46 | RURAL SERVICES » Bay Irrigation 2011 Ltd Precision tech and top on-farm support Modern irrigation technology now allows farmers to apply water with greater precision through GPS controlled variable rate systems. Kelly Deeks Water security, precision technology, and practical on-farm support continue to drive demand for irrigation solutions across New Zealand, with Hawke’s Bay based Bay Irrigation working on projects from Northland to Southland as farmers prepare for another challenging season. One of Bay Irrigation’s directors and sales and design specialist Ash Hampton says the business is focused on getting systems installed ahead of spring demand, while helping farmers manage ongoing supply chain pressures and rising costs. “We are trying to get everything in before September and October because that is when farmers want growth coming through,” Ash says. “Dairy farms want everything ready by August for the spring flush and in Hawke’s Bay the onion growers are planting in July and August, so timing is critical.” Established in the late 1980s and under its current ownership since 2011, Bay Irrigation specializes in irrigation systems for dairy, sheep and beef, and cropping operations. The company provides in-house design, supply, installation, maintenance, and ongoing support. Ash, who has worked in the industry since 1994, says the company focuses on designing systems to suit each individual property. “A farmer might come to us wanting to irrigate a certain area and we look at the best option for that land, whether that is fixed grid, centre pivot, hard hose, or another system entirely,” he says. Fixed grid irrigation is becoming increasingly popular on dairy and pastoral farms with limited machinery traffic. The systems use sprinklers mounted on poles across paddocks and are designed using CAD mapping and GPS technology. “There is no labour involved once it is operating, so the running costs are low,” Ash says. “They are also very reliable in high wind areas because everything is fixed in place.” Alongside fixed grid systems, Bay Irrigation continues to install and service centre pivots and hard hose irrigators throughout the country. The company expanded into the South Island during the mid-late 1990s and now supplies and services machinery across Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Blenheim, while continuing extensive work throughout the North Island. Recent Northland projects have included pump stations and water infrastructure linked to dam developments supporting irrigation and regional growth around Dargaville and Kaikohe. Ash says sustainable water management is becoming increasingly important as councils and farmers work to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. “Water is vital to the New Zealand economy, but it is a finite resource and it has to be used properly,” he says. Modern irrigation technology now allows farmers to apply water with greater precision through GPS controlled variable rate systems that adjust water application depending on soil type and paddock conditions. “That means less runoff, fewer nutrients entering waterways, and better use of the farmer’s allocation,” Ash says. Bay Irrigation is also involved with Irrigation New Zealand and remains committed to promoting best practice irrigation design and sustainable water use across the sector. “New Zealand farmers are among the cleanest and greenest producers in the world,” he says. “They care about doing things properly and we are here to help provide systems that support that for the long term.” We’ve got the field covered From Eczema tolerant and worm resistant Romneys to high growth rate & meaty Poll Dorsets & Blackface markers. Quality genetics with proven performance. Ken and Rebecca Haywood 07 877 8586 krhaywood@farmside.co.nz
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