As this year’s irrigation season begins to wind down, now is a good time to start thinking about what comes next.

Fall is the perfect time to start thinking about next year’s irrigation project. With this season still fresh in your mind, you can look at what worked, what didn’t, and where your irrigation needs may have changed. Taking the time to evaluate those things now gives you a head start on planning, evaluating options, and preparing for the season ahead.

Start With What You Learned This Season

Every irrigation season provides valuable information about what is working and what could work better.

Ask Yourself This:

• Did your system provide the coverage you needed?
• Did you run into recurring repairs or equipment issues?
• Were there areas that required more attention than others?
• Has your operation expanded or changed?
• Have your water needs changed?
• Are you considering adding irrigation to additional acreage?

These questions can help identify where your irrigation system is meeting your needs and where there may be opportunities for improvement next season.

Give Yourself Time to Plan

Starting the planning process in the fall gives you time to evaluate your needs, consider different options, develop a plan, and make decisions without the pressure of an approaching planting or irrigation season. Depending on the scope of the project, there may be several factors to work through before installation, from system design and water requirements to equipment selection and budget.

Starting early also gives you more time to think through the project as a whole and make sure the plan fits your operation. Whether you’re considering a new irrigation system, expanding an existing system, or making improvements to your current setup, getting started in the fall gives you time to work through the details and prepare for the season ahead.

Planning for Next Year Starts With Looking at This Year

As you look back on the past irrigation season, consider the challenges your operation faced and whether your current system met your needs. Maybe you experienced:

• Inconsistent coverage in certain areas
• Recurring equipment repairs or breakdowns
• Pressure or flow issues
• Difficulty keeping up with water demand
• More labor or manual adjustments than expected
• Changes in acreage or crop needs
• The need for irrigation in areas that aren’t currently covered

These challenges can help point to opportunities for the coming season. Consider what has changed in your operation and where you expect your irrigation needs to be next year.

You don’t need to have the entire project figured out before reaching out. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation about what you’re considering and determining what options make sense for your operation.

How Lee Rain Can Help

At Lee Rain, we work with growers on irrigation projects at every stage, from the initial idea through planning and implementation. Whether you’re considering a new system, expanding an existing setup, or looking for ways to improve your irrigation operation, our team can help evaluate your needs and work with you to develop a plan that makes sense for your operation.

Every project is different, and our goal is to help you find an irrigation solution that fits the needs of your operation. From evaluating your current setup to discussing options for what’s ahead, we’re here to help you work through the process.

Lee Rain works with growers on irrigation projects from planning through implementation.

Start Planning Before Spring

Once spring arrives, getting an irrigation project ready can become a race against the clock. Starting now gives you the time to take what you learned this season and turn it into a plan for next season.

If you’ve been thinking about an irrigation project for next year, don’t wait until spring to start the conversation. Contact Lee Rain today to start planning for the season ahead.