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By Alice McFarlane

Sustainable Water Management

AgH2Onward helps prepares farmers for water management projects

Feb 21, 2023 | 3:03 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – There’s always some water management involved with an agricultural operation.

Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency (WSA) is offering free workshops to introduce farmers and ranchers to the Agricultural Water Management Strategy.

WSA Executive Director of Communications and Client Service Patrick Boyle said this is the second consecutive year WSA is hosting these workshops.

“One of the things that every producer deals with is managing water whether it’s the southwest where often times there are shortages or to the east of the province where they have to deal with too much water,” Boyle said.

Boyle said the workshops explore the process and benefits of obtaining drainage approvals and techniques to best manage water on their land.

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“These are free half day workshops that are online and in person until April 2023. Scheduled in-person sessions start in March. We’re offering that free workshop to understand how we can support farmers and ranchers across Saskatchewan to manage water on their land,” he said.

AgH2Onward consists of five modules that include various types of water management practices such as surface ditches, tile drainage and wetland consolidation, completing a network project with neighbouring landowners, and using a qualified person to assist landowners through the process.

AgH2Onward Coordinator Julie Mackenzie said often the biggest challenge is knowing where to start.

“These workshops will introduce producers to well-designed drainage projects and help them incorporate strategies best suited for their farm or ranch operations and the regional landscape,” Mackenzie said.

Online workshops are being held Feb. 28, March 13, and March 28. Details on the in-person workshops will be released at a later date.

Producers can learn more and register at agh2onward.ca. WSA will also host in-person or online workshops for organizations, groups or communities upon request.

Much of Saskatchewan’s runoff comes from snowmelt. WSA staff will be doing snow water equivalent sampling to help create a more accurate picture of spring runoff potential. Samples will be taken from 100 sites.

A column of snowpack is collected in a graduated tube. Staff weighs the samples and then calculate the average snow-to-water equivalency for that area.

Surveys from across the province contribute to the runoff potential map released every spring. The information is used by municipalities, producers, industry, and other users.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW