Fly-ins, Phone Farming, & Feds – One Week at CSU-TAPS!
In just ONE busy 2026 September week the Irrigation Innovation Consortium and CSU-TAPS team….
—Hosted a USDA congressional staff field visit to the CSU-TAPS field at CSU’s ARDEC South Research Farm, sharing some of the exclusive insights available to farmers through TAPS.
—Moderated a session on advanced agricultural water use for a National Caucus of Environmental Legislators’ convening co-hosted by the Colorado Water Center, that involved a range of Western states in discussing policy and practice options to address drought and water scarcity.
—Deployed a new “Farm on Your Phone” app and mini competition during Ag Fest, CSU’s College of Ag Sciences showcase on the Lory Student Center plaza, as part of official Ag Week celebrations. Designed by Wub Yilma, CSU-TAPS precision irrigation manager, using TAPS data, this quick game gave students a taste of farming decision making and frustrations, while learning about TAPS.
—Welcomed Field to Market to the CSU-TAPS field as an ag innovation tour stop for the organization’s board of directors’ meeting. The non-profit agricultural alliance celebrates 20 years of successful work this year! We enjoyed connecting with board members on mutual interests in supporting commodity crop resilience through partnerships, science-based metrics, and innovative engagement approaches.
—Took part in the official “Fly-In” for the first ever National TAPS competition hosted by KSU-TAPS in Colby, Kansas. Activities included dinner at The Center Pivot, touring McCarty Family Farms, participating in a virtual Farm Duel, visiting the National competition plots, contributing research poster presentations, and more! We carpooled there with Colorado competitors (past CSU-TAPS winners) who are participating in the “best of the best” TAPS competition!
—Held its first Twilight Tour, an evening field visit for 2026 CSU-TAPS competitors followed by a stop at Deppen Brewing for happy hour and good conversations about precision farming, corn crops, and season end strategies.
It was a great week of work showcasing the Testing Ag Performance Solutions mission: providing pathways for farmers to test precision ag tools, tech, and strategies through a fun farming competition!
USDA congressional staff field visit
National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and Colorado Water Center convening on water policy and practice
Virtual farming game at CSU Ag Fest
National TAPS Fly-In and Field Experience, Colby, KS
CSU-TAPS evening Twilight Tour