Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture

Congratulations, Elston!

The Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District is celebrating one of its own this week as General Manager Elston Grubaugh has been honored with the National Water Resources Association’s “Water Buffalo Award,” one of the most respected recognitions in the water industry.

The award recognizes individuals whose knowledge, leadership, and dedication have earned them the admiration of their peers and the distinguished title of “Water Buffalo.”

Grubaugh’s decades-long commitment to responsible water management and advocacy has had a lasting impact not only in the Wellton-Mohawk District, but across the western United States.

Excited to be at the Arizona Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention — Bridging Technology and Tradition in Modern Agriculture!

It’s always great connecting with Arizona growers and industry leaders who keep our state’s agriculture thriving!

⏳Time is running out! This is the final week of FREE REGISTRATION for the Desert Difference: FarmTech Connect Conference, happening November 13 & 14 in Yuma, Arizona. Register now and join growers, researchers, technologists, and industry leaders for two days of connection, innovation, and collaboration focused on the future of desert agriculture. From field demonstrations to panel discussions and networking opportunities, this event is designed to spark ideas and drive impact across the ecosystem. Don’t miss your chance to attend at no cost!

The Desert Difference: FarmTech Connect The Desert Difference: FarmTech Connect AgTech Field Day & Conference in Yuma, AZ When 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Nov. 13, 2025 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nov. 14, 2025 Yuma, Arizona is at the forefront of innovation in desert agriculture— you’re invited to be part of it! The University of Arizona’s Yuma Cen....

✨ The momentum is building, and we couldn’t be more excited!✨We are on the count down for the Desert Difference: FarmTech Connect Conference. Help give a shout out to the sponsors who have partnered with us to make the event possible. We are incredibly grateful for their support. Show them some love and give them a big THANK YOU for driving the momentum of innovation, connection, and impact that is fueling the .

✨ Register to join us in Yuma, AZ on November 13 & 14 for the Desert Difference FarmTech Connect! Whether you're a grower looking to enhance your operations, a technology provider seeking visibility, or an investor exploring high-impact opportunities, is the place to connect, collaborate, and lead.✨Sign up here: https://desertagsolutions.org/events/desert-difference-farmtech-connect

A University of Arizona study by Dr. Claudia V. Montanía, Dr. George Frisvold, and Dari Duval quantified the contribution of cotton farming and ginning to Arizona's economy. Read about "The Contribution of Cotton to Arizona's Economy" here:

The Contribution of Cotton to Arizona's Economy This study quantifies the contribution of cotton farming and ginning to Arizona’s economy in 2022 (the year of the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture). We e

Introducing DR. Mark Smith! Join us in congratulating him on receiving an honorary PhD from the The University of Arizona. Bravo!!

It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. John Palumbo, a pilar of the Yuma community and agriculture industry. He passed away last Sunday after battling cancer. Dr. Polumbo served U of A for over 35 years and was a leader in pest identification and control. He was an important asset to local growers but his work was recognized statewide and nationally as well. He touched the lives of many students who now serve as pest control advisors and other roles in the agriculture industry. We will forever honor his memory and legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time of mourning. May you rest in peace, Dr. Polumbo, AZDA presenter #101.

Yuma’s veggie sales rank in the top 0.1% of U.S. counties, Maricopa’s hay in the top 0.1%, and Pinal’s cattle in the top 1%. Arizona punches above its weight!

🌐🚜 Connecting Ag’s Future! 🚀🌾 Farming in Yuma is getting smarter, but all that cutting-edge technology needs one thing: connectivity. That’s why a fiber backbone has been laid across Dome Valley, with plans to install 27 new WI-FI towers covering 70 miles—keeping AI, robotics, and precision ag online 24/7. As Cory Mellon of Mellon Farms explains, this game-changing network is paving the way for the future of farming! #AgTech #SmartFarming #ConnectivityMatters #YumaGrown #FarmingTheFuture #YCEDA #FoodEducation