Irrigated/Dry Farm Loans

Water is essential for life, and that’s no different when it comes to plants. Dry or inconsistent moisture levels in dirt will prevent seeds from germinating. Young plants, when deprived of moisture, can’t efficiently exchange water for carbon during photosynthesis, and thus grow slower and are weaker and less healthy. Water use and irrigation in many farms is vital. However, throughout the ages, farmers have learned to adapt and farm without irrigation, whether due to lack of access to water (particularly prior to the rise of dams and aquifer pumping), or personal initiative. This “dry farming” involves is the cultivation of crops without irrigation in regions of limited moisture (typically less than 20 inches of annual precipitation). It relies heavily on efficient storage of the limited moisture in the soil, careful selection of crops, and use of proven growing methodologies that make the best use of moisture. Irrigated farming relies on an irrigation system to keep the crops fed with the moisture they need.

Hobby farmers and larger farm operators opt for one or the other or a combination of the two. But both have their own unique expenses that may require loan assistance. Greendale Ag Lending can help with those needs.

Irrigated farming, as you may suspect, typically carries more costs. On top of usual farm costs such as land acquisition, structures, maintenance and other operating costs, irrigated farming involves significant investment in the irrigation structures itself, as well as the water use. Small manual labor-operated systems that run via gravity flow can cost as little as $50 to irrigate a small garden. Larger systems requiring pumps and permanent piping can cost up to $2500 an acre and even more, plus water use costs.

While dry farms avoid the costs of irrigation, all the other farming costs still apply, including land, structures, crops, equipment and more.

No matter the type of farming you specialize in, Greendale Ag Lending has loan solutions for you to help you grow. Our experts will take the time to understand your needs and work with you to determine the right loans for your situation. Contact us today to get started.