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Dairy farmers are eager for automated systems along Newry pipeline that will improve efficiency and water conservation in Macalister

James Clyne, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, anticipates the benefits of the Newry pipeline, replacing open irrigation channels with automated systems, enhancing farming efficiency and water conservation.

By news@gippsland - 16th May 2023 - Back to News

For fourth generation dairy farmer, James Clyne, the wait is nearly over until he can switch to fully automated irrigation thanks to our new Newry pipeline. James is one of nearly 30 farmers set to benefit from improved farming efficiencies and water savings as we replace open irrigation channels with nearly 23-kilometres of pipeline. These works are part of Phase 2 of the Macalister Irrigation District 2030 modernisation program (MID2030).

Nearly 30 farmers who will gain farming efficiencies and water savings through the replacement of open irrigation channels with a 23-kilometre pipeline, part of the MID2030 modernisation program

Pipeline benefits anticipated

James owns and manages a 320 hectare high input dairy farm. He said he's super excited about the project because he's seen the benefits modernisation has brought other farmers in the district. "We've seen how the Southern Tinamba pipeline helped farmers in Tinamba and I'm looking forward to realising similar rewards on my farm. In Newry, water is still moved around in open channels. It's not efficient or suitable for modern farming so everyone is welcoming the improvements Southern Rural Water is delivering."

The Southern Tinamba pipeline was completed in 2019 during Phase 1 of the MID2030 program. James says the Newry pipeline is enabling him to be able to invest in some life-changing on-farm improvements. "The current system means I spend most of my time irrigating during the season. It's really tiring and means I don't always have the time to invest in other important areas of my life," he said.

"Thanks to the new pipeline we're now installing a pipe and riser fully automated irrigation system. To be able to turn on that water and check it every 12 hours, rather than every three hours, is a game-changer," James said.

Temporary disruption

A section of the new pipeline goes through James's property and construction hasn't been without its frustrations. "Works have put a couple of my paddocks out of action that have disrupted farm operations and been quite stressful at times. However, it's a case of no pain, no gain because the long-term efficiency and productivity wins will far outweigh the temporary headaches I've had."

Reflecting on his irrigation journey James said he's looking forward to more certainty and more sleep. Five years ago, I was flat out irrigating. We didn't irrigate as much in the summer because we couldn't get the necessary efficiency. This meant less grass and more crops," he said.

"In the future, I'll be more efficient with automation, there will be less run off, fewer mistakes and we'll hopefully be more drought resistant to get through those tougher times with less water," James said.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com