A series of four on-farm open days has been organised in Gippsland’s Macalister Irrigation District to demonstrate irrigation efficiencies.
The two-year Sustainable Irrigation Program Demonstration Trials are aimed at showcasing the benefits of irrigation technology using real-life examples being used on farms.
The program has been rolled out across Victoria in a partnership between Dairy Australia, Agriculture Victoria and regional Catchment Management Authorities.
The four irrigation farms in the MID demonstrate different techniques of effluent management, fertigation, water use efficiency and energy emission reduction.
One of the open days was held on September 7, on the Tinamba dairy farm of Tom and Melanie Gannon.
Tom and Melanie installed a self-cleaning filter to prevent disruptive and time-consuming blockages when applying effluent through their three pivot irrigators.
The filter system was developed and installed by a local manufacturing business.
Tom said he saw a similar system in the United States. After adapting it to his farm operation, the investment rapidly paid for itself.
Agriculture Department senior irrigation extension officer Alexis Killoran said the Sustainable Irrigation Program was directed at implementing land and water management plans on farms to improve environmental impacts of irrigation.
Applications are open for the next round of funding grants.
Videos of the Gippsland demonstration trials are available to view on the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.