51 - Locally Led Strategies for Protecting Groundwater Resources
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
When it comes to groundwater management, California was the wild west not long ago, with unrestricted pumping depleting many aquifers. But that changed in 2014 with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which created about 350 Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) responsible for management of more than 140 of the state’s basins. Using a framework of local control, GSAs work to sustain groundwater resources for growers, industries, residents and ecosystems. In this episode, guest host , Senior Program Manager at DWFI, sits down with , groundwater...
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50 - Nebraska Master Irrigator
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
In this episode, host dives into the , a new approach to advanced water stewardship. Joining Frances is , DWFI Water and Cropping Systems Extension Educator and a co-collaborator on the new initiative. Through the Nebraska Master Irrigator Program, organizers invite participants to dig deeper and “talk shop" about the critical issues facing agricultural producers in Nebraska and throughout the U.S. The podcast discussion focuses on how this program helps farmers grow more with less, maximize existing farm investments, improve margins, and ultimately strengthen the...
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49 - Irrigation as a Service: A New Paradigm
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
Episode 49 - Irrigation as a Service: A New Paradigm In our first episode of 2026, host discusses a unique approach to supporting access to irrigation for smallholder farmers with , Senior Program Manager at the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute. Farmers of all sizes in all parts of the world need access to water, inputs and financing to grow food. Irrigation as a Service (IaaS) is an emerging business model to expand irrigation access, especially to smallholder farmers, and ultimately grow more food. Irrigation as a Service (IaaS) has a broad...
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48 - A decade of leading the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
In this special episode, host sits down with, Executive Director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, as he concludes nearly a . This deep-dive conversation covers Peter's distinguished career, from his early life on a farm in Scotland and pivotal international work in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, to what drew him to lead the Institute in Nebraska. They discuss DWFI's greatest strategic achievements, the lasting impact of its work both globally and within Nebraska's agricultural community, and the philosophy behind investing in student research. Finally,...
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47 - Crafting Compelling Science Communication
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
In this episode, host sits down with , DWFI and Nebraska Water Center’s water and cropping systems extension educator, to discuss why the most revolutionary science can only drive change if it's communicated effectively. Crystal and her colleague, Ann Briggs, at the Nebraska Water Center, created the "Beyond the Data" workshop, which aims to transform researchers and conservation professionals from data presenters into compelling storytellers. We explore the critical skills scientists need today, including the importance of audience empathy and tackling the barriers created...
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46 – Know Your Well: engaging Nebraska youth in groundwater science
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
In this episode, we explore a unique initiative that puts water quality testing directly into the hands of high school students across Nebraska. Sara Brock-Contreras, a PhD student advised by Dr. Dan Snow, joins us to discuss her work on the Know Your Well program—an innovative educational and participatory science effort that equips students with the tools, training, and confidence to test domestic wells in their communities. Through hands-on learning, students gain a deeper understanding of water quality, local geology, and science communication while generating real data...
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45 - Unexpected Connections: From Chance Encounters to Global Impact
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
This episode of the Water for Food Podcast explores the valuable collaborations that can arise from in-person interactions, even in a digital age. Host , DWFI director of communications and public relations, shares a story that perfectly illustrates the lasting impact of those face-to-face moments, which can lead to unexpected and valuable partnerships. , program manager with Catholic Relief Services and Treaven Scheideler, a University of Nebraska student, discuss their cross-cultural collaboration, sparked by a chance meeting at a during the. Adam's team in El Salvador...
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44 - The Vadose Zone - A critical indicator for Nebraska groundwater quality
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
Episode 44 - The Vadose Zone - A critical indicator for Nebraska groundwater quality The vadose zone is the area between crop roots and the water table, and is a critically important region for storage, transport and transformation of chemicals that can impact groundwater quality. In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes talks with , a researcher with the Nebraska Water Center (NWC, a part of DWFI) who studies and monitors the impacts of irrigation and fertilizer on groundwater. Hayes is also joined by , assistant general...
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43 - Irrigation and Global Health with Claudia Ringler
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
In the 43rd episode of the Water for Food Podcast, host Frances Hayes speaks with of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) about the crucial link between irrigation and global health, expanding on Ringler's recent as part of the and previous episodes in this podcast. Together they explore how irrigation can improve health outcomes while also addressing potential unintended negative impacts and how to avoid them when designing irrigation solutions. The conversation highlights successful irrigation projects, strategies for ensuring access to...
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42 - 15th Anniversary of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute
Daugherty Water for Food Podcast
This special episode of the Water for Food Podcast commemorates the 15th anniversary of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute by sharing the story of its origin. Read the full historical account . The 15th anniversary year will be highlighted by a celebration reception at the upcoming 2025 Water for Food Global Conference, held in Lincoln, Nebraska, April 28-May 2. Learn more at waterforfood.nebraska.edu.
info_outlineDrought is a prolonged dry period that can occur anywhere in the world and results in a water shortage. Unlike some other disasters, drought has a slow onset and a prolonged impact on health, agriculture, economies, energy and the environment.
An estimated 55 million people globally are affected by droughts every year and as many as 700 million people are at-risk of being displaced as a result of drought by 2030. As of June 4, 2024, more than 10 percent of the U.S. is experiencing a drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. In fact, drought is one of the costliest and deadliest climate-related disasters in the United States
In this episode of the Water for Food Podcast, DWFI Director of Communications and Public Relations Frances Hayes chats with experts in drought and health who shed light on this complex topic, including the areas of respiratory concerns, stress among farmers, engagement with the public health community through the Drought and Public Health Roadmap and a global public health perspective. Guests include Dr. Yeongjin Gwon, Rachel Lookadoo, JD and Dr. Jesse Bell of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and affiliated with DWFI, as well as Dr. Jesse Berman of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.
If you or a loved one is experiencing or affected by a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis, please call or text “988” (or chat online on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website) for free, confidential, and immediate help.