Bonnie Johnson
August 01, 2025
Media ArticleEmily Bedwell, a former University of Georgia graduate student, has joined the University of Idaho Extension as the new irrigation specialist. Based at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center, Bedwell will use her expertise to help Idaho irrigators improve water use efficiency and lower production costs.
“Irrigation here is necessary – these crops don’t grow without it – whereas in Georgia it’s supplemental,” Bedwell said. “This position has such potential for an incredible impact, and I look forward to connecting with growers and seeing what their needs are, making sure a system is compatible with field-specific conditions and really finding answers to their specific questions.”
Bedwell’s background includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accountancy from Mississippi State University, where she initially planned to pursue a career in accounting. However, a mentor suggested she consider environmental resources, leading her to focus on precision agriculture. Bedwell earned a doctorate in crop and soil sciences from the University of Georgia, specializing in precision agriculture and irrigation systems.
During her graduate studies, Bedwell developed a decision-support tool for farmers to evaluate the economics of keeping marginal land in production or enrolling it in a conservation program. Her dissertation focused on creating a real-time irrigation scheduling app, which has been widely used and downloaded by farmers.
In her new role at the University of Idaho, Bedwell plans to evaluate current irrigation systems' efficiency, taking into account region-specific factors like wind speeds and drift. She will also update crop coefficient curves, which help guide irrigation scheduling, and work on new decision-support tools for Idaho farmers. Additionally, Bedwell plans to collaborate on research related to nutrient loads in crop systems and alfalfa irrigation
Outside of work, Bedwell enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and kayaking, and she competes in triathlons with her husband Cameron, who works as an education representative for Dunkley Music.
Photo by: uidaho.edu
