Drought & Water Permits

Drought and low water level conditions have imposed many challenges to growers throughout the United States, particularly in the state of Texas. Because of these conditions and the resulting water restrictions, many growers who rely on irrigation have not been able to produce a crop this year. Recently, the Colorado River Authority issued new water permits to rice growers for the 2013 growing season. The permits allow growers to use two feet (or 24”) of water per growing season, which is not enough water for flood irrigators to raise a rice crop. Using traditional flood methods, these growers need at least 40” of water each year. The good news for rice growers is they now have options; a profitable rice crop under a center pivot or linear machine can be produced with that allotted amount – 24”!  Valley dealer Scott Conover quoted a center pivot for rice production to a grower in Edna, TX. Scott stated that the inquiry was a result of the new Colorado River Authority water permits. Since 2008, Valley Irrigation has demonstrated new techniques in rice production in more than 40 production rice fields and 20 research sites worldwide. With that expertise and a patented process for growing rice with a center pivot or linear, Valley Irrigation can supply rice growers with the technology needed to produce a profitable rice crop using as little as 50% or less of the amount of water needed to flood irrigate the field.