University of Nebraska–Lincoln leaders recently highlighted the Master Irrigator Program during a Rural Radio Network interview, emphasizing its role in helping producers manage irrigation, nutrients, and costs through practical, farmer‑led collaboration.
Tiffany Heng‑Moss, NU vice president and IANR vice chancellor, said water management remains a pressing issue across Nebraska agriculture. “Water management is top of mind for Nebraska producers, whether they are dealing with rising input costs, variable weather, or making decisions field by field,” she said. Heng‑Moss noted that irrigation efficiency and nitrogen management are essential to protecting both productivity and profitability.
She emphasized that the program builds on producers’ existing expertise. “Nebraska farmers are among the most knowledgeable irrigators in the world, and that expertise is one of our state’s greatest strengths,” Heng‑Moss said. “The Master Irrigator Program builds on that strength by bringing producers together with our team in IANR, industry partners, natural resource districts, and other University of Nebraska programs.” She described the initiative as “designed by farmers for farmers,” with a focus on whole‑farm, real‑world decision‑making.
Crystal Powers, a Nebraska Extension water and cropping educator, explained what makes the program unique. “What makes it really unique is that we really wanted to bring together the whole team around how do we make irrigated acres successful,” she said. Powers compared farming to running a race, noting that while producers operate independently, success relies on strong support. “How do we come alongside to help run that race the best as we can?”
Powers said farmers played a central role in designing the program through a statewide summit and advisory board. The first year focused on irrigation and nitrogen management in response to drought conditions and high fertilizer prices. “Those are two of the biggest pieces in irrigated systems that really need to be tackled,” she said.
Heng‑Moss concluded by linking the program to the land grant mission, calling it an innovative way to meet the evolving needs of Nebraska agriculture.
To listen to the interview, visit go.unl.edu/MasterIrrigatorInterview.
