Some producers look to irrigation as drought drags on

It is well known that this summer has been brutally hot and dry. It is also well known that because of the weather, many farmers across the province are suffering.

The dry conditions have left some crops in poor condition, leaving farmers to make costly choices in some cases.

Aaron Grey is the chair of the Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association, and he joined 650 CKOM’s Brent Loucks to discuss farming and irrigation.

“If a farmer decides he wants to get irrigation and in his mind, he thinks he’s close enough to a water source, the first call is to the Irrigation Ministry of Ag in Outlook,” Grey said.

But, irrigation isn’t exactly the friendliest choice for one’s wallet.

“One hundred and sixty thousand- ish (dollars), give or take. Depending on the bells and whistles you want to put on your irrigation trailer right?” Grey said.

Grey suggests that a good way to help save costs is to join up with neighbours and make a team effort when it comes to irrigating the land. He also said a portion of it can be rebated.

“Right now, the province has got a partnership with the feds on the cap funding and there is a portion that is rebatable.”

Grey says not all land can be irrigated. The soil must also be tested first to see if it’s an option. Some soils contain elements that would cause problems if irrigation was introduced.