Water Technology Farm Showcases Effort To Conserve Aquifer

By: PJ Griekspoor

More than 200 people turned out for an Aug. 2 demonstration at T&O Farms LLC, that focused on irrigating effectively from a depleting water source. T&O Farms is the Water Technology Farm in Kansas.

The Water Technolgy Farm concept was developed as an action item within the Kansas Water Vision which Gov. Sam Brownback called for in 2013 to address the state’s water supply issues.

“It’s time to be passionate about our opportunities in western Kansas. These types of technologies are vital to helping us preserve and extend the aquifer for as long as we can,” said Brownback. “It’s time to think about the aquifer as a bank account and having an account that you’re passing on to your children or grandchildren.

Willis shared his vision for the three year project as well as the future of water supply in Western Kansas.

“My motivation is two-fold, not only do we have an ethanol business here but I farm. I want to pass this farm to my son when he returns from serving our country,” said Willis. “My goal for this three-year project is to prove it is possible to grow more with less and see this duplicated all over the aquifer.”

Director of the Kansas Water Office, Tracy Streeter, was appointed to lead the Water Vision Team. Two years ago the team developed the Water Technology Farm concept and knew in order to be successful it had to be based on public-private partnerships. The farm has 24 sponsors showing the drive for Kansas wanting to conserve water.