Exploring irrigation investments: Feasibility and economics with MSU Extension's Virtual Breakfast
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EmailThe 2026 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues August 27 with Lyndon Kelley discussing the economics of irrigation investments and key considerations for producers evaluating irrigation expansion.
Join the Michigan State University Extension 2026 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on Thursday, Aug. 27 with a discussion on irrigation investments and economics. Longer dry spells, flash droughts, climate change and the expansion of high-value specialty crop production are prompting more Michigan producers to consider irrigation expansion. Irrigation is increasingly being used as a tool to help producers adapt to changing weather patterns, improve crop resilience and manage weather-related economic risks.
Michigan is fortunate to have abundant water resources. Although total rainfall has increased over the past two decades and is projected to continue increasing over the next two decades, longer periods between rainfall events are becoming a greater concern for crop producers. These extended dry periods are increasing interest in irrigation as a potential investment to protect yields and improve farm resiliency.
Lyndon Kelley, MSU/Purdue Extension irrigation educator, has more than 38 years of experience working with Michigan producers to evaluate irrigation systems and assess the feasibility of adding irrigation to their operations. On Aug. 27, Kelley will provide a brief overview of “Exploring Irrigation Investments: Feasibility and Economics,” highlighting key considerations for producers evaluating an irrigation investment.
Following the irrigation presentation, Jeff Andresen, MSU climatologist, will provide a detailed weather outlook and climate update.
To supplement the Virtual Breakfast session on irrigation or for those unable to attend the meeting, check out the Checklist for Irrigation Planning available on the MSU Irrigation website. If you have questions or would like to discuss your plans, contact Kelley or another member of the MSU irrigation team to talk through your potential project.
The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions are held every week during the growing season via Zoom video or phone conference. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7–8 a.m. March through September. The Virtual Breakfast Series is flexible, fluid and able to adapt when issues arise due to unforeseen growing conditions. There will be an open 20-minute Q&A session following the presentations with MSU specialists and educators. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom meeting 5 minutes prior to the start time for a tech check and to receive announcements.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available for participants who attend the live session.
Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A call-in by phone option is also available but you will only hear the audio portion.
Sign up for the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
Participants must sign up to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast. You only need to do this once and you will receive the Zoom link and call-in phone number, as well as weekly reminders every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants receiving emails can opt in or out at any time.
If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, participants who attend the live session only will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the MSU Extension Field Crops Team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, Mediaspace, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X.
If you are unable to sign up online, call the Montcalm County MSU Extension office at 989-831-7500.
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