Economic analysis of changing from border-dyke irrigation to spray irrigation

Abstract

In recent years the van Polanen farm has intensified the grass based dairy operation which is the core activity of their farming business and it became necessary to use the limited water resource more efficiently. New technologies and practices in spray irrigation prompted an investigation into the economics of changing from border-dyke irrigation to spray irrigation. Farm Shape and watering efficiency determined the systems that were chosen. Other farmers interested in changing irrigation systems have queried the profitability of spray irrigation and this has prompted an economic analysis of the irrigation changes for the van Polanen dairy farm. Having changed from border dyke irrigation to spray irrigation has resulted in a 15% increase in milk solids, a reduction in the amount of supplements required and a substantial increase in profitability.