Water management in agriculture is a complicated facet of the industry. Water availability, distribution, and drainage are all part of successful growing and ranching operations. Add into the mix the need to mitigate flooding and to be sensitive to the regional environment, water is the keystone to sustainable agriculture. 

To that end, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is providing a series of free workshops called AgH2Onawrd. The workshops explore the various facets of water management including the process and benefits of obtaining drainage approvals and best practices to deal with water on the land. 

These free half-day workshops are being offered online and in-person until April 2023. Scheduled in-person workshops will begin in March. It’s the second year the workshops will be offered. 

"Often, the biggest challenge is knowing where to start," AgH2Onward Coordinator Julie Mackenzie said. "These workshops will introduce producers to well-designed drainage projects and help them incorporate strategies best suited for their farm or ranch operations and the regional landscape." 

Among the topics are practices such as surface ditches, tile drainage and wetland consolidation, completing a network project with neighbouring landowners, and using a qualified person to assist landowners through the process. 

A release by the provincial government notes that the Agricultural Water Management Strategy is a made-in-Saskatchewan approach that supports economic growth, thriving communities and resilient watersheds. It was implemented in 2015 to provide support and opportunities for farmers and ranchers to effectively manage excess water on agricultural land and safeguard against downstream flooding, water quality and environmental impacts.

Producers can find out more at  agh2onward.ca.