With water management at the forefront of discussions among farmers, industry professionals, and Kansas leaders, TAPS participants are demonstrating that economic success and responsible water stewardship can go hand in hand. A key tool guiding this balance is the Q-Stable analysis. But what exactly is Q-Stable?

Developed by the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), Q-Stable is a science-driven approach to groundwater management, designed to help sustain aquifer levels while allowing for continued agricultural production. Extensive irrigation over the decades has caused significant declines in the High Plains Aquifer, with some areas in Kansas experiencing more than a 60% drop in water levels since irrigation became widespread.

Research has shown that in certain areas, when pumping is reduced or stopped, the aquifer follows a predictable seasonal recovery pattern. The Q-Stable method calculates the level of groundwater use that would maintain relatively stable water levels over years or even decades, supporting long-term recharge. This analysis provides critical insight for farmers and water managers working to optimize water use in Kansas.

The ability to predict water stability more accurately allows for better resource planning. At the 2025 Cover Your Acres Winter Conference, KGS Manager Brownie Wilson shared that reducing water withdrawals by 18% in northwest Kansas could help stabilize water levels for 10 to 20 years. This stability could provide much-needed time for technological advancements and locally driven solutions that promote both economic resilience and sustainable water management.

TAPS puts these scientific insights into action, offering farmers, agronomists, and industry leaders a platform to test innovative approaches to crop production. While profitability is a critical measure of success, the Most Economically Profitable at Q-Stable award takes a broader view—evaluating yield, revenue, expenses, and water efficiency to recognize sustainable profitability.

“For years, sustainability and profitability have been seen as opposing forces,” said Renee Tuttle, KSRE extension associate. “But Q-Stable challenges that notion. By awarding the Most Profitable at Q-Stable, we’re celebrating producers who are setting their farms—and the region—up for long-term viability.”

This award highlights participants who achieve strong financial performance while using water efficiently, proving that economic and agronomic success doesn’t have to come at the expense of groundwater depletion. The 2024 honorees include Russ Martin, Matthew Murrow, Ward Taylor, and Jay Ostmeyer.

“In today’s climate, water conservation isn’t optional—it’s essential,” said Russ Martin, a TAPS competitor and recipient of the 2024 Most Economically Profitable at Q-Stable award. “Q-Stable provides a measurable way forward. Winning at Q-Stable isn’t just about this season’s crop—it’s about ensuring the future of farming on the High Plains.”

Through TAPS, producers can explore irrigation and farm management strategies in a risk-free environment, assessing ways to optimize water use while maintaining productivity. Since Q-Stable values differ across regions, producers and policymakers can find location-specific data on the Kansas Geological Survey website.

Registration for the 2025 KSU-TAPS Competitions is now open, offering three competitions designed to challenge participants in real-world agricultural decision-making:

📍 Colby, KS – Corn/Forage Sorghum Water Allocation & Grain Sorghum Competition
📍 Garden City, KS – Corn Water Utilization Competition

Visit www.k-state.edu/taps for details and registration information.