Media

Welcome to the Media and News hub of the TAPS Program! Here, we unfold the latest developments, breakthroughs, and impactful stories surrounding our innovative irrigation initiative. At the forefront of irrigation research, TAPS transforms the water management landscape and shapes the narrative of financial and environmentally sustainable agriculture in Kansas. Our media and news section isn't just a source of updates; it's a platform to explore the critical role TAPS plays in addressing the challenges faced by the grain-growing region of the Great Plains, particularly in western Kansas.

Meet the TAPS team: Raenette Martin

The TAPS program is about building networks to support sustainable, economically viable irrigation management. We are nothing without our people. Our TAPS farmer contestants, colleagues in academia, industry partners, and the TAPS community we are building drive our work forward. We'd like to introduce our K-State TAPS team to celebrate Smart Irrigation Month this July, themed "We Are Smart Irrigation". First up—meet Raenette Martin!

The long game and urgency of the Ogallala Aquifer playing out now for Dr. Susan Metzger

Water is vital to agriculture, especially in regions reliant on non-precipitation sources, where both strategic foresight and immediate action are crucial in every decision. Dr. Susan Metzger, Kansas State University Director of Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development, Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment, Kansas Water Institute, and the Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A) - Engagement is deeply involved in efforts across the region and the state to balance agricultural practices with environmental sustainability, addressing issues such as nutrient runoff and carbon sequestration. A major focus of her work is the future of the Ogallala Aquifer.

Marketing Minute with Daniel O’Brien

USDA WASDE Report Sparks Positive Response in Grain Markets

Colby, KAN. (May 10, 2024)—The May USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, released at 11 a.m. Central time, has spurred a positive response in the grain markets, particularly in corn, soybeans, and wheat. We spoke with Daniel O’Brien, K-State agricultural economist, regarding the implications of the May 10 WASDE report on market trends and potential outcomes for farmers, investors, and participants in the TAPS program. Listen to the Marketing Minute...or 2 or 3 with Daniel O'Brien and learn more!

2024 TAPS Social Media Team Launch

Join us on @KSUTAPS on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram where the public can actively participate by casting votes to make management decisions for the TAPS Social Media Team—Farm #16. Together, we'll tackle the complexities of the TAPS competition, aiming for sustainable and profitable agricultural practices. Learn more about the 2024 TAPS Social Media Team

K-State irrigation engineer bringing water competition to Kansas

K-State Director of Sustainable Irrigation, Daran Rudnick, is bringing an unconventional competition among High Plains farmers, known as TAPS (Testing Ag Performance Solutions). TAPS transcends the typical farm management contest format, evolving into a collaborative network where farmers from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Oklahoma unite to explore and implement diverse water management technologies, fostering innovation and sustainability in the face of pressing challenges. If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming TAPS competition and Rudnick's work, you can read more.

As we navigate the dynamic landscape of TAPS, join us in celebrating the successes, building our network of passionate irrigation-connected growers and industry partners, unraveling the research, and advocating for a resilient and thriving future in irrigation.

K-State TAPS Irrigation Resources

Kansas Water Institute

Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE)

Irrigation at K-State Research and Extension

KSRE Irrigation Publications

Western Kansas Research-Extension Centers

Testing Ag Performance Solutions

Irrigation Innovation Consortium

TAPS in the News and Media