As a means of preserving water flow in the perennial streams, the legislature decided to compensate farmers who volunteer to not irrigate their crops during drought years. The Drought Act allows farmers like Gamble to plant crops on acreage enrolled in the program, as long as they do not irrigate the crops. Gamble says he plans to plant his acreage in cotton because it does not require as much moisture as corn. The auction involved five rounds of bidding in which 194 farmers submitted bids for 346 eligible surface water permits. Bids were accepted for 209 permits.
Some farmers have more valuable land than others, and the farmers know the value of their time.
The EPD will send staff members for unannounced visits to each participating farm throughout the summer to ensure auction participants are abiding by the no-irrigation agreement. Jennifer Whittaker is editor of Georgia Farm Bureau News . Legal Notice American Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau and the FB Logo are registered service marks of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Voice of Agriculture is a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation.