| 65 nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Waikato Dairy Effluent Services / Plains Irrigators Ltd H/O Benefits from irrigation tech advances Kim Newth Adoption of advanced irrigation technology is steadily growing on both North Canterbury and Southland farms, according to Plains Irrigators Ltd. Their specialist irrigation team has been active in these key regions and works across the South Island, upgrading existing irrigation systems to Zimmatic Precision VRI (Variable Rate Irrigation). A reliable system that can handle variable rates of water application is essential for irrigation success. This is what Zimmatic Precision VRI delivers, allowing farmers to apply water or chemicals precisely and maximise water use efficiency. “As agents for Lindsay Zimmatic Irrigation, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits this technology offers,” says Dan Stephens, manager of Plains Irrigators. “The use of VRI and FieldNET technology is increasing across Canterbury and South Island farms, as farmers recognise how much these systems can improve their day-to-day operations and resource management. Our clients are seeing real benefits in terms of water efficiency and farm productivity, and we’re excited to continue expanding the use of this technology across more farms.” Variable Rate Irrigation technology can help reduce operational costs, for example, by minimising the need for frequent irrigation events on farm lanes. This reduces wear and tear on tracks and decreases the amount of water needed for irrigation, which in turn lowers overall water costs. The environmental benefits of using Zimmatic Precision VRI technology are significant, protecting Plains Irrigators hold regular one-on-one and group training sessions to help their clients stay up to date with new technology. New Zealand’s freshwater resources and supporting sustainable farming practices. Zimmatic Precision VRI enables farmers to avoid overirrigation in critical areas such as waterways and laneways and to reduce water waste. “By reducing unnecessary water application, VRI also helps minimise soil erosion and runoff, which further supports the environment.” Plains Irrigators hold regular one-on-one and group training sessions to help their clients stay up to date with new technology. Recently, their team was involved with sustainable irrigation workshops hosted in conjunction with the Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. “We had the pleasure of being one of the speakers. These workshops were well-supported and highly informative, offering a wide range of information on soil science and on-farm water application management.” Dan says farmers are becoming increasingly skilled at using advanced tools like soil moisture monitoring and irrigation scheduling. “The knowledge and adoption of these technologies has grown significantly in recent years.” A substantial portion of Plains Irrigators’ clients take up their winter service package, and Dan says this number continues to increase each year. “New and existing clients are recognising the value of having regular servicing before the season starts, as it helps ensure the irrigation systems are running efficiently throughout the season.” Last year was significantly hotter and drier than previous years, leading to longer hours for irrigators. In turn, that increased wear and tear on irrigation systems. Common faults addressed by Plains Irrigators included issues with electrical components like contactors and microswitches, gearboxes, centre drives and tyres. Plains Irrigators’ team keeps a close eye on new technological advances in the irrigation industry and looks forward to helping their clients adopt new solutions as they become available. • Irrigation • Stock Water • Effluent • Drainage • Electrical Cable • Water Reticulation • Engineering • Water Pumps Proudly Supporting Waikato Dairy Effluent Services Ltd JOES WATER LTD Phone Jim Oliver 021 070 2709 it all began.” It was great timing to get into this premises which had recently been expanded with a huge new premises by its former owner, Auto Technics. However it wasn’t great timing for expansion in the dairy industry, with everything pretty quiet at that point. “It was a really big jump to make at the time, but I think things are starting to improve a bit now. The payout is better and the cash rate just keeps dropping.” Waikato Dairy Effluent Services still services all makes and models of effluent pumps, stirrers, and irrigators at the new workshop, as well as working on-farm on effluent and irrigation system installations, service, and repairs. • from page 64 The warehouse is full to bursting with a whole host of parts including hydrants, effluent parts, Doda pumps, and stirrers, complementing the servicing business. Waikato Dairy Effluent Services is the sole supplier and importer of Doda products in New Zealand and Paul has more than 20 years of experience specialising in the brand. Its New Zealand dealer network has direct access to Paul’s knowledge, while his farmer clients have access to his excellent servicing work and experience. Paul still loves the variety his work brings to his day to day life. He has time in the workshop, time in the office, and best of all, time out on farm looking after his customers and servicing the gear he is so passionate about. “We’re here to support our clients every step of the way and are always eager to help farmers achieve the best possible results from their irrigation systems.”
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