Date of Award

8-2026

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Applied Economics

Committee Chair(s)

Ryan Larsen (Committee Chair)

Committee

Ryan Larsen

Committee

Ryan Bosworth

Committee

Ryan Feuz

Abstract

This study looks at whether using an end-gun on a center pivot irrigation system is financially worthwhile for Utah alfalfa producers. End-guns are used to water extra acreage beyond the end of a pivot, they can also apply water less evenly, which may reduce production on those outer acres. To examine this tradeoff, the study compares farm returns with and without an end-gun using historical Utah alfalfa price and yield data along with estimates of irrigation cost, added acreage, and possible yield loss. The results suggest that end-guns can improve profitability in many cases, mainly because they bring more acres into production. However, the benefit depends heavily on how well those outer acres perform. When yield losses on end-gun acres are low, the end-gun is more likely to provide an economic advantage. These findings can help Utah alfalfa producers better evaluate whether end-gun use fits their irrigation and management conditions.

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