Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1919-01-10
IRRIGATION CONGRESS

The attention of our readers is called
to the Idaho Irrigation Congress, which
will meet in Twin Falls commencing
Monday, the 18th and ending on Friday
the 17th.
In connection with the Congress
there will be held at the same time
the annual meeting of the Idaho Seed
Growers Association, Potato Growers
Association, the meeting of the County
Agricultural Agents, and many other
societies having to do with agriculture
in this State
There viii be subjects discussed that
are OF special importance and interest
TO the farmers on the North Side Pro-
ject. Among them is the question OF
the advantages and disadvantages OF
irrigation districts. This will be han
died by men OF experience on both
sides.
Another very important question is
that of maintenance charges being
based upon the amount of water used
in place of the number of acres owning
water rights This is known as the
service method of assessment, and is
employed upon a great many OF the
larger projects in this country.
This is matter that is of direct inter
est to every one of our readers. II
settles the question OF water duty. You
all know that the amount of water re-
quired for growing crops differs some
what with different farms. and differ
ent questions enter into il. Each man
desires the right to use what water
he needs, and should only be required
to pay for that amount The acreage
method leads to great waste, and in
time to the detriment OF considerable
areas of land.
Perhaps the most important question
OF all those that will be discussed is
the proposed change in the laws Of
Idaho relating to the administration of
the waters of this State. Idaho is a
way behind in its laws on this subject.
There will be present at the convention
men in charge OF the administration Of
the waters OF California. Oregon, Wash
ington and Wyoming. The question is
there shall be a State Board
of Control, in whom will be vested the
of all these matters This
method has proven far more satisfact
ory- placing the business in the hands
Of men trained il that line OF work
Every water user is certainly inter
ssted In having his rights safeguardad
In a more practical way than at present
A State Board of Control in the first
Instance settles all disputes Of what
ever character. growing out of the use
Df water for irrigation. SO successful
has this method been that in the State
of Oregon in one year out OF some
200 cases disposed OF bf the Switchboard
II Control. there was only three refer !
red to the Courts. IT affords a respcn-
;ihle and satisfactory way OF determin /
ng these matters.
In addition TO these direct questions I
rffecting irrigation. there viii be dis
iussed the marketing problem which 4
low confronts the Idaho farmer. 1t is
lot enough to grow the best crops in
he world. These crops have got to be
over into money. That
aeans markets.
Another question is how we can make
lse OF the largo water power which
les right st our doors. The question
Z farm labor and how power can be
ltiiized to reduce the labor cost is one
r our serious problems. Cooperative
fort can make available Tor your use
his great power resource
You are al, directly concerned in al
alfa. The hest market for this crop
! on your own farm. in the way Of live