The Packer recently spoke with Melissa Lilze, SVP of Netafim North America, about the top water trends shaping irrigation in 2026. Lilze highlighted five key areas, including:

1. Water scarcity – As scarcity continues to be an issue, the adoption of advanced irrigation systems and technologies is necessary to improve delivery and reduce waste.

2. Policy and regulatory concerns – Scarcity will continue to drive tighter water regulations and oversight, especially for those in the western U.S. Having documentation to support water usage will be important for farmers.

3. Expansion of drip irrigation – More farmers are turning to drip irrigation to save water and increase yields.

4. Federal funding returns – While 2025 funding was largely put on hold, NRCS and EQIP will return, as soon as January. More details here.

5. Non-traditional funding sources – Beyond federal assistance, additional funding sources may be available in your state. Lilze notes how some precision irrigation and tech companies have programs that partner with farmers to implement a more efficient irrigation plan.

Read more commentary in The Packer.