PART 2: SHOULD I ENTER THE AWARDS?
Nominations and entries are now open for The 2021 Zimmatic Trailblazer – Sustainable Irrigation Awards. This year, all farmers and farming operations in New Zealand irrigating over 25ha on their property or properties are eligible.
Irrigation NZ chair and Irricon Resource Solutions principal, Keri Johnston, is head judge for the overall competition. She says the Awards are about celebrating farmers who are demonstrating innovation in water management, steps taken to ensure sustainable water use on farm, and an obvious passion for protecting one of our most precious natural resources.
The judging panel have compiled a summary of the leading submissions from the 2020 entrants across Australia and New Zealand. This has been split into two parts, in this second part the irrigation-driven improvements, environmental protection and environmental stewardship categories have been reviewed. For part one click here.
Irrigation-Driven Improvements
Increased profits, improved environmental outcomes, production improvements, improved efficiencies and improved product quality driven were demonstrated thanks to irrigation or improvements to irrigation management.
The top entrants quantified the improvement, some in dollar terms and others in measured production. For those that observed improved environmental outcomes some stated an improvement in a measure such as a water testing parameter or kilograms of nitrogen per hectare leached, and others proved the improvement with visual observations such as an increase in biodiversity and birdlife.
Entry example: $700/ha reduction in cost of green pea crop production through direct drilling and a 70% reduction in chemical application. Whilst irrigation was not responsible for the cost reduction the improved practises were made possible by the ability to water the crop in a more productive way.
All properties demonstrated strategic use of technologies to refine and amplify their operations, decisions were based on achieving economic and sustainable environmental outcomes. The objectives of technology investment for each operation varied – from utilising it to intensify operations rather than expanding production through land acquisition to others who used it to enable expansion. All operations were constantly evolving as new technologies became available.
Irrigation development and system improvements were comprehensively analysed, and subject matter experts were used to assist with decision-making. A simple example is that on a property where wheel rutting was a big issue a number of solutions were investigated. The option of a variant on the standard tyre gave an additional 20% flotation. This proved successful in eliminating the issue and was a lot less costly than some of the other options investigated. The point to make is while there are a number of options available at differing costs, every farm is different so it can pay to spend more in the investigation phase.
Entry example: An increase in water use efficiencies has led to an 120% increase of net farm income.
Waterway Protection
For the leading entrants the waterways within a property and how they connected to the property were illustrated or described. There was awareness of potential sources of pollution such as critical source areas, sediment movement, livestock in waterways, nutrient application and nutrient leaching.
Management and control measures of potential pollution sources were in place to minimise the risks of contaminants entering these waterways, unless under unforeseen conditions.
Water sampling was also carried out by many entrants to monitor water quality and also provide feedback that the management and control provisions were effective.
Water and water flow management was also detailed by a number of entrants, with particulars of surface and subsurface drainage systems and improvements.
The efforts put into riparian planting, wetland establishment and protection and a number of more specific projects increasing biodiversity and waterway protection was enlightening and deserves recognition.
Entry Example: Irrigation water supply on some properties has been used to assist and promote environmental assets such as wetlands, biodiversity and endangered animal refuges.
Environmental Stewardship
The environmental stewardship demonstrated was simply outstanding. There is an exhaustive list of how so many of the entrants are leading the way in sustainable irrigation management and helping to support and inspire others along the way. Some of the examples began with generations well before those currently working the land, but the values and dedication has continued as the farming and community landscapes have changed.
Entry Examples:
• Many have been successful in winning other awards such as: The Goulburn Murray Water Surface User Innovation Award, Ballance Farm Environmental Awards and the Australian Government Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award.
• Actively involved in research projects with education and research institutions and industry bodies. A significant number were either a member or leader of their local catchment group of similar farmer-led environmental/water care body.
• Hosting field days and groups on farm including interested farmers, school groups, industry and government representatives.
We hope this provides you with some insight into why the leading entrants from the 2020 awards caught the eye of the judging panel! If these examples resonate with you and you are doing some great things on your farm, then consider entering the Awards. You not only get a chance to share your story, but you get the chance to win some great prizes. The entry process is easy to complete online, simply click here to get started.