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Farm advice: the benefits of on-farm irrigation

the benefits of on-farm irrigation

Investing in an on-farm irrigation system, whether new or a renovation, is a significant decision that requires careful planning

The success of such an investment largely depends on the information shared between the farmer and the irrigation design company, clear performance criteria, and sound decision-making throughout the process.

Good decision-making begins with gathering accurate and relevant information specific to your farm. Every irrigation system must be customised to fit the unique features of the property. The Irrigation New Zealand (IrrigationNZ) Design Brief Checklist is a valuable resource for farmers to document essential site information, regulatory requirements, water sources, and climate considerations. Sharing detailed, site-specific data will ensure that the irrigation system is designed for your particular needs. Without this accurate data, you risk having a system that underperforms, fails to meet your goals, or even results in unexpected costs.

For instance, it is crucial to inform the design company of any variations in land slope, soil type, and elevation changes, which can affect system performance. In one case, a system was designed remotely, and the designer had never visited the site. They failed to account for the slope and height differences, resulting in underperformance on hilltops. This error could have been avoided by ensuring accurate and site-specific information was shared at the start of the project.

Equally important is providing clear expectations for how the system should perform. Farmers must work with the design company to set performance criteria, such as application uniformity, water efficiency, and expected downtime. This should be well-documented in the design brief so both parties have a clear understanding of the system’s goals. At the end of the project, the design company should verify that the system meets these criteria. Testing the system’s performance ensures that it works as promised and that any issues are identified and addressed before handover.

Another critical step is ensuring the qualifications of those involved in designing the irrigation system. Designers should ideally hold the New Zealand Certificate for Irrigation Design or be part of an accredited organisation. Checking their credentials and speaking with other farmers who have worked with them can provide valuable insights. A good testimonial from previous clients is a strong indicator of their ability to deliver a system that performs to expectations.

Documenting all agreements and expectations throughout the process is essential. The IrrigationNZ Standard Contract Format is well-suited to farm irrigation projects and helps ensure nothing is missed. This contract provides clear documentation of what is expected from both the farmer and the contractor, helping avoid misunderstandings. If the project does not go to plan, having a well-documented contract protects both parties and outlines the steps for resolving issues.

The importance of good communication cannot be overstated. In another example, a designer stretched the spacing of a solid set system beyond best practice to meet a farmer’s low budget. This sort of thing can result in an underperforming system that gives the irrigation type a poor reputation. However, this sort of failure is a combination of both poor design and a lack of communication about the performance expectations. This scenario highlights the risks of making decisions based solely on price. While cost is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration when selecting an irrigation system.

Farmers should ensure that the decision is based on a range of factors, including water efficiency, productivity, energy use, labour requirements, and system complexity. A low-cost system might not perform to expectations, and over time, the cost of inefficiency can far outweigh the initial savings. Irrigation systems are long-term investments, so ensuring they meet the needs of the farm and the goals of the business is essential.

By following the IrrigationNZ Design Brief Checklist and using tools like the standard contract format, farmers can make informed decisions and set up their irrigation projects for long-term success. By working closely with a qualified design company, ensuring clear performance criteria, and prioritising factors beyond just price, farmers can maximise the benefits of their irrigation system while avoiding common pitfalls.

IrrigationNZ is a national membership organisation that looks after the interests of irrigating farmers, growers, and the industry professionals who service them.

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