1. Changes and Improvements in Irrigation Practices
Melrose Dairy Limited (Mark & Devon Slee)

2. Melrose Dairy Ltd Total 1011.48 ha 922 ha effective #37065 231 ha
Dairy Support ha
Since 2001 the property has grown and undergone extensive development in centre pivot irrigation from borderdyke.
Currently milking 2640 through 50 and two 60 bale rotary shed (880 each)
Total Milk Solids 2013/14 1,275,000 Kg MS
14 Full time Staff
Property is run as a semi self contained unit wintering cows and young stock.

5. What’s Changed in the last 15 years ?
Centre Pivots
Soil Moisture Monitoring
GPS
Environmental Awareness
Improved Soils
Water Storage (on farm and scheme storage)

7. Centre Pivots One of the most efficient way to irrigate
Low level application (5mm per 24 hours)
Low pressure system
Low labour requirement

8. Soil Moisture Monitoring
Monitoring for 8 years
Web based telemetry (3rd generation)
8 sites on farm
Over 4000 soil moisture probes sold by our provider in NZ

9. GPS Technology Proof of placement for fertiliser Sprinkler placement
Effluent management
Ability to apply low rates of green water through Centre Pivots at 5mm depth of application

11. Environmental Awareness

13. it will be more sustainable for our business and the environment.
If we are efficient in the way we use resources
it will be more sustainable for our business and the environment.