NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt Visits Alabama, Tours Farms Showcasing Irrigation Success
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), recently toured farms in Madison and Lawrence Counties to see firsthand the success of the Alabama Irrigation Initiative. The tour, which included stops at 2M Farms in New Hope, Letson Brothers Farm in Hillsboro, Martin Farm in Courtland, and Spruell Farms in Mt. Hope, highlighted how partnerships and innovative practices are transforming agriculture in the state.
At each stop, Bettencourt engaged directly with farmers and conservation partners to understand local challenges and the impact of the program.
“We discussed local irrigation practices, water rights, generational legacy, mapping, and process improvements,” said Trey Mann of 2M Farms. “Irrigation helps us manage risk and make the most of our seed, herbicides, and fertilizer. A healthy crop with good root structure also combats erosion during the growing season and after harvest. With support from the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee (ALSWCC) and NRCS, irrigation became economically feasible.”
Ashley Henderson, Assistant Executive Director of ALSWCC, echoed the positive impact of the initiative. “We were thrilled to welcome Chief Bettencourt and highlight the success of the Alabama Irrigation Initiative. The program has been a model of effective collaboration between federal, state, and local partners – all with the same goal: to support Alabama farmers through sustainable and responsible irrigation. By promoting sustainable irrigation practices, we’re not only increasing crop yields but also conserving water and protecting the environment.”
During the tour, Chief Bettencourt shared her broader goals for NRCS: to create an effective, responsible, and efficient agency focused on supporting producers.
“We appreciated the Chief’s willingness to meet north Alabama farmers in the field and see real-world results from the NRCS–ALSWCC partnership, said Liz Spruell, Spruell Farms. “She also shared encouraging plans to improve system integration and contract execution. The ‘one farmer, one file’ approach is a foundational improvement that will help modernize and simplify the producer experience.”
Launched in 2017, the Alabama Irrigation Initiative is a collaborative effort between NRCS, ALSWCC, Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Auburn University, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The initiative provides up to $250,000 in financial assistance per producer to help install new irrigation systems — including wells, piping, pumps, pivots, and the power needed to operate them. The program also equips farmers with essential tools such as weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and flow meters, supported by a three-year vendor subscription, to ensure efficient and responsible water management.
For more information about the program, visit alabamasoilandwater.gov/irrigation.