Aaron Gray Demonstration Project
With flood and drought protection all rolled up into one project, Langenburg farmer Aaron Gray is making plans for irrigation.
The idea behind Gray’s drainage and water retention system is to maintain reservoirs on the farm at half full capacity or less to capture runoff. The system features control structures between reservoirs “so we can handle a little bit in the middle, if need be,” Gray explains.
“I’m hoping to be flying water,” says Gray. He grows permanent and rotational forage crops on six quarters to maintain about 200 head of cattle, as well as utilizes community pastures.
With much of the farm in low-lying areas, floods have interrupted seeding and damaged crops. He recalls the heavy spring run-off and eight inches of rain in July 2014. All that began to change in 2020 when Gray became involved in a Water Security Agency (WSA) demonstration project with upstream neighbours.
The project is demonstrating how effective water management prevents flooding, provides water for irrigation and makes more land available for crops. Consolidating wetlands maintains water quality, water supplies and habitat for wildlife.
The drainage system directs excess water to the reservoirs, where it is available for irrigation.
“It’s basically its own little ecosystem, recycling.”
“If we do get a seven-inch rain, nothing will leave the farm. That’s the plan: have zero discharge off this farm.”
The farm has two large reservoirs, one shared with a neighbour. A Qualified Person (QP) has been instrumental in the approval process, making sure the technical requirements are met and understood by the affected farmers.
“Without WSA leading the charge and getting the initiative to do this, I don’t think I would be anywhere close to developing here yet.”
The system is one of several WSA demonstration projects to develop water management solutions in collaboration with farmers, focussing on balanced, made-in-Saskatchewan methods that support agriculture and conserve wetlands.
Joel Peru, WSA irrigation agrologist, notes that water is often the largest influence on Saskatchewan crop yields. “The combination of drainage and irrigation provides producers significant control over water and the ability to meet crop water use demands, while preventing ponding and excess moisture.”
Gray will utilise the drained water on the high slopes to irrigate additional crops, enabling more even germination and earlier ripening. Also, irrigating hay crops will increase yields.
“The idea is to get more tonnage, more cuts of hay per year because traditionally you get one, maybe two. I’m hoping to get three cuts, if possible.”
As for soil heath, the organic matter will improve. “In a way, it will create pretty good biology because your organic matter will increase quite a bit because you’re going to have more plants per square inch.”