1. Summer Crop Workshop
October 2016

2. Agenda Project Overview & Introduction Dan Parnell
Feed Cost Comparisons
Kirk Reynolds
Maize Agronomy
Sam Taylor
Break
Beet Agronomy
Dale Thompson
Water Scheduling
James Dee
Harvey Water Update
Richard Yates

3. Project Components
Practical, reliable irrigation scheduling technologies
Precise, low cost automated control systems for a range of irrigation systems
A network of farmer managed learning sites located in major regions referred to as “optimised irrigation” farms
From project application, a wide scope to work within
Increased adoption of scheduling (ST Thoughts – seen as low hanging fruit)
Automation favoured for low labour, reliability, adaptability,
Other dairy sites in SA, VIC, TAS, NSW & QLD

4. Project Outcomes
percent improvement in water productivity, efficiency and farmer profitability
Adoption of new irrigation technologies and science application by farmers and irrigation professionals to improve farm profits.
Improved cross sector industry research collaboration with public and private sectors in four major irrigation industries providing a legacy platform for other sectors to also benefit
High level outcomes across the project
Ultimately WUE, home grown fodder costs lower and improved profitability
Looking at new components, soil type assessments, management applications.
Cross industry as many partners in the project comprising the major water users of Cotton RDC, Rice, Sugar & Dairy.
Looking to benefit from the learnings of these other industries and apply in Dairy where applicable.