Today, more than ever water supplies are an uncertain variable for California agriculture. The Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno is holding the first of several seminars to help farmers learn how to take advantage of a variety of technological developments to make the most of the water they have available.

The first in a series of free seminars, “Basic Micro-Irrigation Systems – Design and Operation” will be held Oct. 29 at the Water & Energy Technology (WET) Lab at Fresno State. A number of irrigation experts will be on hand to educate and answer questions on installing new systems and optimizing existing systems.

“We are working to help farmers through the problems they have with unknown water supplies by helping them incorporate irrigation technology in their operation”, said David Zoldoske, director of the Center for Irrigation Technology.

“We are happy to partner with the Department of Water Resources to help farmers learn what technology is available to help them maximize the limited water supplies that are available,” added Zoldoske.

Anyone interested in attending this free event can register online by visiting www.californiawater.org/IrrigationTech or by calling (800) 845-6038; seating is limited.

The seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Upcoming seminars include: “Center Pivots in California” on Nov. 20, 2008 and “Irrigation Performance – Tips and Tools” on Dec.11.

Working for over 25 years to improve irrigation efficiency, the Center for Irrigation Technology at Fresno State is internationally recognized as an independent testing laboratory, applied research facility and educational resource for water and irrigation technology.

The Irrigation Tech Seminar Series is funded by the California Department of Water Resources. Program sponsors include Eurodrip USA, Netafim USA, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd., John Deere Water Technologies and Bowsmith Inc.