Irrigation Trial at Aberdeen

AN irrigation trial at a property in Aberdeen by the Hunter and Greater Sydney Local Land Services has led to significant cost savings and better yields.

On Tuesday other local farmers will be able to visit the property and learn more about the trial, to implement the ideas on their own farm.

Irrigation trial being undertaken at Aberdeen

Matthew Plunkett, irrigation expert for Greater Sydney Local Land Services said dairy farmers, graziers and Lucerne growers can all benefit from what they have learned.

“On Scott’s property we assessed the k-line and the centre pivot irrigation system,” said Mr Plunkett.

“The first with the k-line was the spacing was too far apart, so we recommended bringing them in by two metres and achieved much more even coverage and more even crop production,” he said.

“We found with the centre pivot it was over pressurised, so for every 10 psi increase on the machine it increases you pumping costs by about five to ten dollars a megalitre.

“The message out of Scott’s farm is we think there is enough merit to develop a really detailed level two energy efficiency audit.

“There is also a study that was done by the department of primary industries which was done a few years ago which I’m going to relate back to Scott’s story and there are significant opportunities to save energy in pumping irrigation and Scott’s results really confirm that,” he said.

“I’d encourage farmers to come and hear first-hand from Scott,” Matthew Plunkett said.

The Local Land Services have also organised for other specialists to be available to speak with them including:

• pasture selection and sowing times – Daniel Clysdesdale, Clysdesdale Agriculture;
• three day sickness update – Jane Bennett, Hunter LLS district veterinarian;
• pumps and irrigation systems minimising energy costs – Andrew Clarke, BWC Carbon and Energy;
• solar power options for your farm – Mark Marjoribanks, Urth Energy;
• irrigation system assessment results – Matthew Plunkett and Peter Conasch, Greater Sydney LLS and
• water and energy efficiency of centre pivots – Matthew Plunkett and Peter Conasch, Greater Sydney LLS.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 8. 9:30am-2pm
WHERE: Scott Wheatley’s, 340 Blairmore Lane, Aberdeen
COST: Free – morning tea and lunch provided
REGISTER:

• Scone Local Land Services: T: 02 6540 2400
• Tony Blatch: T: 0427 788 984
• Online: www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au