University of Arizona plans Maricopa workshop on using satellite data for irrigation

The University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center is hosting a May workshop to show growers how to convert OpenET evapotranspiration data into field-level irrigation decisions. The training is designed for Arizona producers trying to make more informed water-use choices during a period of continuing supply stress.

The University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center is set to host the first stop in a three-day irrigation workshop series focused on practical water management. The Maricopa session is scheduled for May 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at the center on West Smith-Enke Road and is aimed at helping growers use satellite-derived information in everyday farm decisions.

The main tool featured in the workshop is OpenET, a nonprofit platform that provides daily, monthly and annual estimates of actual evapotranspiration across 48 states. In simple terms, organizers say the system helps growers estimate how much water crops are using so they can make irrigation plans based on field conditions rather than guesswork alone.

According to the published agenda, attendees will get an update on Arizona’s current water situation, a walkthrough of how OpenET functions and examples showing how evapotranspiration data can be converted into irrigation hours for flood, pivot and drip systems. Crop examples are expected to include cotton, corn, Sudan grass and alfalfa, making the session directly relevant to regional producers.

Organizers also appear to be setting realistic expectations. The workshop materials say OpenET should be used to evaluate weekly and seasonal patterns, not treated as a real-time soil-moisture sensor. Participants will be encouraged to compare the platform’s readings with irrigation logs and field observations, and a hands-on segment will let them review their own parcels. Additional sessions are scheduled for Willcox and Yuma, giving the workshop added statewide relevance for Arizona agriculture.