New irrigation works can present a significant upfront cost for farm managers, however case studies in the NSW Murray Valley have found that investment in irrigation infrastructure has resulted in positive returns due to labour and water savings, as well as improved crop gross margin returns.
Potential financial and payback periods from investment in on-farm irrigation infrastructure and layouts are illustrated by the two case studies detailed in this Primefact.
The ‘Murray 1’ case study involved a partial change to a terraced bankless layout.
The ‘Murray 2’ case study involved a full conversion from a side-ditch delivery contour layout to a terraced, bankless channel system with beds under rice.
Topics in this Primefact include: