Accelerating the uptake of opportunities presented on-farm with a multi-billion dollar government investment in irrigation infrastructure

Accelerating the uptake of opportunities presented on-farm with a multi-billion dollar government investment in irrigation infrastructureRob OConnor, Rabi Maskey and Terry Batey

Authors1Session Outline Background

What we wanted to achieve

What was done and why

What the impact was

Learnings

In a round-about way we will follow this outline

Background about: - irrigation modernisation, the OFIEP & why we are in this space (defining what the problem is)

2BackgroundIn the Goulburn Murray irrigation District The irrigation supply systemis being modernised at an unprecedented rate Farm irrigation infrastructure is being upgraded at an unprecedented rate Water has been purchased out of the district

The irrigation supply system is being modernised at an unprecedented rate:Over $2b will be spent over a 10 year period

Farm irrigation infrastructure is being upgraded as part of the OFIEP:Over $150m will be spent through the local delivery partner for the OFIEP

These 2 programs represent once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to improve irrigation productivity and the prosperity of the region

3Blue Water Futures ProjectKey Outcomes: More productive and profitable use of water

Renewed confidence to invest in farm irrigation technology and infrastructure

I work in a project called BWF with others such as Rabi and Terry who contribute some of their time to the project.

BWF:has been central in our efforts to capture the benefits on farm of irrigation supply system modernisation and increase resilience in the face of climate change and lower water availability has been in operation for 2 yearshas a relatively small budget - $300k /year (hence a focus on efficiency and effectiveness)

4Outcomes

BWF project key outcomes are tightly linked with capturing the benefits on farm of modernisation. (More consistent and higher flow rates and shorter water ordering periods enable more efficient & profitable use of water & more effective use of irrigation technologies.)

5Goals

Improve knowledge in relation to irrigation upgrades and irrigation system choice- Helping irrigators make better decisions in relation to irrigation technology it might be about automatic irrigation, irrigation scheduling equipment, border check /centre pivot /lateral move systems relating to the financial viability of the investment or technical information about the particular technology

Better understand on-farm decisions in relation to irrigation managementThis might be about improving irrigators knowledge and skills in getting the irrigation interval and/or drainage right to optimise plant growth rates. Or better understanding the impact of border-check irrigation flow rates on water efficiency

Learn more about water reform and implications on farmThere has been an absolute swag of water reform in northern Victorian in the last 10 years implemented by State and federal governments including that related to the MDBP and the Northern Victorian Sustainable Water Strategy such as unbundling of water entitlements, water trade, carryover water and system reserve policy. The project has had a role in helping irrigators better understand these policy changes and opportunities they present for irrigation businesses to help them be more resilient, productive and profitable. 6Key Deliverables

**Mix of traditional and modern extension methods.

Written popular media articles and publications have also been an important means of extension for us.

Well talk in more detail about these deliverables in the next few slides.

First we need to discuss some of the key platforms that were used in the project to achieve change.

7Key Deliverables One Day Events - farmersFarm Irrigation Field Days 5 field days on farms with new technologies Popular with irrigators and service providers

The main 1-day type events related to this topic were: 5 field days conducted on farms with new irrigation technologiesThese farms all had recently upgraded their irrigation systems to state of the art and had participated in the FWP as part of thatTechnologies that had been installed on these farms included upgraded border check irrigation systems, pipe and risers, CP, rotating lateral move, automatic irrigation systems and irrigation scheduling systems.Conducted on dairy and cropping and grazing farms across the district

Gala but focused events The field days aimed to help participating irrigators make better decisions about implementing irrigation technologies on their farms Information presented:- The key focus was on the new technology how it was implemented, how it was performing, practicalities and fit with farming operation usually covered by the host-farmer with an inspection of the irrigation layout and equipment- An in-depth financial benefit-cost analysis of each farm irrigation technology was developed earlier and discussed on the day- Presentations were also made on FWP Update, recent IBCIP research results as well as recent soil moisture monitoring trial resultsA range of relevant stakeholders were invited and added value to these events including the irrigation supply system modernisation rep, the irrigation surveyor and designer, irrigation technology retailers, water authority and CMA reps

Popular with irrigators and service providers 225 people attended these field days (45 on av, some we had over 60, and by an average of 29 farmers) Feedback indicated the days were very relevant and timely. Participants particularly liked being able to see the technology working on farm, to hear for the host farmer and the discussion about the financial benefits and costs of the irrigation upgrade

Other 1-day events for farmers that were conducted by the project include:presentation on improved irrigation management at a series of 3 seasonal response days Making the Most of Your Home Grown Feed (68 participants). Drought or low commodity prices are unfortunate, but it can open up an opportunity to provide information to a captive audience who are willing to make changes to what they do.presentation on improved irrigation management and irrigation upgrade bca at a series of 3 MIL Border Check Irrigation farm field days (81 participants)A series of 8 irrigation policy update sessions on changes to carryover water rules (230 participants).

8Key Deliverables Staff and Service Provider Training

Provided a more supportive environment for change and a multiplier effect This financial year the DEPI irrigation team conducted over 690 1:1 farm visits Range of groups targeted: DEPI, CMA, irrigation surveyors and designers, GMW Connections, others.Tailored sessions provided a more supportive environment for change and a multiplier effectWe identified staff and sp training to be important because previous work we have done indicates that if those people going up and down farmers driveways understand a subject it helps to provide a supportive environment for farmers to make a change. They can also provide information, support or signposting to the farmer. Multiplier effect: Service providers at one workshop (IBCIP, DEPI staff & GMW-C) said they would each have discussions with 90 different irrigators per year about the training topic. There were about 20 sps at that workshop, so maths tells you that the workshop potentially resulted in 1,800 discussions with irrigators on the topic

SP groups that have played an important role in our project are

Additionally sps come along to the events that we conduct for irrigators such as the 1-day events.

Irrigation investment: About the benefits, costs, viability and decision processes involved in farm irrigation investments.

DEPI farm visits were largely conducted as part of the FWP and whole farm planning process. These 1:1 visits have provided a great opportunity to assist irrigators make decisions about irrigation upgrades and irrigation management. Staff have been trained and equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and tools to add value to this process.

BEC: In the last 11 months we quickly estimated 390 visits related to Round 3 of the FWP (208 landholders, 182 case files) and at least another 150 farm visits in this period for for GB Whole Farm Plans (76 landholders and 5,059ha). Adds up to 540 visits (or 258 landholders). DYSO: Just over 7,000ha WFP. 54 Surveys & 50 designs. I would say therefore about 150 visits. Therefore GB + NC WFP 1:1 visits = 300. Grand total of depi WFP + FWP visits (2013-14) = 690

9Key Deliverables Benefit-cost analysis farm case studies

7 developed on different irrigation technologies Used at field days, for staff training & political lobbying

Developed to improve under-standing of the benefits & costs of irrigation upgrades - from a farmers perspective

7 developedThese farm irrigation upgrade financial bca farm irrigation upgrade case studies were conducted by DEPI staff on a targeted range of irrigation upgrades and technologies on the host-farms for the field days, (already listed in the previous slide - improved border check irrigation, CP, P&R, rotating lateral move & computer based auto and smm

All of the bcas indicated a positive benefit cost with participation in the FWP Some case studies were more positive than others. A key driver of the viability of the irrigation investment was the gain in pasture or crop production.Other drivers that had less impact on the project viability were the amount of water and labour savings generated.In the future we would like to do a comparison of P&R irrigation versus border-check for a particular farm situation.

Used at field days, news article series, staff training & political lobbyingThe relevant irrigation upgrade bca case study was discussed at each irrigation field day and provided participants with valuable financial information about the upgrade to help them make more informed decisions about irrigation upgrades on their farmsPolitical lobbying bcas used to demonstrate the benefits of the irrigation upgrades and the FWP to our stakeholders

There is a session in this room at 12.15pm this afternoon that focuses solely on these bcas and will discuss them in a lot more detail.

10Key DeliverablesDecision Support Tools Irrigation investment Irrigation scheduling App

Digital Delivery Carryover water farmer video podcasts

Irrigation investment DSTHas been currently been developed in Excell spreadsheet formatThe IIDST helps irrigators to determine whether an investment in an irrigation upgrade for his particular set of circumstances will be financially viable or not, and what level of pasture or crop production increase is required to make the investment viableAt this stage the tool has been developed for DEPI staff to use with irrigators. We have a staff training session next week on the IIDST. Potentially in the future it may be used by groups like S&D, financiers and /or put on the web for irrigators to use.The tool also compares the viability of the investment with and without participation in the FWPThe operator needs to enter data relating to the cost of the upgrade, incentive received and water transferred as part of the FWP.He /she can then see and the expected dry matter production increase required per year to break-even on the investment over a given period eg. 20 years.Next week we have a training session for DEPI staff on irrigation investment including the use of the tool. They will then be able to use the tool with irrigators during FWP and WFP farm visits to assist them to determine the viability of proposed irrigation investments.(A next step is to determine whether we should train up other service providers such as S&D or financiers, and whether the tool should be put on the web for direct access by irrigators.)

Irrigation scheduling app An irrigation scheduling app has been developed to help irrigators optimise water productivity through better irrigation timing decisions. This app uses local evapotranspiration data along with the irrigators water application information which he /she enters to determine the optimum time for the next irrigation.Feedback on app Roc needs to talk to Watto

Carryover water farmer video podcastsA series of 6 videos featuring 3 different farmers on the Vic Goulburn and Murray irrigation systems were produced to help other irrigators with decision making about carryover water. The farmers featured in the videos talk about how they have been using carryover water in their businesses and the impact /opportunities presented with recent carryover rule changes. This release followed an series of videos released earlier on the carryover rule changes and a series of 8 water puzzle information sessions about carryover water that we held across the district last year.Carryover water is a means by which farmers can better manage irrigation related risk and use water more productively and profitably. To date the farmer carryover video series has received 281 hits and still counting.

(Irrigation upgrade bca farm case study video podcasts) This is something we plan to do next year. 11Key Deliverables Improved Border Check Irrigation Performance Research Project

Collaboration between DEPI Research, BWF and Murray Dairy BWFs role was to extend the research results - irrigators and service providers

A key piece of work we did was teaming up with DEPIs IBCIP research project. The research findings related to flow rates on to surface irrigation bays. We were responsible for extending the research findings which were that there were no water savings to be gained by increasing flow rates above 2ML/10m bay width on a border check irrigation layout (in N Vic).

BWFs role was to extend the research resultsInteresting exercise in political diplomacy given these research findings were quite different to messages about flow rates that others were previously giving.At the start of the project an important step in the extension process was the development of clear key messages to help irrigators better understand the impact of flow rates on to irrigation bays on irrigation efficiency.We also made it clear that the focus of the research on flow rates was on water savings and other benefits might be achieved by using higher flow rates on to bays such as maybe labour savingsIrrigators and key SP groups were targeted including S&Ds, DEPI IS, policy makers (eg. CMA staff) and GMW Connections staff (responsible for implementing irrigation supply system modernisation ).The work was of high interest to people and over an 18 month period we presented these research findings to 22 groups of irrigators and sps totalling just over 600 people. (606)A number of written media publications were also used to more effectively extend the research findings.As part of the extension phase of this research project, bcas farm case studies were developed for a border check irrigation layout and for automatic irrigation technology to help irrigators better understand the viability of investing in these upgrades in the context of irrigation flow rates.

12Project Impact

Key evaluation measures Attendance Knowledge and skills Decision making Practice change

Other methods Benefit-cost analysis irrigation upgrade farm case studies 13Project Impact

More informed irrigation system choiceIve been seriously considering putting in a lateral move irrigation system on my farm, as part of the Farm Water Program based on what Ive heard today, its going to be hard to make the lateral move pay for itself if I only grow winter crops under it

This guy has actually changed his decision from putting in a lateral move system to border checkHe is currently developing an application with a DEPI staff member for a border check design on his farm with the next round of the FWPHe went along to 2 irrigation farm walks and is also getting 1:1 service from DEPI irrigation team member as part of the FWP & WFP processBased on information from a bca farm case study on a rotating lateral move system, what he saw at the irrigation farm walks and information from the DEPI team member, he realised installation of a lateral move on his property was unlikely to be economically viable for his particular circumstances he was growing annual pastures. So he made a more informed decision to upgrade his border check system instead.This is a significant change given the investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars 14Project ImpactImproved irrigation system designAfter doing the irrigation course I knew the sprinkler system had to be capable of delivering 16mm a day or more a lot of people save money in the design, but it ends up costing them in the long run with higher pumping costs and lower crop yields

Project ImpactUtilising new technology(As a result of going to the farm walk) we put in 2 soil moisture probes that are connected to the internet. We have learnt we can use a longer irrigation interval in autumn on our lucerne. As a result, we are using less water to grow the same amount of feed. We plan to put more probes in and connect up a rain gauge as well

Project ImpactFarm Water Program Whole Farm PlansRound 1 & 2 12,060ha completed 52GL water savings (2013-14) 381 projects completed Over 11,900ha

Round 3 - expected: 16GL water savings 123 projects Over 3,800ha

These are some big no.s with large scales of practice change occurring Obviously we cant claim these outcomes to be solely attributed to our workBut we certainly contribute to them and better outcomes are being achieved with the irrigation upgrades through more informed decisions about irrigation system choice, use of technology and improved irrigation management as a result of our work

Dyso: Just over 7,000ha completed NC 2013-14 (not incl June).Bec: 5,059ha GB 2013-14

17Learnings Its best to start with the end in mind Its not all about how much the project delivers There can be big rewards in developing and harnessing contacts and networks Irrigation technology has boomed in the last 10 years

Start with the end in mindIts important to know what you want to achieve, how it fits in with other strategies, what your key focus areas are and how you will measure and achieve it

Its not all about how much the project deliversAn allowance needs to be made for time up front for project planning, evaluating, demonstrating impact and reporting that impact. Unfortunately this means more time in the office

Develop and harness contacts and networksTogether we do better! Together we can share knowledge and skills and more efficiently and effectively deliver a better product and satisfies the objectives of the groups involved. But we need to have these contacts and networks in the first place. Training is an important part of harnessing these networks

Irrigation technology has boomed in the last 10 yearsThis is a real credit to those who have developed the technologyMuch of this has happened on the back of government investment in the OFIEP and irrigation modernisationThis has created a lot of different options for farmers. We have had a crack at it, but there will continue to be an important role for an independent source to provide a user-friendly package that assists irrigators to better understand what is available, what is more likely to suit their needs, to promote the technologies and provide practice change support.

Integrated: Worked in partnership with a range of stakeholders and used a range of extension methods.Irrigators are making more informed decisions related to irrigation system upgrades, irrigation system choice and irrigation

There has been a mountain of water reform over the last 10 yearsSimilarly (as above) we have had a good crack at this one. An interpretation role, to help farmers better understand it, what the new policies mean for their unique circumstances and where the opportunities are. Information gaps still exist, but some of this role is now being taken over by the private industry, such as water brokers.

18Learnings Significant gains can be made in farm productivity (and profitability) through improved irrigation management Farmers value - opportunities to learn from each other - financial information

Substantial gains can be made in farm productivity (and profitability) through improved irrigation managementIf you can increase production by 2 or 3 t/ha it makes a big difference to farm profit (certainly dairy farms). These gains can be made on a lot of farms simply through the use of correct irrigation intervals (or better matching of irrigation timing with plant requirements) and improved drainage off pastures and crops.These gains are easier to achieve as a result of irrigation modernisation and the OFIEPAdoption of technologies such as irrigation scheduling and automatic irrigation help to close this production gap.

Farmers value opportunities to learn from each other and financial informationFor example we have had very good feedback about the farm walk because of the financial info provided about irrigation investments and the opportunity for irrigators to see the irrigation technology and hear from the farmer how it was installed and was performing on farm.

19Concluding Remarks Northern Victorian farmers are being provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve farm irrigation management An integrated extension program has had some success in assisting irrigators capitalise on irrigation modernisation and using water more productively and profitably There is still a lot of work to do. Scope exists to expand RD&E in order to better capture the benefits on farm of the multi $b spend Northern Victorian irrigators are being provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve farm irrigation In terms of the improved water delivery service enabled by irrigation supply system modernisation and funding made available for irrigation upgrades thru OFIEP . This is a driver of regional prosperity.Its also pleasing to see irrigation technology developing at an unprecedented rate.

Currently irrigators are hungry for information and practice change support related to irrigation upgrades They are spending big money on the upgrades and naturally they want to make sure they do it right.This is indicated by the level of interest in the activities we have been conducting (we have only seen turnouts like these when money is being given away! eg dairy farmer dereg package) Information has been well received on irrigation technology (irrigation upgrades and system choice), irrigation management (such as appropriate flow rates) and financial analysis of irrigation investment options.Farm contexting of this information has been important which explains the popularity of the irrigation farm walks and irrigation upgrade bca case studies where irrigators could actually see the irrigation technology and hear from the farmer how it was installed and was performing on farm.Information has also been well received about water reform, particularly carryover and spillable water accounts (as indicated by the recent GMW customer survey) and water trade this interest continues.

An integrated extension program has had some success in assisting irrigators capitalise on irrigation modernisaton and use water more productively and profitably Integrated: Worked in partnership with a range of stakeholders and used a range of extension methods.Irrigators are making more informed decisions related to irrigation system upgrades, irrigation system choice and irrigation management.

Scope exists to expand the extension program to better capture the multi $b spendThere is merit in the concept of an industry led Centre for Farm Irrigation OptimisationThe industry led CFIO would co-ordinate irrigation R,D & E in the region with national and international linksThe CFIO would foster a more cohesive approach between farming industries, private providers and agencies. The CFIO would only operate for about a 4-5 year period leaving behind legacy of much more productive and profitable irrigated agriculture.

20Thank you