OneCap can help with diverse irrigation equipment

By Nathan Webber

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Coming off an El Nino year, which was warm and lacked the typical snow we see over winter in the prairies, farmers are dealing with dryer than usual conditions as the growing season commences.

With that weather pattern coming to an end, it’s hopeful these conditions will turn around. But in the short term, farmers need assistance.

Investing now in irrigation technology can provide big returns when quality crops are harvested. And according to vendor partners like our longtime friends at Southern Irrigation, quality, multifaceted solutions will create a sustainable growing environment for years to come, taking drought out of the guess work.

One of the products they offer is drip irrigation. Also called micro-irrigation, this method drips water at a slow, controlled rate directly to the base of the plant, making it extremely effective and water efficient. Along with working in methods to increase water retention, like watering at night to prevent evaporation, growers can significantly reduce their water use and cost.

We also see good results from their reel systems and pivots. Irrigation reels can even help farmers who are low on staff irrigate large areas with long hoses and sprayers. They’re not just for agriculture, though, and are surprisingly flexible in use. These solutions can be used for sports fields, equine arenas and industrial purposes such as dust suppression for construction sites. Reels can even use a variety of water sources, such as wells, lakes and rivers, municipal water or greywater from lagoons.

But savings on overall water costs isn’t just a matter for irrigation systems. I’ve seen amazing new AI-powered tech at trade shows that helps farmers make smarter watering decisions. Drones can be used to study the health of soil for more efficient watering and can carry thermal cameras that can detect leaks in irrigation systems. They can even spot-water, the same way they spot-fertilize!

?These solutions are essential for long-term crop planning. We’ve had a dry few years in the prairies, before the recent El Nino conditions. The last five years have been drier than usual, according to analysis by Western Producer, and we’ve seen several summers with above average temperatures.?

Recently, Canada's official drought monitor called the current prairie dry period "extreme" or "exceptional." Areas in southern Alberta may be especially prone to a dry future, according to their analysis.

A multifaceted approach is possible for any prairie farmer. Meridian OneCap can help keep costs consistent with fixed payments. People who finance their agricultural equipment through OneCap can preserve capital with 100% financing, fixed payments, and competitive rates. We’ll match terms to your budget and seasonal revenues, which is especially important for our farming community.

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Nathan Webber is the National Accounts Program Development Manager?at Meridian OneCap.