Watershed Alliance Spotlights Irrigation and Specialty Crops
Published on July 29, 2010
July 29, 2010, Medicine Hat Alberta...On July 21, the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA) facilitated a tour of Canada’s largest irrigation region- Saint Mary’s River Irrigation District (SMRID). The tour also included stops at local producers and specialty crops responsible for a healthy water supply and stable social, environmental and economic benefits.
Participants had the opportunity to tour the 40 Mile Reservoir damn and pump house and were informed about the purpose and capacity of this SMRID component. SMRID is Canada’s largest irrigation district, covering about 20% of Canada’s irrigated area which equates to approximately 372,000 acres, or around 600 square miles. Constructed in 1985, the reservoir was originally built to serve as a reserve for periods of drought and can hold just under 70,000 acre feet of water for irrigation. However, with the construction of 40 Mile Park, it has also turned into a popular recreation area.
“The second stop on the tour was Corraini Essential Oils near Bow Island. Here, we had an opportunity to walk through dill and mint fields and learn about the process of steam distillation all the way from the field to the barrels of final product,” said Sarah Herman, agriculture project coordinator for the Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta.“The operation produces dill and mint oils which are mostly exported to the United States for use as flavorings – most notably, the minty freshness of toothpaste.”
Visiting a variety of local farming operations; the group toured a seed farm and learned about the process of producing hemp and hybrid canola seeds as well as met with producers to learn the ins and outs of growing potatoes, beans, sugar beets, and sod. Those who partook in the tour enjoyed a very informative day and had the rare opportunity to learn firsthand about local irrigation, crop production, as well as about the environmental and economic elements involved with each different crop.
Focused on planning and facilitating sustainable use of the South Saskatchewan River Watershed, the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA) looks to support a healthy water supply that provides balance between social, environmental, and economic benefits. To learn more about this agriculturally rich area go to www.edalliance.ca