Irrigation demonstration trials on Gippsland farms
Gippsland irrigators are testing new irrigation technologies on their farms and driving best practice irrigation for the region.
Increasing water efficiency, reducing manual labour and protecting local waterways are all key considerations for irrigators in the Lake Wellington Catchment.
That’s why West Gippsland CMA and Agriculture Victoria are partnering with six local farmers to pilot new irrigation technology that aims to saving water, money and the environment.
Conducted over two years, the results of the trials will be shared with local irrigators to help them make decisions about whether the technology is right for them and encourage uptake of irrigation technology for the benefit of the region.
For more information, download the Landholder Booklet. (PDF 2MB)
Latest demonstration projects
Trials are happening between 2025 and 2027 at six farms in the Lake Wellington Catchment.
Controlling the uphill flow
Potato farmer Stu Jennings is looking at how he can save energy and optimise water delivery at his potato farm in Thorpdale.
Stu is testing a new pump and sensor setup to see if he can keep water pressure consistent as it travels up and down hilly terrain.
Transforming irrigation with AI
Rainbow Creek Nuts are exploring whether AI can help them make smarter irrigation decisions on their hazelnut and walnut orchard in Cowwarr.
By integrating sensor data, automation, and artificial intelligence, Chris and Lisa will have the insights they need to save time, labour and money – all at the press of a button.
Digger deeper for soil health
With their focus on regenerative agriculture to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, Kate Mirams and Pete Neaves will take their journey to the next level.
Their project involves monitoring water holding capacity of multispecies versus conventional pastures using soil monitoring probes.
Saving water with solar
Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford of Wilandra Farms are using solar power and smart automation to operate a pipe and riser surface (flood) irrigation system at their dairy farm in Airly, near Sale.
Their project aims to show how linking irrigation start times to solar energy availability can help manage water more efficiently, maximise solar use and reduce environmental impacts.
Using GPS to guide the way
Linear irrigators are effective over clear paddock but throw obstacles like large gum trees and power poles in the way and navigation becomes tricky.
Rather than invest in a whole new irrigation system, Nicole and Brendan
of Berry Dairy in Maffra are retro-fitting
a GPS guidance system to their existing irrigator so it can reliably navigate a challenging paddock and improve watering efficiencies.
Effluent from Tom Gannon’s 650 dairy cows won’t go to waste or into waterways if his pilot project goes to plan.
His demonstration will test how centre pivots can apply effluent at targeted rates using Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) technology to avoid overwatering, reduce run-off and optimise nutrient uptake for improved soil health.
Previous demonstration projects
Between 2022-24, four irrigators in the Macalister Irrigation District received grant funding to host demonstration sites on their farms. Two focused on best practice management of dairy effluent, with the remaining two focusing on technologies to increase water use efficiency and reduce energy emissions.
Solar powered irrigation
Wilandra farms in Clydebank automated 22 hectares of fixed irrigation sprays, saving time and water while maximising solar energy.
Variable Rate Irrigation
Leathorn Dairies successfully implemented VRI technology on their farm in Newry, saving water and increasing pasture.
Effluent through pipe & riser
The Knights used grant funding to monitor the impact of effluent application on their soil, helping them reduce fertiliser and keep nutrients on farm and out of the waterways.
Self-cleaning effluent filter
Tinamba farmer Tom Gannon trialled a self-cleaning filter on his effluent pump, reducing time-consuming blockages and improving effluent distribution through his centre pivot.
