Irrigation Challenges Facing North Dakota Farmers Explained

A state-commissioned irrigation and drainage study alleges western North Dakota could face both significant agricultural opportunities and infrastructure challenges, with Williams County and McKenzie County among the areas highlighted.

The report, commissioned by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions, claims aging drainage systems and increased agricultural demand in Williams County may strain water management and reduce crop efficiency without upgrades.

In McKenzie County, the study alleges rapid energy development has added pressure to irrigation systems. Researchers claim shifting runoff patterns and limited drainage capacity could complicate farming and land use if left unaddressed.

The study outlines similar concerns across western and central North Dakota. Counties including Mountrail County, Dunn County, Ward County and Burke County are cited as facing varying levels of strain. Additional counties named include Divide County, McLean County and Golden Valley County.

At the same time, state officials say the study points to major long term potential. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said the findings suggest up to 1.3 million additional acres could be irrigated statewide, drawing from sources including the Missouri River Basin, the Souris River Basin and the Red River Basin.

The study claims several counties, including McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McHenry, McIntosh, Dunn and Bottineau, show the highest potential for irrigation development.

Goehring also said the report estimates North Dakota may have lost $9.7 billion in economic impact between 1970 and 2024 due to undeveloped irrigation. In recent years, that figure has exceeded $400 million annually, according to the study. Expanded irrigation could generate an additional $500 million in agricultural economic activity, the report claims.