Connecting landowners, agricultural organizations, industry, researchers and government to share and build knowledge on innovative and responsible water management practices in support of support soil health, resilient crop production and healthy working landscapes in Saskatchewan.
Agriculture water management is a critical business risk management tool and an important climate resiliency strategy for Saskatchewan producers. This network is a research and education platform to foster relationships, collaboration and communication to change the narrative of drainage in Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan has an important role to play in global food production and food security. Land use facts:
These agriculture acres or “agriculture zones” are vital for food production. They are also well balanced by the 20% of fresh water acres and conservation. It is important to note that this 20% does not include private conservation lands or the wetland and upland habitat that ag producers host. The remaining land use is home to forestry, mining, oil and gas, other important industries in the province as well as indigenous, urban and rural land uses.
Besides land, water is the next most critical factor that drives agriculture production.
Soil zone, topography and climatic zones fluctuate across the province and dictate where the productive “agriculture zones” are. These regional differences require flexibility for beneficial management practices and agriculture water management policy implementation.
When it comes to water, the most vulnerable areas (Figure 1) require the most management.
Improving “field efficiency” within the ag zone refers to responsible drainage of excess temporary and seasonal field water to improve field agronomics and reduce environmental impacts – such as improved soil health (reduced compaction and salinity, healthy microbes), protection of crop health (less stress and disease), reduced overland flooding and nutrient washouts (minimize fill and spill scenarios), reduced crop loss, reduced overlap and nutrient loading, reduced emissions and a reduced carbon footprint. If you improve your field efficiency rating, you improve your agronomics and environmental stewardship.
Responsible water management (both drainage and irrigation) have a fundamental role to play in managing and improving soil health to support reliable food production, reducing the impacts of extreme weather events and contributing to agri-environmental innovations. Responsible drainage is one of the most effective ways to reduce vulnerability in watersheds, rural communities and our provincial and US neighbors. Collaboration within the province and across our borders will benefit everyone, now, and for generations to come.
"Forming this extension network comes at a critical time for the agricultural industry as farmers and ranchers cope with more variable weather in Saskatchewan,” Water Security Agency President and CEO Shawn Jaques said. “We are pleased to begin working with this impressive group of agricultural, industry and research leaders in the coming months. “They will be an important resource to help us identify water management solutions and share information with the farming community about sustainable and resilient water management practices that will strengthen their operations and, ultimately, our provincial economy.”
