Agricultural Water Use Needs Assessment Report
DOWNLOADJuly 21, 2026 - Angie Gradiz, Brenden Kelley, Younsuk Dong, Jeannine Schweihofer, Lyndon Kelley and Ronald Bates, Michigan State University Extension
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Introduction and purpose
Michigan is the second most diverse agricultural state in the country with over 300 recognized commodities. Michigan has access to nearly 20% of the world’s fresh water supply and is a critical resource for the state. However, in some parts of the state, water is in high demand with inadequate supply. Water quality also remains a key issue in certain localized areas within Michigan. To address this issue, a water use efficiency needs assessment was designed to capture the needs and perspectives of different groups of water users. The results will be used to direct our educational efforts to better serve all water users in Michigan and the surrounding regions.
Methodology
In 2024, the Agricultural Water Use Needs Assessment was developed and distributed in the form of a fourteen-question survey. Questions inquired about respondents’ relationship to agriculture, quantity of land managed, form of water use, commodity being farmed, concerns and interests in different topics. This needs assessment was delivered to many different groups involved with water use, including agricultural producers, policy makers, and other stakeholders. The data was captured via paper copies of the survey and an electronic form that could be filled out remotely at the respondent's convenience (Appendix). Surveys were delivered by email, the water use and irrigation digest, and at more than 15 in-person meetings held by the MSU Extension Irrigation team. This captured responses from a wide range of stakeholders, both in Michigan and in its surrounding region. There were 104 completed needs assessments collected and analyzed.
