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IrrigationNZ will team up with Synlait on November to host a pilot workshop for farm staff who operate irrigation systems. It will cover the skills and knowledge needed for "high performing irrigation," says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
"IrrigationNZ has been asked for this kind of practical workshop for some time. With new water quality and quantity limits bearing down on farming, having the ability to irrigate effectively is critical. We want to help irrigation managers streamline their procedures to minimise problems and maximise profitability."
The 'Irrigation Manager' workshop, at Synlait Milk's Dunsandel plant, will cover regulation, scheduling, operation and maintenance, and calibration. As well as classroom learning, participants will learn practical points on nearby irrigators.
Instructing farmers who actually manage irrigation should ensure widespread adoption of good management practice, says Curtis.
"We have deliberately targeted irrigation managers as they oversee the system on a daily basis. The ability to prove, justify and account for water use is now a given and working with those at the coalface means these skills can be passed onto all farm employees."
IrrigationNZ intends to run the workshops nationally next year. They will cover all irrigation types including drip systems in orchards and vineyards, and centre pivots on broad acre and pastoral farms.
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