Free irrigation workshops response to drought

Helping farmers better manage water allocations in future droughts has motivated IrrigationNZ to offer free irrigation workshops at this year’s South Island Field Days.

For the first time, the industry body will take a stand at the Kirwee field days (site 474) with three practical workshops offering insights into how to optimise and improve irrigation practice and systems, says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.

“One of the things this year’s drought has reinforced is that irrigation efficiency is a priority. Irrigators that ran out of seasonal allocation before early March need to know what can help them more effectively use their water, particularly during shoulder seasons,” he says.

“It’s not only about optimising irrigation when it’s hot or near the end of the season. Irrigators need to start the season well and maintain performance. Last year’s spring was dry but also cold. Analysis of IRRICALC seasonal volumes for an 80% efficient irrigator shows most irrigating farmers would have been hitting their limit in early March. So you need to be familiar with all the measures that can make your system as efficient as possible,” says Mr Curtis.

The three half-hour workshops will run across both days at the Kirwee event at the following times; Soil Essentials 9.30am, Irrigation Development 11.30am and Maintenance of Irrigators 2pm. Bookings aren’t necessary for the workshops. Just turn up to the site and take part.

As an added incentive, IrrigationNZ has a new member’s deal to encourage more irrigating farmers to take advantage of resources and training the industry organisation offers. Farmers signing up to IrrigationNZ at South Island Field Days get a Membership and Irrigation Training day combo deal for $315 plus GST. This includes one year’s membership and a registration for an irrigation manager training workshop, which also includes the ‘Irrigation in a Box’ resource kit valued at over $100.

“This has been a tough season so we wanted to make it easier for irrigating farmers to tap into advice to better equip them for future droughts. If you have run out of your irrigation volume before March, come and see us as we can help you practically respond to these conditions,” says Mr Curtis.

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