Following another year of interesting weather conditions and exciting developments for the irrigation sector, producers are gearing up for the 2026 growing season. Lethbridge Polytechnic, in partnership with industry, producers, academics and government representatives, will host the 2026 Irrigated Crop Production Update on Jan. 22.
This one-day session will be held 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre. Registration is required to attend, and the early-bird price deadline is Dec. 23. General admission tickets are available until the week of Jan. 19.
"The importance of the Irrigated Crop Production Update cannot be understated as we face further change in growing conditions and see an increased importance of the irrigation sector for economic diversification," says Dr. Willemijn Appels, senior research chair with the Mueller Irrigation Research Group at Lethbridge Polytechnic. "Being located in Canada's Premier Food Corridor, this day serves as an opportunity for key contributors to collaborate with experts and leverage partnerships with the goal of a sustainable agricultural sector."
Southern Alberta's irrigation outlook improved markedly this summer after a very wet July brought much-needed moisture. The Government of Alberta's approval of a feasibility study for a Belly River reservoir signals a continued interest in long-term water security. Together, these developments offer producers some short- to medium-term optimism while underscoring the continued need for sustained investment and coordinated water management practices to build and maintain a resilient irrigation sector.
The conference will feature several presentations, such as:
- a keynote speaker discussing the approach and general results for the International Joint Commission Milk River study;
- annual update from United Irrigation District;
- pests, weeds and disease management for irrigated crops;
- information about snowpack conditions and forecast water supply for 2026; and
- a farmer panel discussing irrigation strategies for niche and specialty crops.
The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) applied research in irrigation breakfast will kick off the event. Attendees are encouraged to begin the day enjoying food and drink while networking with peers and visiting vendors at the tradeshow.
"Southern Alberta has long been a hub for agricultural expertise, and the Irrigated Crop Production Update reinforces the value of bringing producers and stakeholders together," says Dr. Kenny Corscadden, vice-president - academic and research. "These sessions serve to strengthen our shared understanding of the challenges we face and help guide the industry forward. I look forward to the insights that will come from this year's update as we continue to build a resilient and innovative agricultural sector."
For attendees interested in continuing education credits, Lethbridge Polytechnic has applied for Certified Crop Advisor and Pesticide Applicator credits for those sessions.
To learn more about the event and to register, visit the Irrigated Crop Production Update website.
For sponsorship opportunities, view the sponsorship form or contact Leslie May at leslie.may_02@lethpolytech.ca.
