Irrigation profitability case studies in southern NSW - Murrumbidgee

Summary

Undertaking irrigation works can present a significant upfront cost. The potential financial and payback periods from investment in irrigation infrastructure in the Murrumbidgee Valley are illustrated in the two case studies detailed in this Prime Fact.

Both studies showed positive returns resulting from increased production of higher value crops with improved water use efficiency.

Growers provided information on the costs of their irrigation development, the changes to their cropping system and yields ‘before’ and ‘after’ the investment.

Crop gross margin budgets were calculated from this information as well as the rate of return on capital investment and projected cashflow.

Topics in this Primefact include:

  • key changes in irrigation efficiency achieved through earthworks (landforming and channels) and the installation of automated water control gates
  • key changes in irrigation efficiency improvements achieved through changing from a contour layout to a terraced bankless layout
  • potential cost savings
  • calculations of financial returns and irrigation profitability



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Primefact 1682 First Edition

Published: Feb 2020