Mark's Production Tip of the Season: Early Irrigation
Mark Volt is MPCD's District Conservation Technician. He has been working with ranchers in Grand and Summit Counties since the early 80's. Over the decades, he has acquired a wealth of knowledge about this valley, so here is his production tip of the season...
Given snowpack is currently at 65% of normal, we can anticipate some of the worse drought and water supply conditions on record. Heavy spring snowstorms could change that, but it is becoming less and less likely.
Other snow drought years included 1977, 1981, 2001 and 2011. This year is currently worse than those years!
Due to our current drought conditions, to improve field production, get irrigation water on early this year. Especially on small creeks that normally dry up by July.
We anticipate water rights calls to come on early this year. We usually recommend not turning cold irrigation water on until sometime in May, but it is a lot easier to get water across fields when the soil profile in nearly full. Running water across dry cracked fields in May and June is nearly impossible. Also keep a close eye on dry cracked irrigation ditches that may be prone so sliding this year.
So remember 4 things:
- Cold wet water is better than warm dry water.
- Irrigate your most productive ground first.
- Don’t shoot your water commissioner or ditch rider. They have a tuff job this year.
- Keep your shovel sharp!