History of AGAI
Explore the history of the Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators by watching the video about the founders or exploring some of the ditches around the valley.
When settlers first arrived in the Gallatin Valley in the 1860’s, most of the valley was dry. Realizing the potential of the fertile soil, neighbors worked together with shovels and mules to create the extensive and dynamic irrigation system that serves this valley today. Fourth and fifth generation farmers, as well as new comers, continue to produce vital crops and livestock here in the Gallatin valley and rely on the canal system to do so. The maintenance and care of the ditches is shared among the water rights holders on each ditch.
The Association of Gallatin Agricultural Irrigators was formed in 2004 to protect decreed water rights, continuing the heritage of working together, to be a thought leader on water policy issues and to be of service to our membership.
Why was AGAI formed?
- Starting in the 1860’s, irrigated agriculture in the Gallatin Valley developed on a piecemeal basis with groups of farmers diverting water from rivers and streams building ditches with local labor and farm equipment. These were usually locally funded projects.
- By the 1950’s, it had grown to 2,000 miles of canals and ditches.
- Agriculture manages a significant amount of the water rights in the valley and holds most of the oldest water rights.
- There was no one voice to present the agricultural perspective on water rights or water use.
- Increased demand for water in the Gallatin Valley forced the need to present a coordinated voice for agriculture at the state and local level.