Irrigation

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.

After four decades working in irrigation, Stephen McNally is urging whole-of-life thinking for irrigation design. The one lesson that keeps repeating is that systems chosen on capital price alone rarely deliver the best long-term value. Words Stephen Mcnally & Kath Healy.

In this episode, Jane Robb, Senior Environmental Consultant at Irricon, discusses the evolution of soil moisture monitoring in New Zealand and why it is becoming an essential tool for farm productivity and environmental management. She explains how modern technology helps farmers make smarter irrigation decisions, highlights the importance of matching sensors to different soil types, and outlines what this could mean for improving water use efficiency, nutrient retention, and overall farm resilience.

It’s a race against time to repair hundreds of pivot irrigators as farmers worry about the impact loss of irrigation will have on pasture production and this season’s production. Words Anne Lee.

Upgrading an irrigation system could lead to redesigns that help cut costs in the long run, but there will be costs and trade-offs to consider. Words Anne Lee.

Having a plan for replacing irrigation infrastructure should be built into farming business’ asset replacement plans and come as no surprise. Words Anne Lee

New resources released from IrrigationNZ are to get irrigating farmers thinking about how and why they should measure soil moisture in a bid to restore confidence in the technology available. Words Kathryn Healy.

How can farmers get the most from irrigation without wasting water or damaging equipment? IrrigationNZ Principal Technical Advisor Stephen McNally explains how preparation, planning, and smart decisions make all the difference as the season begins.

In this episode, Sarah speaks with Stephen about practical steps from anchoring and mechanical checks to developing a wind plan and understanding consent conditions. They discuss a “just-in-time” approach, record-keeping, maintenance, and long-term water storage for more efficient and resilient irrigation.

Spring can be a mixed bag of weather but ideal for preparation to reset, rethink, and retool your irrigation strategy. Words Kathryn Healy.

Water has always been a precious resource for Central Otago farmers Tim and Camilla Rutherford, and they’re keen to ensure they utilise every drop that falls from the sky. Words Rebecca Greaves