Belding Farms, Fort Stockton

Belding Farms is setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture with its groundbreaking work in water conservation. The farm, spanning 6,500 acres and dedicated to growing pecans, taps into multiple aquifers—the Edwards-Trinity, Rustler, and Capitan Reef—using a blend of innovative irrigation systems to efficiently hydrate its orchard.

Recognizing the importance of water efficiency in a region where resources are limited, Belding Farms has implemented an array of water conservation strategies. These include irrigation in level basins and multiple types of water conveyance systems designed to minimize water loss through runoff. The farm also measures soil moisture to fine-tune irrigation schedules, ensuring that each drop counts.

In 2022, Belding Farms launched a bold trial on 96 acres, introducing a low-evaporation irrigation system designed to maximize water retention. Specialized sprinklers spray large droplets from risers that are connected to a network of lateral lines, valves, and main lines. Real-time water meter readings, along with soil moisture monitors, further optimize water use and inform smarter irrigation decisions.

The results speak for themselves. With these innovative practices, Belding Farms has reduced water usage by over 325,000 gallons per acre—equivalent to one acre-foot of water—while simultaneously improving soil health and boosting crop quality and production. This sustainable approach is not just saving water; it’s revitalizing the land, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the same benefits that Belding Farms is cultivating today.