Winter irrigation workshop offers water use, economic reports

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Crop producers and agribusiness professionals can learn more about irrigation systems during a Dec. 13 winter irrigation workshop hosted by the Michiana Irrigation Association and co-sponsored by Purdue Extension and Michigan State Extension.

The workshop will be in conjunction with the association's annual meeting. It will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, 240 U.S. 20, Middlebury.

Topics to be covered:

* Southwest Michigan water use models and reports.

* Irrigation investment on high water-holding capacity soils and the local economy financial impact from irrigation.

* Net return, cash rent and land value prospects for irrigation land.

* Water use reporting/conflict resolution in Michigan and Indiana.

The association's annual meeting will follow lunch and will include an election of new board members.

There also will be a live-line presentation sponsored by Monsanto and DuPont Pioneer to demonstrate electrical safety.

The workshop costs $30, which includes lunch and association dues. If registering after Dec. 6 or at the door, the cost is $40. Checks should be made payable to the Michiana Irrigation Association. Register by calling Deanna Murphy at 269-998-1177.

Registration forms and more information about the workshop are available on Michigan State Extension's St. Joseph County website at http://www.msue.msu.edu/portal/default.cfm?pageset_id=28706&page_id=361029

Writer: Amanda Gee, 765-494-8402, agee@purdue.edu

Source: Lyndon Kelley, 269-467-5511, kelleyl@anr.msu.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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