The University of Idaho has secured federal funding to create decision-support tools aimed at helping irrigators manage crop production during periods of water shortage, officials announced.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture provided the grant to support development of an interactive online dashboard that will consolidate drought-planning resources for agricultural producers across Idaho. Meetpal Kukal, an assistant professor of hydrologic science and water management at the Moscow campus, is directing the project.
Researchers have already completed a beta version of the dashboard, which will eventually integrate with the University of Idaho Extension website. The tool is designed to assist farmers with planting decisions and crop management strategies when water availability becomes constrained—a growing concern for Idaho’s agricultural economy.
The dashboard is expected to be finalized before the spring planting season, giving irrigators time to incorporate the planning resources into their operational workflows. The platform will provide data-driven guidance on irrigation scheduling, crop selection, and water conservation practices tailored to regional conditions.
Idaho’s agricultural sector relies heavily on irrigation, particularly in the Palouse region and across northern Idaho. Recurring drought conditions and declining water reserves have intensified pressure on farmers to optimize water use without sacrificing yields. The new tools represent a direct investment in helping producers adapt to water scarcity through better planning and resource management.
The project reflects broader federal and state efforts to bolster agricultural resilience in the face of climate variability. Earlier this year, the Idaho Water Trust spared users from curtailments as the state secured additional storage capacity, and federal disaster loans became available to Idaho farmers and homeowners affected by drought conditions.
What Comes Next
The University of Idaho expects to complete and deploy the dashboard ahead of spring 2027 planting operations. Agricultural extension offices across the state are expected to promote the tool to their constituent farmers once it becomes available.