Episode 106 – The true cost of cheap
In this episode, Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation New Zealand, explains why choosing the cheapest irrigation system upfront can lead to higher long-term costs and reduced performance. He outlines how key design decisions, such as pipe sizing and pump selection, directly influence energy use, efficiency and the overall lifespan of an irrigation system.
Guest:
- Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor, IrrigationNZ
Host:
- Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide
Stephen discusses the key factors farmers should consider when investing in irrigation, including whole-of-life costing, power use and system design. He explains how smaller pipes can increase friction and energy demand, why pump efficiency matters, and how to assess proposals using key performance indicators. He also highlights the value of comparing multiple quotes, working with qualified designers and focusing on long-term outcomes to ensure irrigation systems deliver reliable and cost-effective performance over time.
Read the article featuring Stephen here:
https://country-wide.co.nz/the-true-cost-of-cheap/
For information on Tower contact your local ADAMA commercial manager or visit the website – http://www.adama.com
