WaterSmart NC Irrigation Workshop
October 7 @ 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
The WaterSmart NC irrigation workshop will give farmers and agricultural professionals a full day of classroom instruction and hands-on training focused on irrigation management, water conservation, and precision irrigation technology.
The workshop will be held Wednesday, October 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the N.C.Cooperative Extension Stokes County Center, 700 N. Main St., Danbury, North Carolina.
N.C. Cooperative Extension is organizing the regional program for farmers, Extension agents, Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, researchers, students, and agricultural industry professionals. Organizers describe it as the first regional WaterSmart NC Irrigation Management and Water Conservation Workshop.
Practical Irrigation Training for Farmers
The WaterSmart NC Irrigation Workshop will focus on ways producers can manage irrigation systems more efficiently while making better use of available water.
Topics will include irrigation scheduling, soil moisture management, irrigation system design and troubleshooting, water conservation, and precision irrigation technologies. Participants will also learn about the economics of irrigation and potential cost-share opportunities that may help farms adopt or improve water-management systems.
The program combines classroom education with hands-on activities. Farmers will have opportunities to examine irrigation equipment and learn how different technologies can help guide watering decisions.
Planned activities at the WaterSmart NC Irrigation Workshop include demonstrations involving irrigation systems, soil-moisture sensors, fertigation, and other tools used for on-farm irrigation decision-making. The program also includes equipment demonstrations, farmer discussions, and presentations from agricultural specialists.
Water Conservation and Precision Agriculture
Efficient irrigation can help farms reduce unnecessary water use while delivering water where and when crops need it.
Precision irrigation tools can provide producers with better information about soil conditions and crop needs. Proper system design, maintenance, and scheduling can also help farmers avoid both overwatering and underwatering.
The WaterSmart NC program connects those concepts with practical techniques farmers can apply to their own operations.
The workshop may be particularly useful to vegetable, fruit, and specialty-crop growers who rely on irrigation during dry periods or who are considering upgrades to existing irrigation systems.
Continuing Education Available
Private applicator license continuing education units are available for participants attending the workshop, according to N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Registration is required in advance for the WaterSmart NC Irrigation Workshop.
Farmers and other agricultural professionals interested in irrigation efficiency, water conservation, or precision-agriculture technology can attend the daylong program in Danbury.
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center
Address: 700 N. Main St., Danbury, NC 27016
Format: In-person classroom and hands-on training
Continuing education: Private applicator license CEUs available
Registration: Required
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