We are Net Irrigate are enthused about the upcoming release of the USDA Farm And Ranch Irrigation Survey next month. The data we analyzed in 2003 revealed some noteworthy characteristics that may have changed due to the shock in fuel prices over the last four years. According to the results of the last USDA Farm and Ranch irrigation survey, from 1998 to 2003, the irrigated states along the Mississippi River Valley enjoyed some of the lowest energy costs associated with agricultural irrigation.
While low fuel prices and relatively fewer pumping hours helped drive inexpensive pumping, irrigation well characteristics also contributed.
Since fuel expenses are estimated to have more than doubled since the 2003 sampling period; the shock may have helped drive a switch to electric motors. We are curious to see if a decrease in diesel powered pumps occurred within the irrigated regions of the Mississippi River Valley.
We look forward to seeing if the fuel cost factor changed irrigation system characteristics. Stay tuned for our analysis next month upon release of the survey data…
