| 41 Smart irrigation boosts efficiency and sustainability The 245ha farm – with 750 cows producing 425,000kgMS annually – has been irrigated since milk production started on the farm in 2014. Anne Boswell By embracing technology and precision management, variable order sharemilkers Hayden and Kirsty Gaines are helping Hopcroft Farms run more efficiently and sustainably – with water playing a significant role in the success of the Southland farm. Hayden, who grew up a townie in Gore, never imagined a long-term career in dairy farming. But after a few years working ‘temporarily’ in the industry, his passion grew alongside his knowledge. “The more I learned, the more I realised this is where I wanted to be,” Hayden says. Now 20 years into his dairy farming career, Hayden has been at Hopcroft Farms, owned by Simon and Janine Hopcroft, for almost 11 seasons. Having managed the farm for the first three seasons, he and Kirsty – who have children Edie and Blaire - moved into a variable order sharemilker position in the fourth season, a role they continue to hold today. The 245ha farm – with 750 cows producing 425,000kgMS annually – has been irrigated since milk production started on the farm in 2014. Today, 218ha is under irrigation, with two centre pivots covering 160ha and three wipers covering the remainder. The farm’s original variable rate irrigation (VRI) system started to have performance issues a few seasons ago, including zones not switching off properly. “It basically meant the system was operating like a uniform irrigator,” Hayden says. In the 2023/24 season, the decision was made to retrofit a Zimmatic Precision VRI by Lindsay, supplied and installed by Plains Irrigation. The upgrade has been transformational. “We’ve noticed real improvements, particularly in lower lying areas, pugged areas and sensitive areas near waterways,” Hayden says. “Those spots used to hold water, but now we can block them out completely.” The result is more effective grazing across the irrigated area. The VRI system has also enhanced the farm’s effluent management. By integrating effluent DAIRY PEOPLE » Hopcroft Farms Proudly supporting Hopcroft Farms 24 Oreti St, Gore Ph. 03 208 6799 / M. 0274 889 834 E. dickdore@doreelectric.co.nz W. www.doreelectricalservices.co.nz We are a specialist bulldozing & earthmoving company, based in Riversdale, Southland. With highly skilled and experienced operators, we have the expertise to provide a top quality finish to every job Professional Earthmoving and Drainage solutions summitearthmoving.co.nz Switzers Valley Transport Ltd Locally owned, locally operated and locally trusted to meet all your cartage and sowing needs. 29 Main Wendonside RD, RD7 GORE 7777 phone 03 202 4000 JOCK SHARP 0274193096 stock@svt.co.nz MURRAY MASLIN 027433043 accounts@svt.co.nz JAMIE COOTE 0272266009 fert@svt.co.nz Proud to support HOPCROFT FARMS www . w i l k i n s f a rmi ng . c o . n z FOR MORE INFO For pricing & contracts: 03 201 6246 or 027 249 9317 GRAIN, BLENDS AND CUSTOM STOCKFEED PROUDLY SUPPORTING HOPCROFT FARMS distribution through the pivots, Hayden can achieve a more consistent spread and better nutrient utilisation, while significantly reducing labour. “It takes the human variability out,” he says. “The system just does what it is supposed to, reliably and consistently.” The irrigation and effluent systems are supported locally: Water Force Gore manages servicing and maintenance of the pivots, while Dore Electrical handles the pumps and electrics. With an annual water allocation of 750,000 cubic metres, the team typically irrigates for around 68-73 days per season. “We’re well within our consent limits,” Hayden says. “In 11 seasons, we’ve only come close to hitting 100% usage a couple of times. In a dry year, it’s great to have that capability and peace of mind.” A Harvest monitoring station tracks moisture levels under the two centre pivot irrigators; each pivot has a moisture probe and that information lets them control application rates, and when to and not to water. Aside from operational efficiency, the benefits of VRI are environmental – water savings, energy reductions and improved protection of low-lying areas. With greater efficiency in both these areas, the farm is set up for success today, and in the future.
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