DOVER — Irrigation can increase grain production and profitability even in a near-ideal growing season, a new survey of Delaware cropland shows.

Delaware farm fields that used irrigation in 2013 produced 27 percent more corn per acre on average than non-irrigated fields, according to new data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Irrigated acres produced 40 bushels of corn per acre more than non-irrigated ones, or 189 bushels for irrigated land compared to 149 bushels for non-irrigated land, the survey shows.

“Irrigation is an incredibly valuable tool that can help increase economic stability and improve profits even in a record-setting corn yield year like 2013,” Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said. “This data shows how an initial investment can make yields more predictable and let farmers influence production in periods of drought.”

Kee noted that irrigation also has environmental benefits, making crops more efficient in the uptake of nutrients so they don’t stay in the soil during dry weather and then add to nutrient loading during the wet fall and winter months.

The data is the first time Delaware has compared yields for irrigated and non-irrigated corn. Of the 174,000 acres harvested for corn for grain in 2013, 43 percent – or 75,000 acres – were irrigated, the data shows. About 57 percent, or 99,000 acres, were not irrigated.

Delaware corn producers saw a record average yield of 166 bushels per acre in 2013, beating the previous record of 162 bushels per acre, in 2000.

An innovative partnership now in its fourth year offers help to Delaware farmers who want to add new irrigation systems. The Delaware Rural Irrigation Program, or DRIP, offers no-interest loans to install new equipment in partnership with private lending institutions.

Eligible farmers must have been actively engaged for at least two years in growing and harvesting of cash crops, such as corn, soybeans, fruit and vegetables, in Delaware, and must own or lease the land to be irrigated.

The loan fund finances up to 25 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed $25,000, at zero interest for a term of no longer than seven years. Repayment of principal must begin in year three of the loan. Financing is limited to one project per farm each year.

DRIP loans can help farmers add new irriation systems, including center pivot, linear move, towable systems, span angle systems, corner arm systems, single phase systems or wells and filters associated with drip irrigation systems. All work must be performed by experienced and qualified contractors licensed in and located in Delaware.

Farmers interested in participating should contact James Pennewell at the Delaware Economic Development Office at 302-672-6807 or james.pennewell@delaware.gov. Applications should be submitted concurrently with approved bank financing. The loan application will be reviewed by DEDO Capital Resources staff with comment from the Department of Agriculture.

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Delaware corn for grain, 2013

Irrigated: 77,000 acres planted … 75,000 acres harvested … 189 bushels/acre yield

Non-irrigated: 103,000 acres planted … 99,000 acres harvested … 149 bushels/acre yield

Total: 180,000 acres planted … 174,000 acres harvested … 166 bushels/acre yield

Source: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

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Contact:

Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520

DOVER — Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee released the following statement regarding today’s report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showing significant environmental improvements due to farmers’ work in the Chesapeake Bay region. The report states that cropland productivity in the Chesapeake Bay region is on the increase, while nutrient runoff from nitrogen and phosphorous, as well as sediment loss, are decreasing.

“Improving our environment and water quality has long been our goal in Delaware, with the First State’s work in nutrient management on the leading edge,” Gov. Markell said. “We recognized early on the importance of a partnership between farmers and the state to reducing environmental impact, and our farmers have stepped up to the challenge. Their work is paying off, as we see today. Our farmers should be applauded for their work using the latest conservation techniques that will benefit all Delawareans.”

“I often say that farmers are the first environmentalists, and that becomes especially clear when we look at this report,” Secretary Kee said. “There’s no one closer to the land and more in tune with the environment than Delaware farmers. While there’s still plenty of work to be done, science showed us the path forward 15 years ago, and science is now telling us that our farmers have done a great job and are committed to this task.”

Wilmington –  In his weekly message, Governor Markell discusses the multi-billion dollar Delaware farming industry and our efforts to support its growth.

“We’re looking forward to a strong future for farming in Delaware,” said Governor Markell. “Just as we’re committed to preserving our physical farming resources by properly maintaining our land, we must also support our human resources – the 2,500 farmers we have now as well as thousands more to come.”

Every Friday, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2BrkyuEdI4
Delaware.Gov:  http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
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Transcript of the Governors Weekly Message: Planting the Seeds for Economic Growth.

To grow Delaware’s economy, we must build on our strengths. And no economic engine has been more reliable throughout our history than farming. It’s now a multibillion dollar industry in our state.

We’re looking forward to a strong future for farming in Delaware. Just as we’re committed to preserving our physical farming resources by properly maintaining our land, we must also support our human resources – the 2,500 farmers we have now as well as thousands more to come.

Young Delawareans just starting out in agribusiness are now participating in our innovative Young Farmers Program. This initiative helps to ensure the next generation of farmers has the tools and opportunities to continue Delaware’s great farming tradition.The high cost of land is one of the obstacles for young people getting into farming, and our program helps solve that problem by providing no-interest loans to help purchase land.

We’re supporting Delawareans like Phillip and Cara Sylvester, a young husband and wife team who used a state loan program last year to help expand their Felton-area farming operation, where they grow corn, soybeans, wheat and lima beans. Ten new farmers who just joined our initiative will be raising poultry, and growing corn, soybeans, wheat and watermelon.

Our farming heritage is strong and proud, as we saw recently when we honored members of our Century Farm Program – a group of Delawareans who have been farming the same land for more than 100 years. The strength of Delaware’s agriculture will continue because of our farmers’ hard work and the investments we make in their needs. By supporting them, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.