Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Results - BIG Conservation with BIG Financial Savings

Okanogan County


The Nespelem and Okanogan Offices of NRCS began working with Timm Brothers Ranch when they applied and were accepted for an EQIP contract in 2002. This was the Pete’s Place Unit consisting of three fields that were to be converted from surface irrigation on alfalfa and corn for silage, to new state of the art center pivot sprinkler systems. The results showed a reduction in irrigation water applied by close to 50%, electrical power by 33%, fertilizer by 20%, and an increase in production by 50%.


The fine folks of Timm Brothers Ranch, Inc. (including but not limited to Rick and Pete Timm), Lad Irrigation, Okanogan Conservation District and NRCS staff including Tribal Liaison Martin Bales; Ag Engineer Joe Lange; Cultural Resource Specialist Mark Amara and others from the North Central Team.


Irrigation induced soil erosion, inefficient surface water irrigation practice, less than optimal fertilizer applications for timing and amounts resulting in water quality concerns to nearby Columbia River, less than optimal forage production, and very high energy costs.


EQIP provided sufficient cost-share incentive and technical assistance to enable Timm Brothers Ranch, Inc. to attempt upgrading their difficult and less then desirable surface irrigation system on three fields of the Pete’s Place Conservation Treatment Unit. Three new center pivot sprinkler systems were installed on these three fields totaling about 79 acres. Additionally, new PVC mainline was installed, replacing older leaky steel pipe; new more efficient main and booster pumps replaced older large energy inefficient pumps; deep tillage was used to break tillage pans to allow better water percolation, deeper root growth, improved nutrient availability and uptake, installation sensors to enable optimal irrigation water management, and nutrient management to ensure efficient applications, rates, timing, and water quality. Grass seeding and Tree/Shrub planting along the field borders to aide in intercepting any irrigation induced erosion and to enhance wildlife habitat will be planted this spring. The Okanogan Conservation District staff provided the technical assistance for the irrigation water and nutrient management practices through a contribution agreement between them and NRCS.


Rick and Pete Timm were astounded with the big savings in power (the Nespelem Rural Electric Co. has one of the highest power rates in the region), the big reduction in water used due to improved irrigation efficiency and irrigation water management, and the reduction in fertilizer and application expenses. Additionally, they had not counted on benefiting from such a huge improvement in production of forage for feeding their cattle! Basically, they have gone from an average of 6 tons per acre for alfalfa or corn silage to an average of 11 tons per acre! They are able to accomplish this because they can now double crop planting triticale in late August, harvesting this in late May the next year then planting silage corn and harvesting this in August. To say this has improved their bottom-line is an understatement. They have never sold any of their alfalfa having needed all of it for their herd of close to 2,000 head of cattle. Initially, they did say that after the sprinkler systems, pumps, and mainlines were installed, they felt faint at the total project cost. Rick Timm stated that "If we had known the total cost at the beginning we likely would not have bitten off this project. Boy, we are glad we did knowing all we know now!"


Savings on the electric bill of about $6,000/year and close to 50 percent reduction in water being pumped and applied. Reduction in irrigation induced soil erosion from about 11 tons per acre per year to 4 tons on 79 acres. Improved soil fertility and soil organic matter. Increase in forage production from average of 6 tons per acre to 11 tons per acre per year. Happier owners and even happier bears who frequent the corn fields in August getting fatter!


Martin Bales, Colville Tribal Office, (509) 634-2320

NRCS, Spring 2007

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