When you farm in southern Missouri, water is always on your mind. Drought can cut yields fast, and with small fields, tree lines, ponds, and fences, pivots just aren’t an option. That’s the challenge Matt Woodward faced when he bought 278 acres near Mount Vernon, MO. Today, he’s running over 500 acres with subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) — and it’s changed how he farms both crops and cattle.
Why Pivots Didn’t Work
Matt knew irrigation was the only way to stay profitable on his row crops, but pivots would have meant tearing out trees, fences, and other valuable assets.
“The only way to make irrigation work here was drip — and it worked.”
With NutraDrip’s help, Matt installed 220 acres of SDI to start. Today, that number has grown to over 545 acres, all fed by a single well.
SDI for Row Crops and Cattle Grazing
One of the unique parts of Matt’s operation is how SDI supports both his row crops and his cattle. He uses drip irrigation on grass and wheat ground where cattle graze in the spring — Missouri’s wettest months. Instead of harvesting wheat mechanically, the cattle graze it down. Then Matt sprays the field and plants corn.
This cycle lets him:
- Keep cattle productive without hauling silage.
- Spread out his planting dates to better manage water.
- Rely on SDI to ensure both crops and grass keep growing when rain falls short.
“A lot of guys try to copy what we’re doing, but they can’t do it without drip. We always have that fail-safe of being able to water the crop.”
Efficiency and Profitability
For Matt, the difference between dryland and irrigated acres is simple: dryland barely breaks even, while SDI helps him stay profitable year after year.
He uses soil moisture probes and yield maps to know when to water and when to shut off, instead of guessing based on rainfall. That data, combined with NutraDrip’s support, gives him confidence that every drop counts.
What Excites Him About the Future
Matt isn’t chasing record yields or contest boards. He’s excited about long-term efficiency. He’s looking at adding more acres under SDI and even building a new cattle barn with a pit so he can recycle manure through his current SDI system.
“For me, drip isn’t just about row crops. It’s about keeping cattle on grass, using every acre efficiently, and building a system that lasts.”
Takeaway for Farmers
Matt’s story shows how subsurface drip irrigation isn’t just for big, flat fields. It’s a tool that can fit irregular acres, boost row crop yields, and even improve cattle grazing systems. For farmers facing drought, risk, and rising costs, SDI can be a long-term investment that makes every acre count.
