Wirth Ranch History

• Five headgates located on property
• Acres Irrigated: 76 acres (hay)
• Current Diversion: 0.75 cfs from Little Prickly Pear Creek

Project History

The Wirth Ranch had been using flood irrigation to service their hayfield for the last 50 years, with typical use of 3-6 cfs from a diversion located on Little Prickly Pear Creek. The landowner realized that the existing flood irrigation to their hayfield was better serviced with sprinkler irrigation, from a conservation and longevity standpoint. The Wirth Ranch decided to approach numerous funding agencies for assistance. The result was successful grant funding and the reduction of the diversion of Little Prickly Pear Creek to 0.75 cfs.

Work Breakdown

• New pipe
• New reel sprinkler
• New pump, motor, fuel pump and fuel tank

Project Funding

The total cost of the project was $119,040. To finance the project, the Wirth Ranch used the following grant and loan programs:

• NRCS EQIP Grant: $76,062
  • The EQIP Grant provides monies to agricultural producers in an effort to promote agricultural production and environmental quality.
• Montana FWP Future Fisheries Grant: $15,000
  • Future fisheries participated in this project due to the reduction in irrigation water utilized and elimination of fish entrainment into the irrigation system.
• PPL Montana Community Fund: $5,000
  • Provided due to the stewardship to the environment
• Wirth Ranch: $15,250
  • In-kind work for excavation, backfill and pump house
• Other: $7,728
  • Cash contribution from Wirth Ranch

Project Status & Results

• Project successfully completed in 2006.
• Project largely maintenance free and has been a success. Wirth Ranch has noticed an increase in stream water quality.
• Would have liked to use electric pump, but not feasible at the site. Started using diesel and switched to vegetable oil.

Project Partners

 Owner/Contractor: Wirth Ranch

 Engineering Assistance: NRCS