By Tyler Fields, Sr. Global Director, Valley Water Solutions

The Valley Irrigation Grant Program gives growers a unique opportunity to invest in irrigation improvements that deliver both immediate and long-term operational value. With $100,000 in total funding available ($75,000 for the Grand Prize and $25,000 for the Second Prize), the program is designed to help growers tackle challenges, improve efficiency, and unlock the full potential of their land.

I work with growers to develop strategies that optimize irrigation performance, improve efficiency, and maximize long-term productivity. As part of the strategic planning team supporting Valley Irrigation Grant winners, my goal is to help growers identify opportunities where funding can deliver the greatest impact for their operations.

While funding is critical, the real opportunity lies in your strategy: how would you use these resources to create measurable improvements across your farm? This could include areas that may not have produced in the past or creating long-term energy or water conservation for generations to come.

Ideas to Guide Your Application

When planning your grant application, consider projects that maximize the value of your entire operation, including underutilized acres and challenging corners.

Here are some areas to guide your thinking:

• Target small upgrades that deliver significant efficiency gains

  Even minor improvements can create a measurable impact over time.

• Maximize productive acres and pivot coverage

  Explore ways to irrigate corners, uneven fields, or convert small flood areas.

• Identify poorly performing or non-producing areas

  Strategic projects can turn these areas into profitable, revenue-generating land.

• Simplify irrigation management across multiple pivots

  Optimize scheduling and pumping, reduce labor, and improve operational consistency.

• Prioritize projects with long-term impact

  Select improvements that deliver measurable benefits for multiple seasons.

• Extend equipment life and reduce downtime

  Maintenance or component upgrades protect existing investments and reduce interruptions.

• Incorporate automation or monitoring technology

  Remote monitoring and smart controls save time and increase reliability.

• Improve water delivery and energy efficiency

  Ensure all areas receive water precisely while minimizing energy costs.

• Plan for growth and scalability

  Anticipate future expansion or crop changes to maximize long-term benefits.

• Address operational bottlenecks

  Identify where improvements can unlock productivity in difficult-to-manage areas.

• Use data to inform decisions

  Track underperforming areas and prioritize investments that generate maximum yield and efficiency.

To strengthen your grant application, show a clear plan of how to increase the value of the entire farm, not just the most productive acres, turning previously unused or underperforming land into reliable, revenue-generating areas, maximizing long-term impact.

Work with Your Valley Dealer

Your local Valley Dealer is an essential resource in developing a strategic application.

They can:

• Help evaluate project ideas within the context of your farm.
• Identify areas where grant funding delivers the greatest operational impact.
• Provide insight into efficiency, productivity, and long-term value.

Partnering with your dealer ensures your application reflects practical priorities and strategic opportunities to improve irrigated acres.

Click here to locate your Valley Dealer.

Extra Bonus Giveaway

And now, here is another reason to complete your application. From now through November, two growers each month who fully complete their application will be eligible to win:

• ICON+ Smart Control Panel
• 1-Year AgSense 365 Subscription

Only fully completed applications qualify.

Apply today at www.valleyirrigation.com/grant.

Next Steps

The Valley Irrigation Grant is more than funding; it is an opportunity to invest strategically in your operation. By considering efficiency, underutilized land, long-term productivity, and operational improvements, you can create an application that maximizes the grant’s impact. Work with your local dealer, leverage expert guidance, and take advantage of the Extra Bonus for fully completed applications.

Apply Now!