Great irrigation challenge awaits farmers

Despite registrations having doubled on this time last year, farmer-irrigators have been slow to register, Irrigation NZ says.

The training event, launched by IrrigationNZ in 2013 and supported by Aqualinc, offers half day workshops to solve common irrigation concerns. Specialist presenters from around New Zealand will provide advice on topics as wide-ranging as securing irrigation quotes and contracts, selecting the right pump, soil moisture sensor and sprinkler for your property, and managing risk around effluent and irrigation storage ponds.

Less than ten days out, IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis says the majority of early registrations have come from irrigation service companies, agribusiness and rural consultants wanting to improve irrigation knowledge, as opposed to farmer-irrigators.

"While IrrigationNZ is delighted that wider industry recognises the value of irrigation training, this event has been specifically designed for irrigating farmers and staff, and we strongly encourage our irrigating community to make attending a priority."

Curtis says it's not just skills that irrigators will gain at the 'Great Irrigation Challenge'; it will be much-needed knowledge and advice so irrigators can adapt to a fast-moving regulatory environment.

"The pressure to irrigate within regulatory limits has never been more intense. Recent announcements, including Variation 1 and 2 of Canterbury's Land and Water Plan impacting Selwyn and Hinds farmers, the Tuki Tuki plan change in Hawke's Bay and upcoming plan changes in the Wairarapa, simply reinforce that you can't afford to be irrigating and not know what's coming," says Curtis.

The 'Great Irrigation Challenge's most popular workshops so far are 'farm environment plans', 'irrigating hills' and 'smart irrigation – calibration'. Most pre-registrations are from Canterbury but some participants will travel from Hamilton, the Bay of Plenty and Wellington. Registrations will be taken right up to the event and walk-ins won't be turned away but Curtis says registering now allows irrigators to think about the questions they need answered and gather scenarios for presenters to address. Information about the 'Great Irrigation Challenge' can be found on www.irrigationnz-events-and-training or by phoning (03) 341 2225.

"We know it's a busy time of year, but the 'Great Irrigation Challenge' provides the best chance to check your irrigation systems and practice are up to scratch. Every workshop tackles specific knowledge gaps IrrigationNZ members have previously asked us to address including reducing your energy bill and advice around commissioning new irrigation systems. If you're irrigating or plan to introduce irrigation in the future, this event has direct relevance for your operation and can't be missed."