The availability of water is one of the most important issues concerning farmers and
agronomists in the coming century. Despite heavy rainfalls in recent years, growers and
researchers alike know that underground aquifers are relatively low, and the farmers of
both today and tomorrow are best served by making the most efficient use of available
resources.
The annual Arkansas Irrigation Yield Contest gives growers in the state the opportunity
to put their own operations to the test and identify opportunities for improvement in the
process. The 2020 contest is now open for entries.
The contest encourages best management practices in row crop irrigation, such as
computerized hole selection in irrigation piping, sensor-based irrigation scheduling and
surge valve use, alternate wetting/drying rice irrigation and other best management
practices that lead to more efficient use of water.
The contest measures yield and water-use for rice, soybeans and corn. Chris Henry,
associate professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said
participation in the contest itself yields information for the growers.
“Each year, every participant receives a report card, explaining how each of the steps
they took worked out to a greater or lesser degree,” Henry said. “What we saw is that
most of 2018’s participants improved greatly in the 2019 contest — growers that didn’t
even place in 2018 were winning first and second place in 2019. So, you don’t
necessarily have to ‘win’ to benefit from this contest. In that sense, everyone’s a winner
here.”
The contest is open to any grower in Arkansas. To register, contact Greg Simpson at
870-243-2604 or 870-673-2661. Participants may also register via email to
contest@uark.edu .
This year’s contest prizes in the corn and soybeans category are: $6,000 cash prize for
first place, $3,000 for second, and $1,000 for third place.
In the rice category, there is a single first-place prize consisting of a hybrid seed
“superbag,” valued at $12,000, sponsored by Ricetec.
Contest rules:
- Registration ends June 30, 2020.
- A propeller flow meter must be installed at the riser bonnet in each field.
- The flow meter must be read and sealed by a Division of Agriculture contest
official before irrigation begins.
- Entrants must choose a county agent, Natural Resources Conservation Service
agent or another person to supervise harvest.
- A measured sample area of a minimum of three acres must be harvested to
qualify.
- Verifiable yield from scale tickets must be provided at harvest.
- Minimum yield to win is 200 bushels per acre for corn, 180 bushels per acre for
rice and 60 bushels per acre for soybeans.
- The winning flow meter will be tested against a Division of Agriculture reference.
- Yield must be above the county average. Non-irrigated crop fields may not be
considered.
- You may use any irrigation scheduling method you wish. Deficit irrigation will not
be accepted.
- Delta Plastics can provide a vendor list for appropriate flow meters.
- Highest water use efficiency will determine the winner.
Best of luck to all entrants!
