An area farmer recently received recognition for his use of an irrigation system that is conserving water.

Most irrigated farms use a center pivot or flood irrigation on their crop, but for the first time, a farmer in Stratford tried drip irrigation on his crops this year and saw a big difference.

The system is placed underground and allows water to go directly to the roots of the crop.

Greg Wright says this method eliminates water evaporation and run off.

"The biggest thing was the reduction in water. We grew this field behind me here, we grew 247 bushels on this field with 2.7 gallons of water to the acre. So you know, bigger yields, then I have seen on this field and a lot less water use".

McLain Pool with Eco-Drip says irrigation is typically more expensive than the center pivot and flood irrigation system, but can save more money and water over time.

"The average drip system costs in this region is going to be 17 to 18-hundred dollars per acre. That is a big investment, but if you look at the increase in yields and reduction in water costs over 5 to 7 years, it typically pays for itself" says Pool.

Water is not the onlyresource being conserved with this system.

"I think you save natural gas, engine costs, your spending is cut way down. The cost of the system is expensive, but over a time period, 5 to 7 years, you are going to see a return and then some" says Wright.

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Drip irrigation system conserving water