Delta/Mesa Colorado
Master Irrigator Program

Registration is Closed!

The demand for Water on the Western Slope of Colorado is ever-increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. In rural and urban areas alike, shifting community attitudes and normalizing water efficiency as a desirable community goal requires extensive communication and education. The primary goal of the Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator program is to assist producers in maintaining profitability while integrating tools and strategies that can help them improve water efficiency on their operation. The program is a non-profit, 32-hour educational course that will be offered annually over three years to farmers and crop consultants starting in early 2025 through a collaborative effort between Delta and Mesa Conservation Districts. 

Did you know our Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator Program…..?

  • Builds community networking with peers and experts!

  • Provides technical support and financial resources for 3 years to participants.

  • Awards participants a $2000 stipend for completion of the course and post-irrigation surveys.

  • A total of $15,000 will be awarded to 2 “Master Master’s” - one person is chosen from each Delta and Mesa District.

Our program is crafted with local producers and expert input!

-Specifically designed to positively impact our unique region of the Colorado and Gunnison River Basins.

Courses will be held at the CSU Orchard Mesa Research Station and the Delta Recreation Center. Please click the link below to see the program schedule.

Topics to include….

  • Funding irrigation improvements through grants, loans, and USDA programs.

  • Managing nutrient and soil loss and their impact on downstream resources.

  • Alternative low-water-use crops and their marketability.

  • Crop tissue testing and interpretation.

  • What can Precision Ag. do for me? 

  • Potential impacts of Colorado Compact negotiations on local producers.

  • and much more……!

Are you interested in learning how your local business or organization can partner with our local program?

Thank you to all our Current 2025 Sponsors and Partners

To learn more about the program and find out how you can partner with us to sponsor the Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator program, please reach out to:

Holly Stanley - Mesa CD Manager
hollystanleymcd@gmail.com
mesaconservationdistrict@gmail.com

970-216-1069