Gippsland › Latest news › Southern Rural Water
Experienced farmer Rob Hornby embraces on-farm advancements from Newry pipeline
Rob Hornby, a veteran farmer, eagerly anticipates the benefits of the Newry pipeline, including improved water flow, automation, and increased efficiency on his dairy farm.
Veteran farmer, Rob Hornby, is embracing high-tech on-farm improvements made possible by our new Newry pipeline. Rob 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).
Rob Hornby, a seasoned farmer, is enthusiastically adopting advanced on-farm upgrades facilitated by the introduction of our new Newry pipeline
Anticipating farm automation
For Rob and his son Brendan, who currently manages irrigation on their 103 hectares dairy farm, getting consistent water flows from the new pipeline is a benefit they're looking forward to. He's been waiting patiently for the new pipeline and said he's excited to see it come to life because it's going to make a huge difference by enabling them to automate the farm.
"The old irrigation channel system was built in the 1950s and it's not up to delivering on the requirements of modern dairy farming. Currently, we often struggle getting consistent flow rates. However, the new pipeline changes all that and allows us to install automated pipe and riser irrigation based on a guaranteed 15 ML flow," he said.
Improving efficiency
Rob said they've already invested heavily in on-farm improvements and will continue to roll out more over the next few years to ramp up efficiencies across the property. "We've already installed around $500,000 of pipe and riser equipment with around 50 outlets for automation and have laser graded a couple of the paddocks," he said.
"We're planning on installing more pipes and risers and automating the entire farm over a period of two to three years. These improvements will help us increase our water efficiency, reduce the time we spend irrigating and increase the pasture we can grow on our farm," he said.
Rob says the on-farm improvements will reduce the time it takes to irrigate the property from six days to three days. "My son Brendan has a young family and I know he's looking forward to spending less time irrigating and more time with them," he said.
Embracing farming modernization
Newry is one of the last sections in the Macalister Irrigation District to be modernised and Rob said his son is also looking forward to more sleep thanks to the automation they're installing. "Automation means you can turn the water on and check it every 12 hours, rather than every three. So, when we've got everything set up, Brendan won't have to get up at 2am to shift water," he said.
Rob's says he still loves the challenge of farming and modernisation means he has greater capacity to focus on the big picture things that allow him to grow the business further. The modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District is jointly funded by Southern Rural Water, the Commonwealth government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Victorian government.
Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024