UI Extension Drought resources

Drought resources

Idaho’s vast Snake River plain is one of the most productive irrigated agricultural regions in the western United States. Without vital irrigation water, farm and ranch producers are unable to provide the crop and livestock resources essential for the economy of Idaho. Without irrigation, the high desert of southern Idaho would revert back the rangeland it was prior to irrigation development in the early 1900’s. 

Irrigation scheduling

• Irrigation scheduling using water-use tables, CIS 1039

Potatoes

• Potato irrigation management, BUL 789

Sugarbeets

• Sugarbeet irrigation management using watermark moisture sensors, CIS 1140

Cereals

• Estimating water requirements of hard red spring wheat for final irrigations, BUL 833

Alfalfa

• Idaho forage handbook, BUL 547

Corn

• Center pivot irrigation for corn: water management and system design considerations in southern Idaho, BUL 881

Livestock and range

• Current livestock and feed situation-reports
• Idaho forage handbook, BUL 547
• USDA cattle heat stress forecast

Other drought links

• Great Basin Weather and Climate Dashboard
• Idaho Snow Survey
• NOAA Climate Prediction Center
• North Dakota State University Drought Information
• NRCS: Idaho Snotel Sites
• University of Wisconsin Extension: Drought Preparedness and Response
• USGS Current Water Data for Idaho
• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: AgriMet
• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: Hydromet — Reservoir Storage "Teacup" Diagrams
• U.S. Drought Monitor
• Western Regional Climate Center