Irrigation Training Facility
Grants from the Bureau of Reclamation for personnel and infrastructure, support from the California State University, Chico College of Agriculture, and grants from the California Public Utilities Commission have funded the development of a demonstration SCADA system, an irrigation training facility (ITF), and a mediated classroom at the University Farm. These facilities were created to support Northern California water districts to implement conservation plans. The location of this facility in the heart of the Sacramento Valley makes it easily accessible to irrigation district personnel. This facility was developed with assistance and cooperation from of the Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT), California State University, Fresno. The project remains closely allied with ITRC.
One of the goals of developing this facility is to support the adoption of new technologies in water measurement and control that will lead to water conservation. By providing a local facility, local training opportunities, and technical support in Chico it is hoped that Northern California water districts will adopt new water conservation technologies. The facility at the University Farm is unique in that it incorporates a demonstration site where various water measurement technologies can be demonstrated. Installation on the 800 acre farm allows the flexibility to demonstrate under field conditions (e.g. demonstrate water flow measurement in unlined ditches, or in field turnouts) as well as the controlled conditions of the demonstration facility.
Irrigation system evaluations for growers in federal water districts are provided free of charge. For more information please contact us.
Chico offers regular courses for water districts at the University Farm. Course Information and Schedule.
A wide variety of equipment is installed for demonstration at the University Farm. Some equipment can be loaned to districts with technical support. See the equipment listing.
University FarmCollege of Agriculture Chico, CA 95929-0270Jay Thomas - Technician530-898-5446Erik Houk - Project Director530-898-4146