Irrigation Expo and Telemetry Launch

In late November UMAG hosted the Upper Murray Irrigation Expo which also served as the venue for the official launch of the My Farm website.

The day was held in the Corryong Memorial Hall and included a visit to Peter Nankervis's property in the afternoon to view alternative irrigation systems such as centre pivots, sub surface drip and flood.

The morning session commenced with a presentation from Sandy Salmon regarding the My Farm website and a description of the telemetry network and various monitoring services it provides. The website can be accessed via the UMAG website and includes climate data from weather stations in Towong, Mitta and Talgarno and a range of other monitoring and alarm services.

Sandy Salmon at the Irrigation Expo.

This project has attracted a lot of media attention and even interest from the Victorian Minister of Agriculture, Mr Joe Helper, who visited in November.

Other speakers on the day included Sue Hinton who discussed centre pivot efficiencies, Dennis Watson of DPI who addresses recent research findings in irrigation and representatives from Water Dynamics who provided some practical input into centre pivot set up and management. Several exhibitors displayed equipment and services available to Upper Murray irrigators for improving irrigation efficiency.

Message from the Chairman

Last year was another busy but highly successful year for UMAG with several projects drawing to a close and new ones getting under way.

As the SAS project winds down it's a good time to reflect on the many services and opportunities it has provided over the last three years. This is probably best reflected in the terrific field days and tours we have had during the year and agronomic services which continue to flow to members, especially in crop nutrition, irrigation and soil moisture monitoring.

It is also worth noting that SAS has also given birth to a range of other exciting initiatives including the Telemetry project, the Grazing the Hills project which has just commenced and new momentum for a seed potato industry which has seen the recent planting of new trial plots.

UMAG has certainly advanced during 2008 in the scope and quality of work we do and well done to all members and staff.

Bruce Saxton

Seed Potato Planting

The UMAG group with seed potatoes at Colac Colac.

The seed potato project has progressed to the next level with the planting of two trial plots at Tintaldra and Colac Colac. Each site is of approximately one hectare and included three varieties which have been selected largely according to market demand. The plots were planted in late November.

Seed potatoes are grown as part of a certified program to supply planting stock to the fresh potato industry and substantial markets exist around Australia and overseas.

This project has gained some significant momentum during the last year after visits to major seed potato regions and discussions with some of the main industry players. While the project has no external funding at present UMAG is looking at opportunities to drive the industry forward.

UMAG Pastures Group

The UMAG Pastures Group project Grazing the Hills is now well under way with the appointment of new staff and an assessment of prospective demonstration sites.

Tim Paramore will continue his work with the group as project agronomist. Glen Galbraith has been appointed as project co-ordinator and will be responsible for all on ground works at the demonstration sites and the running of field days and farm walks. Bernadette Thomas has been appointed project manager and will be responsible for project planning, budgeting, media and reporting.

The project aims to continue the great work of the group and expand the practices into new regions across the Upper Murray looking specifically at the establishment and management of persistent, perennial pastures.

Adrian Smith, NSW DPI

Irrigators on the NSW side of the Murray River can make use of specialist irrigation advice available through NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Mr Adrian Smith is an Irrigation Officer with NSW DPI based in Deniliquin.

"While obviously not located right in the heart of the upper Murray, I am keen to spend more time in this beautiful part of the catchment."

Adrian has over 20 years behind him working in the irrigation industry. He also operates a cropping and beef irrigation business at Deniliquin, so can offer practical experience and advice to upper Murray irrigators.

"There are obviously a range of irrigation systems around — from surface systems, centre pivots to sub-surface drip. All have merits and downsides — and all have a place. My key message is to match your irrigation system to your soils to your production system" he said.

Adrian is able to offer upper Murray irrigators a range of services including on-farm inspections, system performance evaluations and tips to improve what you are already operating and can also run field days and workshops with local irrigators.

He can also offer advice on applications for NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Special Conservation Scheme loans. These are low-interest loans aimed at encouraging improved land and water management practices. Loans can be provided for up to 90% of the cost of works, for up to 10 years, with a maximum amount of $150,000.

The loans are available for a wide range of purposes including farm surveying and planning, irrigation equipment such as centre pivots, irrigation scheduling tools and the like, as well as a range of other options to improve your farm business' sustainability.