Irrigation Leader Magazine

12/18/2025

Check out our booth at the 2025 Colorado River Water Users Association in Las Vegas, NV! We look forward to the connections we make and the relationships we will foster.

12/18/2025

Samantha Barncastle pictured here with her cover issue of Irrigation Leader at CRWUA 2025.

12/18/2025

Check out our cover story from the New Mexico edition of the November/December Irrigation Leader.

Irrigated farmers are often wary of programs to permanently halt irrigation on areas of land, especially when agriculture is seen as the enemy of a healthy environment. That is why the Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy 's model is so interesting: Its entirely voluntary program involves a several-year water right lease, based on a calculation of the fair value of the land and its groundwater, followed by the establishment of an easement that permanently restricts groundwater pumping on the property. The conservancy also works directly with landowners to transfer the land to nonirrigated use. Our detailed interview with Executive Director Ladona Clayton provides more information.

https://bit.ly/47Vj62q

12/16/2025

12/15/2025

Check out our Nebraska state edition cover story from our November/December issue of Irrigation Leader.

In order to better protect water quality and quantity and strengthen long-term resource management, the State of Nebraska has made the bold move of merging two existing departments, the Department of Environment and Energy and the Department of Natural Resources, into the Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE). We speak with the DWEE’s director, Jesse Bradley, and its chief water officer, Matt Manning, to learn more about the merger’s rationale and benefits, and then turn to their work on the proposed Perkins County Canal.

https://bit.ly/480B6ti

12/11/2025

Check out our Montana state edition cover story from our November/December issue of Irrigation Leader.

In this month’s cover story, we interview Julie Merritt, a water resource specialist with WGM Group, Inc. a Montana-based engineering, planning, and design firm. We dive deep into the unique and complex world of Montana water rights and hear about some recent irrigation-related work that WGM Group has carried out. Ms. Merritt also gives us a look into the future of water rights issues and provides advice for our readers.

https://bit.ly/4qJk3Dx

12/09/2025

Check out our Arizona state edition cover story from our November/December issue of Irrigation Leader.

In this month’s cover story, we have the pleasure of interviewing Congressman Andy Biggs who represents Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Biggs speaks about the importance of Arizona agriculture, the challenges it faces, and the legislation he has introduced to protect and further it.

https://bit.ly/3XbL3Ol

12/05/2025

Check out our article on the Idaho Irrigation Equipment Association joining together to advocate for and support the industry from our November/December issue.

The Idaho Irrigation Equipment Association (IIEA) boasts more than 75 members, including product manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, water utilities, and financial institutions that support and supply the state’s irrigators. While IIEA plays an important role as the industry’s voice in legislative affairs, the association also offers a wide range of benefits to its members. Executive Director Cassidey Plum explains how IIEA supports its members by advocating for them and providing resources and opportunities to connect and grow within the irrigation equipment industry.

https://bit.ly/4iB7giK