Eaton business encourages local farmers to get a drip

EATON — Drip, drip.

This is not the sound coming from the bathroom faucet — it’s coming from the ground.

Dana Scheidecker, owner of Colorado Drip Tape LLC, is now offering “T-Tape” systems in Northern Colorado.

The system uses underground water lines that are buried approximately 12 inches to deliver water directly to the roots of plants. The lines have holes spaced 12 inches to 15 inches apart to ensure proper water absorption and delivery.

Scheidecker, who also operates the Northern Colorado Agribusiness Association, believes the region is ready to consider the possibilities of subsurface drip irrigation because of its water-saving properties.

“This is a way to help people transition from traditional flood irrigation to a system that is going to help them use less water,” he said. “It requires more management, but it will help them make more money.”

According to research performed by Kansas State University, drip tape or other forms of subsurface drip irrigation saves 25 percent of the water used by center pivot sprinklers. The savings are gained by eliminating traditional losses from drainage, runoff and evaporation. Users of the systems also report better yields because of the way the water is applied.

Subsurface drip irrigation is not new. It has been used widely in the United States for 15 years and 3 million acres of farmland are currently on drip systems, but it is relatively new to Colorado.

A majority of producers in the area rely on flood irrigation or center pivot sprinklers to apply water to crops. These producers are feeling added pressure to evaluate their water consumption in the wake of an ongoing six-year drought.

The drip system is not cheap — ranging from $1,200 to $1,500 per acre for installation — so Scheidecker doesn’t recommend it for farmers who may not be producing in a few years. Instead, he is approaching younger farmers who have a greater interest in modifying the status quo with newer technology.

“If you are looking at a 10-, 15- or 20-year farming horizon, you may say, ‘There are some places where this may work well where I can save water and raise a better crop with this.’ I think there is just a niche here for that,” he said.

Scheidecker recommends using well water over ditch water because well water is already pressurized and cleaner than ditch water. If ditch water is used, he suggests filtering the water first to remove debris for optimal performance.

Scheidecker is hopeful local producers will see the possibilities the product provides and give the system a try on a problem area. He said a common use is to fill in the corners with crops that a center pivot sprinkler doesn’t reach.

“I think that there is going to be a market out there for people to use the existing water they have more effectively. ”

Ag stats service seeks info

DENVER — The Colorado Agriculture Statistics Service, in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Statistics Service, plans to participate in the Agricultural Resource Management Survey.

The ARMS is an annual study of the financial well being of America’s agricultural producers. It is the only source of key economic indicators that are used for farm programs, farm legislation, trade regulations, university research and state grants.

Survey users include agricultural commodity associations, agribusinesses, the news media and USDA agencies.

Agricultural producers chosen to participate in the survey will represent from 50 to 100 fellow producers statewide. Interviews will be conducted until April 20. Individual data collected is held strictly confidential.

Farm Production Expenditures, the first report with results from the survey, will be released in July. For a copy of the finished report or to obtain other agricultural statistics call (800) 727-9540.

Marketing workshop in April

The Colorado Department of Agriculture and Aurora Business Development Center are offering an educational workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 21, at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

The one-day workshop features practical advice from professionals in brand building, promotions, marketing plan development, food safety and labeling. In addition to the presentations, participants will also have an opportunity to learn from their peers by networking with representatives from other food processing companies.

The registration fee is $35 per person if postmarked by April 15 and $45 after the deadline. Registration includes the program, information packet, continental breakfast and lunch. For more information or to register, contact Wendy White at (303) 239-4119 or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com

Kim Lock is the agribusiness reporter for The Northern Colorado Business Report. To suggest a column feature contact her at (970) 221-5400 ext. 222 or by e-mail at klock@ncbr.com.

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