Come and Go” Pipe Planner Assistance Offered by MSU Extension
Even with a rainy start in 2020, it isn’t too soon for Delta farmers to start thinking about irrigation. Furrow irrigation is one of the most accepted irrigation methods in this area and is implemented mainly with poly pipe tubing. The Row-Crop Irrigation Science and Extension Research (RISER) program was developed at Mississippi State University as a science-based approach to evaluate and promote adoption of irrigation best management practices. RISER is designed to assist producers in reducing water use while maintaining yield and profitability. The foundation of the RISER program in furrow irrigated systems is computerized hole selection. Pipe Planner is a free web-based application designed to help farmers engineer the most efficient irrigation system for their crops. In simple terms, farmers provide information about their field, well, and poly pipe tubing choices. Pipe Planner will then provide a design that maximizes the field’s potential for irrigation efficiencies, highest yield potential, and maximum profitability. To assist with this planning, MSU’s Extension is offering free advice and guidance on Pipe Planner to all farmers.
“My goal is to offer an informal opportunity for growers to walk into each Delta county Extension office and get their Pipe Planner questions answered,” says Dr. Drew Gholson, MSU Extension Irrigation Specialist at the Delta Research and Extension Center and the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research in Stoneville. “On a “come and go basis,” attendees will be able to ask questions and get assistance with setting up Pipe Planner and field designs. These meetings are provided to help farmers get started with the process, as their busy schedules allow,” added Gholson.
Dr. Gholson also noted that these learning sessions are free, and attendees can come and go during the time slots. Or if these dates and times are not convenient, local producers are encouraged to contact county Extension offices at any time for assistance. Formal Pipe Planner training sessions are also being planned; that schedule will be announced soon.
March 4, 2020
Yazoo Co. Ext. Office 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
For any questions regarding this session, please contact Phillip Vandevere, Jr., County Coordinator for Mississippi State University Extension@662-746-2453.
