Water Use in Agricultural Production
Irrigated agriculture plays an important role in the economy and long-term stability of communities throughout the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District. Because agricultural water use is closely tied to groundwater conservation, the District places a strong emphasis on education, outreach, and practical conservation strategies for producers.
The District’s agricultural water conservation programs are designed to support responsible groundwater use while helping producers evaluate irrigation practices, improve efficiency, and plan for future water availability. This section provides an overview of the initiatives, tools, and resources that continue to guide the District’s conservation efforts and support innovation in irrigated agriculture.
Funding Opportunities
Information on funding and cost-share programs is available through individual programs and partner agencies.
Available Programs:
USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)
Producers who have attended certain NPGCD educational opportunities may be eligible for funding. Contact Baylee Barnes at 806-935-6401 or bbarnes@northplainsgcd.org for details.
Cotton & Conservation Video Series
Watch field updates and demonstrations from cotton production sites across the District. These videos, developed in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, highlight crop progress, irrigation practices, soil conditions, and management strategies throughout the growing season.
Historical Demonstration Projects
The following projects are provided for historical reference. These demonstrations helped document irrigation strategies, water-use practices, and conservation approaches used in earlier District programs.
3-4-5 Demonstration Project
A field-scale irrigation study evaluating corn production under 3, 4, and 5 gallons per minute (GPM) application rates. The project demonstrated how varying water levels impact yield, efficiency, and irrigation management strategies in the North Plains.
200-12 Demonstration Project
A multi-year conservation project focused on improving irrigation efficiency and water management practices through advanced technologies, soil monitoring, and crop management strategies. The project highlighted practical approaches for reducing water use while maintaining crop productivity.
