A nearly $50,000 grant will help fund the development of a master irrigator program  for the Mesa and Delta conservation districts.

The Colorado River District awarded the $49,997 grant through its community funding partnership program.

The Mesa and Delta conservation districts will design and implement a master irrigator program to assist agricultural producers improve water use efficiency on their operations while maintaining profitability.

A 32-hour course will be offered annually to farmers and crop consultants for three consecutive sessions starting in February 2025.

The program will follow the model of the Colorado master irrigator program and practices that have been implemented on more than 200,000 acres of irrigated land.

The program will be crafted with assistance from producers and experts for the Colorado and Gunnison river basins and a cohort of 25 participants. The program will cover such topics as integrating advanced irrigation and water use management.

The program also will offer information on regional hydrology, technology improvements and Colorado River Compact obligations.

The program will provide $2,000 stipends to participants who complete the course and submit surveys to gather information about the practices they’ve implemented. A total of $15,000 will be awarded to two winners from the Mesa and Delta districts.

The program will provide financial resources and technical support to participants for three years.

In addition to the Colorado District grant, funding for the program will be provided through local organization and business sponsorships. Sponsorships are available on four levels for donations ranging from more than $2,000 to more than $200. Sponsors also provide discounted products and services to program graduates.

For more information about the master irrigator program and sponsorship opportunities, visit

the program website located at www.mesacd.com/colorado-master-irrigator.