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 Antelope




West Texas Irrigation

Objective:

EQIP work within the West Texas Area will address the resource concern of water quantity. Practices that save water through improved irrigation methods have been targeted. Highest emphasis will be placed on the counties of Glasscock, Irion, Reagan, Upton, Midland and Tom Green. However, the portion of Glasscock and Midland County that is underlain by the Ogalalla Aquifer is a low priority for this source of funding.

Resource Concern:

Water Quantity (Irrigation)

Primary Area of Concern:

Part of Glasscock, and Midland not over Ogalalla, and Irion, Reagan, Upton, and Tom Green counties. - High Priority

All others -  Low Priority

Eligible Practices:

  • LEPA, LESA, LPIC and MESA center pivots
  • Microirrigation
  • Irrigation pipeline
  • Irrigation regulating reservoir

    • Incentives:

  • Nutrient Management
  • Pest Management
  • Residue Management

    • Cost Share Rates:

    Limited Resource Farmer/ Producer - 90 percent
    Beginning Farmer/ Rancher - 50 percent
    All other categories - 50 percent

    Ranking Criteria:

    Ranking Criteria Points

    Points
    Irrigation Practices to be considered:  
    Convert surface irrigation or antiquated high pressure sprinkler systems to LEPA 75 points
    Convert surface irrigation or antiquated high pressure sprinkler system to microirrigation 75 points
    Convert surface irrigation or antiquated high pressure sprinkler system to LESA 70 points
    Convert surface irrigation or antiquated high pressure sprinkler system to LPIC 65 points
    Convert surface irrigation or antiquated high pressure sprinkler system to MESA 60 points
    Convert LESA, LPIC, or MESA center pivot to microirrigation. Replace non- functioning micro irrigation system. 1 40 points
    Facilitating Practices:  
    Irrigation Pipeline (430) 20 points
    Irrigation Regulating Reservoir (552) 20 points
    Incentive Practices:  
    Nutrient Management (590) –$8.00/Ac/Year 2 10 points
    Pest Management (595) – $8.00/Ac./Year 2 10 points
    Residue Management (329) – $10.00/Ac./Year 2 10 points
    Score: ________

    LEPA – Low Energy Precision Application. Land slope <1% on more than 50% of field. Drop heights not to exceed 18 inches. Applicable only to row crops in circle.
    LESA – Low Elevation Spray Application. Land slope <3% on more than 50% of field. Drop heights not to exceed 18 inches.
    LPIC – Low Pressure in Canopy Application. Land slope <3% on more than 50% of field. Drop heights generally range from 12 to 36 inches from ground, depending on crop.
    MESA – Mid-Elevation Spray Application. Drop heights typically 3 to 7 feet above ground with water applied above the crop.
    If multiple methods are needed to treat the acres in this application, points will be awarded based on the lowest point treatment.
    Antiquated high pressure sprinkler systems are defined as sideroll, hand move or big gun systems or any system that requires an operating nozzle pressure greater than 25 p.s.i.
    1. A non-functioning system that has exceeded the life span requirements will be evaluated as a new system.
    2. Incentives will be follow the appropriate job sheet and will be cost shared a maximum of 3 years.

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