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It is my opinion that we h~ve varieties in each crop now that utilize water more effi~iehtly than other varieties. Within the next 25 years we w,ill lik,ely' be selecting varieties to grow under irrigation for their water efficiency, the same as we now select a variety for its igr~n~mic characteristics of diseases and insect tolerance, qual ity; winter-hardiness, maturity, etc,ll Following Mr. Banbury's presentation, the discussion dealt principally with what could be expected in .terms of efficiency in water use. Asked the average irrigation.efficiency in northwestern Kansas, Mr. Banbury said he doubts that it is more than 50 percent, 'but in the future he expects it to increase to 70-75 percent. He expects a 20-25 percent decrease in wate.r needed for comparable levels of production to be eas; ly accompl ished in the next 10-25 years. Part of the reduction could be traced to tail water operations and others would be related to better management practices. He doubts that greater efficiency in water use has resulted from sprinkler irrigation. Both Mr. Erhart and Mr. Banbury stated that they think substantial gains and efficiency can be, and have been, made in both southwestern and northwestern Kansas, Mr. Erhart cited studies at the experiment stations that attempt to relate yields and various rates of water appl ication. Both men indicated experiments with wheat, corn, and sorghum involve many complex factors. Isolating the dependent and independent variables is difficult. The fol lowing is a reproduction of Mr. Andy Erhart's remarks. lilt seems obvious t'hat irrigation water requirements will continue to increase as more wells .are dug, reservoirs built, and more land brought under irrigation although the economic situation may influence the rate of increase. Southwestern Kansas has seen a rather phenomenal increase in irrigated acreage. In September of 1966, I conducted a I ittle survey of 21 counties asking local authorities how much land was under irrigation and how much increase they expected within five years. Already, almost every county has exceeded its 1971 expectations. The development of the sandhill area for sprinkler irrigation has been more extensive than many of us thought possible. There are thousands of acres of flatland .in this area that could be quite productive if a source of water :becomes available. Ground water is not present.. Perhaps SOme of the 'impractical appearing schemes' for bringing water to the area may become more feasible in the future as new. techniques develop or attitudes and conditions change. Obviously there is room for .improvement right now with better application of known practices, We might I ist.just a few of these. 12.