Netafim USA and Sustainable Conservation Team Up To Host Dairy Forage Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) Field Tour

August 26th

Tour Of Merced County Dairy Farms and Research Sites To Demonstrate Benefits Of SDI In Dairy Forage Applications And Reveal New Methods For Applying Dairy Wastewater

WHAT: Netafim and Sustainable Conservation have partnered to give growers a first-hand look at the benefits of subsurface drip irrigation in alfalfa and silage corn applications during an August 26th field day tour in Merced County, CA.

The half-day tour will focus on a farm and a dairy that have made changes to their irrigation systems, irrigation management, and nutrient management utilizing drip irrigation that maximizes water use, synthetic fertilizer, and lagoon water nutrients – all while reducing labor costs. Participants will travel via bus to Bert Wilgenburg Farms and then DeJager Farms, where they will learn about:

  • The benefits of SDI systems in forage applications, including information on costs, system management, performance and scheduling
  • Managing regulatory challenges and easing compliance with the water board
  • Opportunities for dairy producers to utilize synthetic fertilizers and lagoon water nutrients to ³spoon feed² their dairy forage crops.
  • Trends in pricing, domestic/export markets, and the impact of drought conditions on the forage market.
  • New dairy forage subsurface irrigation system technology that utilizes wastewater to improve the nutritional value of forage, and maximizes overall inputs.

Participants will also hear from area dairy farmers about how they have utilized SDI systems to significantly improve their water use efficiency, improve the fertilizer application, reduce labor costs, and increase the nutritional value of their forage.

WHEN: August 26th, 7:30 am to 12:00 pm

Complimentary breakfast served from 7:30 am to 8:15 am

Field tour bus leaves at 8:30 am

WHERE: Field tour bus leaves from Farnesi¹s Steakhouse

230 E. Robertson Blvd.

Chowchilla, CA 93610

All participants are encouraged to RSVP via email at Maureen.Nassie@Netafim.com or by calling (559) 253-2548