Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

In Western Montana, Bruce Thomas of Thomas Herefords, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources (DNRC), received a Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grant to research whether early season irrigation using pivot systems could enhance late season growth.

By using a pivot to mimic flood irrigation, the project achieved great results, not only improving late season growth of Bruce’s hay crop but also helping improve streamflow in the creek. By reducing demand on the pivots later in the season and rotating between the two systems, Bruce was able to reduce his water use during the summer months, a time when the creek is lower.

The project is gaining attention from neighboring ranchers and operations across the state looking to incorporate these practices into their own operations.