The Gippsland Irrigation Expo will return to Sale today, bringing together the latest irrigation technologies, research, suppliers and industry expertise for a full day focused on improving farm water efficiency and productivity.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, the free event will be held at the Sale Showgrounds from 9am to 4pm.
The expo will feature more than 50 exhibitors, a packed technical program and practical demonstrations aimed at helping producers improve irrigation performance, reduce costs and make better-informed decisions around ageing or expanding systems.
A major drawcard for this year’s event will be keynote presenter
Dr James Hills, associate professor at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, who is nationally recognised for his work in irrigation scheduling, soil moisture monitoring and dairy system performance under irrigation.
Dr Hills will deliver a presentation titled Achieving maximum pasture production: Spray and pray or spray and make hay, focusing on strategies to maximise pasture yield and water productivity through improved scheduling and management practices.
The event will open with addresses from the mayor and event organisers before sessions covering a range of irrigation topics, including centre pivot performance, energy savings, pasture production and regional water planning.
Among the featured presentations will be Sustainable and successful: What 26 years of SIP has achieved, delivered by Sarah Killury, examining how the Sustainable Irrigation Program has helped improve water-use efficiency and farm profitability across the region.
Joe Braden will present a session on the impacts of end guns on irrigation systems, while Nick O’Halloran will discuss how correct pipe sizing, pump setup and variable frequency drives can reduce energy costs and improve
system reliability.
A panel session featuring
Dr Hills, Braden and O’Halloran will give irrigators the opportunity to ask practical questions about system efficiency, energy use
and productivity.
Southern Rural Water representatives Terry Flynn and Matt Cook will also provide updates on regional water planning, pricing reform, infrastructure opportunities and long-term supply management across Gippsland.
Organisers say the expo aims
to connect irrigators with suppliers, researchers and agencies while providing practical ideas farmers can apply directly on
their properties.
The event is administered and planned by Agriculture Victoria with funding from the State Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program and support from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
