Producers can obtain one grant of up to $5,000 for low-pressure pivots, improving pump efficiency, upgrading of pivot control panels, and other efficiency measures
Farmers can now get government funding to upgrade to more efficient irrigation equipment.
Under the new five-year, federal-provincial Growing Forward agreement, farmers can apply for up to 40 per cent of the cost of upgrading from flood, wheel-move, or high-pressure centre pivots to new low-pressure pivots. Pump modifications and high efficiency (greater than 85 per cent) nozzles that are part of a low-pressure system are also eligible for the funding.
For producers who already have low-pressure pivot systems, variable-rate control systems, both controllers and software and upgrades of pivot control panels, including remote control systems, are also covered. Variable-frequency drive pump motors, which change the volume of water pumped to match variable-rate irrigation system demand, are eligible for grants under the On-farm energy management program. Delivery and GST costs aren’t eligible, but design and installation fees can be covered by the grant.
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Producers can obtain one grant of up to $5,000 during the course of the five-year program. Also, funds are limited for each year of the program, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible.
“Time is of the essence in applying for these funds,” says Rod Bennett, head of the province’s Irrigation Management Branch.
The program’s intent is to improve the efficiency of both water and energy use, and make use of water resources more sustainable. It is also intended to improve productivity and allow producers to be better able to take advantage of market opportunities. More efficient use of water and energy resources is considered good environmental stewardship, so this sort of change should improve consumers’ image of Alberta farmers.
This program addresses environmental stewardship and competitiveness of Alberta’s agriculture but also aims to improve energy management by having farmers install sub-meters so they become more aware of energy use by different equipment.
At present, water savings from greater efficiency in irrigation systems help reduce the risk of irrigation districts running short of water for all users, said Bennett. The program will help ensure more water will remain in the river, improving the health of the aquatic environment, but it may be used for expansion of irrigation districts in the future.
The Alberta Irrigation Technology Centre, formerly the Irrigation Demo Farm, has purchased a variable-rate irrigation pivot along with wireless soil moisture sensors so Bennett’s staff can evaluate the effectiveness of different systems.
“We want to develop precision irrigation programs to minimize run-off and loss of water below the root zone,” said Bennett. “We’ll need new technology to use the new equipment to do a better job of management for high-value crops and protect the environment. We’ll be working on precision-irrigation programs to use variable-rate capabilities.”
Growing Forward programs for the next five years will focus on business development and markets. The On-farm stewardship program continues, supporting projects with direct positive impacts on water quality. Besides the energy management and irrigation efficiency programs, funding will be directed to water management to increase farm capacity. Business skill and opportunity, as well as agri-processing programs, will also be funded.
