Gust Demonstration Project
The Gust family has been farming in the Davidson area since 1913. Innovation and cost efficiency have been part of the grain operation for four generations. Central to it all is an adequate supply of water.
“You can do everything right and still not get a very good crop if you don’t get water,” says Gerrid Gust, who farms with his father and brother. “You always want to be most efficient, environmentally and economically. We don’t want to put inputs in places where they are not going to give us a return.”
In 2020, he sought advice from the Water Security Agency (WSA) about pumping excess water from low-lying areas for irrigation. He was soon involved in an agricultural water management (AWM) demonstration project, making it possible to adapt to weather extremes that bring severe droughts or disruptive floods and still grow quality crops. The project involves draining over 40 quarters of land into a reservoir which is then used to run an existing irrigation pivot with a second pivot planned.
The technical guidance and expertise of the Qualified Person (QP) proved to be invaluable. From mapping and elevation software to culvert sizes, the approval process and regulations are thorough, detailed, and designed for sustainability.
“As in-depth as it is, it is important that everyone knows, and has time to reflect on, what they’re doing, to understand this is all science-based, with an understanding that it is for the best. It’s so that we can better use the water that we have available.”
The process required collaboration with several neighbours, as the low-lying areas where water accumulated was on neighbours’ land. The knowledgeable QP was there to answer the more technical questions about the project and its long-term benefits. “We worked with our QP, as a resource, who had all the information to provide landlords and other people within the planned area,” neighbour Rob Stone said.
Not only is the project designed to manage water, increase yields and store water, the approval provides security for future farmers. The drainage approval becomes attached to the land title, thereby adding value to the land.
“Now, if someone wants to add into the system,” Gust explains, “it’s all papered; we don’t have to go through all this again.”
In developing the drainage systems to consolidate the water, wetlands best suited for wildlife are left intact.
“You just leave them because that’s the best use for them,” Gust notes.
With the certainty of a more reliable water supply and no worries about a torrential rain washing away the system, Gust hopes to diversify into some specialty crops.
“We’re trying to make the best use of this very precious resource.”