Brazilian state, DWFI, UNL partner on efficient water use

The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, hosted a delegation from Mato Grosso, one of Brazil’s largest states and its largest producer of soybeans and cattle, for a week-long tour around Nebraska. The delegation of more than 20 Brazilian ag professionals and government officials visited with local producers, faculty and leadership from the University of Nebraska, industry partners and government agencies to explore efficient water use.

A key reason behind the visit was for the Mato Grosso delegation to learn about how Nebraska manages its surface water and groundwater due to the Brazilian state’s potential for a third crop production season within one year. The government of Mato Grosso is looking for ways to improve the sustainable development of water for crop irrigation and pastureland, to intensify production on existing lands and decrease expansion of agriculture on fragile ecosystem.

“Nebraska has a unique way of managing its water,” says Christopher Neale, DWFI director of research and coordinator of the visit. “Sharing what we have learned here in Nebraska helps others around the world increase their agricultural productivity, while still protecting important water resources and the environment.”

During their visit, the delegation visited the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center, Valley Irrigation, the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District and several local farms. They met with UNL Chancellor Ronnie Greene, as well as DWFI leadership, UNL faculty, pivot irrigation industry representatives, local policymakers and growers.

As a result of the technical visit to Nebraska, the government of Mato Grosso, through Mato Grosso’s Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, will sign a technical collaboration agreement with DWFI and the University of Nebraska to map its water potential in order to identify, monitor and define the efficient use of water.

Read more about DWFI.