New Irrigators

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Irrigation Development Factors

Irrigation can be used for market gardens, orchards, potatoes, hay, legumes, grains or any other field crop. However diverting and controlling the flow of water can have many impacts on the land and neighbouring producers. Many factors must be considered before making the decision to invest in irrigation.

  • Economic return on investment
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Regulatory approvals
  • Acquisition of water rights and easements
  • Jurisdiction of the irrigation (i.e., within an existing district, a private development or will it require the formation of a new district)
  • Water availability and soil suitability
  • Hydrogeological and feasibility assessment
  • Utility applications and installations
  • Suitable crop given soil and water conditions

Where do I start?

The Government of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture has an 8 step process to ensure irrigators are meeting all of the regulations for irrigation development in Saskatchewan. Each step details what is required of you, a new irrigator, and your project, and provides all the necessary resources to move you through the process.

Along with the introduction of the Development Process, Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) has two support programs available for both new and current irrigators. These programs provide funding for eligible development and/or high efficiency conversion costs.

More information on the Irrigation Development Process, and the CAP support programs can be found in the links below. Keep in mind the application deadlines for funding are as follows:
Support for Irrigation Development in Saskatchewan — December 31, 2022
Support for Irrigation Environmental Efficiency — December 31, 2022

The following organizations can provide invaluable help to get you started:

  • SIPA can help you source the required applications for your project. Our directors are irrigators themselves and represent all areas of Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association
Box 1503, Outlook, SK S0L 2N0
Ph: 639-471-0134 Fax: 306-796-2223

Send us a message.

  • The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture can provide technical and administrative assistance for projects that are greater than 2.5 acres in size.

Saskatchewan Agriculture
Box 609, Outlook, SK S0L 2N0
Ph: 306-867-5500 Fax: 306-867-9868

  • ICDC conducts research and demonstrations on crop viability under irrigation versus dry land conditions. They publish annual several reports with the latest research findings.

Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation
Box 609, Outlook, SK S0L 2N0
Ph: 306-867-5500 Fax: 306-867-9868

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