Eastern Oregon University’s Agricultural Entrepreneurship Ag + Food Industry Field Study course held its core meeting and field excursions October 22–24, 2025 focusing on irrigation systems across Union, Baker, and Malheur Counties in Eastern Oregon.
The experience began with a panel discussion featuring Jed Frank, owner of Living Water Irrigation in La Grande, and Adam Kerns, owner of ACI in Baker City. Together, they shared how irrigation technology has evolved toward greater efficiency, where the industry is headed next, and what career opportunities exist within this growing field.
The next morning, students hit the road for two days of exploration, traveling to Mason Dam and Phillips Reservoir near Baker City, and Owyhee Dam and Lake near Ontario, two of the region’s most critical irrigation structures. They learned the history behind these monumental projects, toured the operating facilities, and ventured into tunnels that have supported the success of Eastern Oregon agriculture for a combined 150 years.
Throughout the trip, students navigated winding dirt roads along riverways to visit pumping plants, irrigation museums, and flow sensors, seeing firsthand how engineering, environment, and innovation intersect in the field. The course was designed to show EOU students the challenging yet gratifying work that keeps our region’s agricultural economy moving.
“I had no idea how technical this work was,” shared one student, reflecting on the complexity of irrigation district management. Another student added, “I didn’t realize how urgent water scarcity really is. It’s a wide topic, and I feel a little overwhelmed, but I know I’ll gather and understand more as we go.” Looking toward the future, one student summed up their key takeaway: “The next generation of farmers will need to be adaptable, willing to make changes to their practices in order to be more efficient.”
I was really happy to see that last quote from Ty. In any field, adaptability is often the key to success. Even when change does not move in our favor, growth in agriculture, technology, and learning comes from being willing to move with the current.
– Elaine –
