly beneficial for crop survival during dry periods.
According to Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Johnny Lee, the initiative is a welcome benefit to farmers in the state’s wiregrass region.
“With the intermittence of showers throughout the summer, irrigation can be the saving factor when you hit a two-week drought,” Lee said. “It can be the determining factor between making a crop and having a total loss for the year.”
That sentiment was echoed by Andy McRae, a 30-year Barbour County row crop farmer and cattle producer who is participating in the initiative. McRae has been using his new system, which includes two pivots, to irrigate 117 acres of corn and soybeans. McRae said after years of “praying for rain,” this system fills in the gap during periods of drought. He also said the water-efficient low-volume, low-pressure irrigation nozzles ensure he is not wasting any water.
Alabama’s Irrigation Initiative serves as an important resource for farmers who have not been eligible for other conservation incentive programs in the past. One key aspect of the program is that it supports the installation of new irrigation systems, with a focus on covering all components of installation, including drilling wells and supplying power to systems. The program provides a maximum of $250,000 per producer for the system’s installation and supplemental monies for water management such as a weather station, soil moisture probes, flow meter and professional irrigation scheduling assistance.
Henry County farmer Lewie Helms, who operates a family-owned farm with his two sons, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. Helms uses the system for “timely watering” when faced with drought conditions. His project included a well and one center pivot covering 80 acres. He is in the process of applying for three more pivots to irrigate an additional 100 acres.
“My hope is through good management practices, coupled with irrigation, this farm will be viable for years to come,” Helms said.
To qualify for the initiative, farmers must have access to proper power and water resources and demonstrate a conservation ethic in their farming practices. The program aims to promote sustainable land management, prevent soil erosion, and protect water quality in the state.
Farmers interested in the program can contact Kathy Gotcher at 334-832-0242, Mike Helms at 334-318-8468 or visit www.alabamasoilandwater.gov.
According to Henry County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Johnny Lee, the initiative is a welcome benefit to farmers in the state’s wiregrass region.
“With the intermittence of showers throughout the summer, irrigation can be the saving factor when you hit a two-week drought,” Lee said. “It can be the determining factor between making a crop and having a total loss for the year.”
That sentiment was echoed by Andy McRae, a 30-year Barbour County row crop farmer and cattle producer who is participating in the initiative. McRae has been using his new system, which includes two pivots, to irrigate 117 acres of corn and soybeans. McRae said after years of “praying for rain,” this system fills in the gap during periods of drought. He also said the water-efficient low-volume, low-pressure irrigation nozzles ensure he is not wasting any water.
Alabama’s Irrigation Initiative serves as an important resource for farmers who have not been eligible for other conservation incentive programs in the past. One key aspect of the program is that it supports the installation of new irrigation systems, with a focus on covering all components of installation, including drilling wells and supplying power to systems. The program provides a maximum of $250,000 per producer for the system’s installation and supplemental monies for water management such as a weather station, soil moisture probes, flow meter and professional irrigation scheduling assistance.
Henry County farmer Lewie Helms, who operates a family-owned farm with his two sons, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. Helms uses the system for “timely watering” when faced with drought conditions. His project included a well and one center pivot covering 80 acres. He is in the process of applying for three more pivots to irrigate an additional 100 acres.
“My hope is through good management practices, coupled with irrigation, this farm will be viable for years to come,” Helms said.
To qualify for the initiative, farmers must have access to proper power and water resources and demonstrate a conservation ethic in their farming practices. The program aims to promote sustainable land management, prevent soil erosion, and protect water quality in the state.
Farmers interested in the program can contact Kathy Gotcher at 334-832-0242, Mike Helms at 334-318-8468 or visit www.alabamasoilandwater.gov.
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