California’s agricultural industry is a lynchpin of the state’s economy. But the effects of climate change, as well as pressures such as population growth, have significant impacts on water supply, raising concerns about water management in the agricultural sector. This series of case studies and interviews describes the practices of innovative California farm water managers. The case studies present detailed ways to manage water for distinct needs that provide multiple benefits to diverse stakeholders.

The Farm Water Steward Award was established to recognize leaders and innovators in water stewardship across the California agricultural community. In 2012, Yolo County farmer John Stephens received the inaugural Farm Water Steward Award from the Pacific Institute. Madera County almond grower Tom Rogers was the recipient of the 2014 Farm Water Steward Award jointly presented by the Pacific Institute, Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), and Ag Innovations Network.

Interactive Database and Map: California Agricultural Water Stewardship

Video: Farm Water Success Stories Overview

Video: Tom Rogers – Almond grower, Madera County

Video: Craig McNamara – Walnut grower, Yolo County 

Video: Extended Interview with Craig McNamara, Sierra Orchards, Winters, California

Video: Dave Orth – Kings River Conservation District 

Video: Karen Ross – Former President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers 

Video: Chris Kapheim – Alta Irrigation District 

Video: Dale Huss – Sea Mist Farms, Salinas Valley

Podcast: Interview with Tom Rogers – Almond grower, Madera County

Groundwater Management in Pajaro Valley

Integrated Regional Water Management: Kings Basin Water Authority

Industry Driven Standards for Efficiency: The California Sustainable Winegrowing Program

Vegetated Waterways and Riparian Restoration: Oakdale Ranch

Using Recycled Water on Agriculture: Sea Mist Farms and Sonoma County

Smart Irrigation Scheduling: Tom Rogers’ Almond Ranch

Improving Water Management through Groundwater Banking: Kern County and the Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District

Volumetric Water Pricing and Conjunctive Use: Alta Irrigation District

Communication, Monitoring, and Measurement: Water Efficiency in the Coachella Valley

Sustainable Water Management for Urban Agriculture: Planting Justice, Oakland

Managing for Multiple Benefits: Farming, Flood Protection, and Habitat Restoration in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area