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Center Pivot Irrigation Technology Training

  • Date: June 28, 2027 8:00 AM - July 1, 2027 5:00 PM

Aerial view of a lush green agricultural field with a long center-pivot irrigation system stretching across it under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

About the training

The Center Pivot Irrigation Technology Training is an intensive four-day program designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of center pivot irrigation system, from its fundamental components and engineering principles to advanced technologies, management strategies and real-world applications.

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Learning in the global hub of center pivot irrigation

Hosted by the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, the program includes:

  • classroom instruction;
  • discussions with irrigation specialists and industry leaders;
  • practical field experiences; and
  • visits to local farms, well-drilling operations and major irrigation manufacturers.
The training will be held in Nebraska, widely recognized as a global hub of center pivot irrigation. Nebraska is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of center pivot-irrigated farmland, as well as leading irrigation companies that have played a central role in the development, manufacturing and international expansion of technology. Approximately 2.6 million hectares of Nebraska’s irrigated land is served by center pivots, highlighting the state’s unique experience and expertise in irrigation engineering, agricultural water management, precision irrigation and water governance.

What participants will learn

Participants will learn how center pivot systems are designed, selected, operated, evaluated and maintained. The program covers:

  • system components;
  • hydraulics;
  • pumping requirements;
  • sprinkler-package design;
  • fertigation, irrigation scheduling;
  • application uniformity;
  • preventive maintenance;
  • energy use;
  • investment costs; and
  • economic returns.
It also introduces advanced technologies such as variable-rate irrigation; corner systems; remote monitoring; automation; remote sensing; crop and soil modeling; and decision-support platforms.

Practical field experience

Through field visits, participants will observe center pivot irrigation in commercial fields production; interact directly with producers and managers; and better understand the operational challenges and decisions involved in managing irrigation systems under real farming conditions. They will also visit irrigation and well-drilling facilities to learn how center pivots, pumping systems and water-supply infrastructure are designed, manufactured, installed and supported.

Where innovation meets practice

Develop hands-on expertise in center pivot irrigation at the birthplace of the modern irrigation industry. Learn from leading university specialists, producers, engineers and global irrigation companies while exploring the technologies and management practices shaping the future of irrigated agriculture.

Registration

Registration will be available in fall 2026. Sign up below to receive important event updates and registration information as it becomes available.

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Questions

Please contact Ivo Zution Gonçalves at izutiongoncalves@nebraska.edu with any questions.

Travel visa information

If you need a letter of invitation for a Travel Visa application, please contact Ivo Zution Gonçalves at izutiongoncalves@nebraska.edu.

Schedule outline

(Subject to change)

Day 1 – June 28, 2027

  • 8:00-9:00 a.m. – Registration and Continental Breakfast
  • 9:00-9:30 a.m. – Welcome and Introduction to the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
  • 9:30-10:00 a.m. – Nebraska, the Global Hub of Center Pivot Irrigation
  • 10:00-Noon – Session 1: Introducing the Center Pivot Irrigation System and Market Overview
    • Introducing the Center Pivot Irrigation System
    • Center Pivot Market Overview
  • Noon–1:30 p.m. – Lunch: Preventing Electrical Hazards and Electrocution on Center Pivot System
  • 1:30-5:00 p.m. – Session 2: Basic Design of a Center Pivot Irrigation System
    • Basic Hydraulic Design
    • Basic Pumping System Design
    • Basic Sprinkler Package and Application Design
    • Basic Fertigation System Design
  • 6:00-8:30 p.m. – Evening Reception at Museum of American Speed, Lincoln, NE

Day 2 – June 29, 2027

  • 8:00-9:00 a.m. – Registration and Continental Breakfast
  • 9:00 a.m.-Noon – Session 3: Economic Aspects and Irrigation Tools
    • Economics Aspects of a Center Pivot Irrigation System
    • Variable Rate Irrigation/Corner System
    • Remote Monitoring and Control (Smart Pivots)
  • Noon–1:30 p.m. – Lunch: Work Force Development in Emerging Markets
  • 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Session 4: Center Pivot Manufacturers and Irrigation Management Tools
    • Principles of Irrigation Scheduling for Center Pivot System
    • Valley Scheduling - Valley Irrigation
    • Field Advisor - Lindsay Corporation
  • 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Session 5: Center Pivot System Performance Evaluation and Maintenance
    • Application Uniformity Assessment
    • Preventive Maintenance

Day 3 – June 30, 2027

  • 10:00 a.m.-Noon – Field Visit 1: Irrigated Center Pivot Farm in Nebraska (Corn/soybean)
  • Noon–1:00 p.m. – Boxed lunch at Farm Site
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. – Field Visit 2: Sargent Irrigation and Drilling in Nebraska
  • 5:00 p.m. – Arrive back in Lincoln, NE

Day 4 – July 1, 2027

  • 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Center Pivot Manufacture Visit: Visits to Center Pivot Manufacturers (including Valley systems by Valmont Industries and Zimmatic systems by Lindsay Corporation)
  • 3:00-5:00 p.m. – Travel to Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall (90 minutes to shop)
  • 5:00 p.m. – Arrive back in Lincoln, NE