With some of southern Queensland recently drought declared, producers are looking for practical ways to make the most of every megalitre of water available. 

A number of farm energy audits completed across the region show that relatively simple improvements to pumping and irrigation systems can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation systems while reducing their irrigation costs. Simple improvements can mitigate the risks of experiencing low rainfall for an extended season and potential drought conditions.

Dalby Cotton Farm

The audit found its centre pivots operating at higher pressure than required. This causes water to atomise and drift before reaching the crop, reducing irrigation uniformity and potentially increasing water consumption. 

The audit recommended reducing irrigation pressure, improving pump performance and installing a correctly sized solar system. Together, these improvements were estimated to reduce electricity use by 40 per cent and save almost $46,000 each year while improving irrigation performance. 

Read the case study here: https://www.qldagenergyhub.com.au/case-studies/dalby-cotton-farm 

Cecil Plains Cotton Farm

The farm energy audit found a bore pump was delivering up to 30 per cent less water than expected. The audit recommended pulling up the pump to inspect the casing and screens, repair wear, clean the screens and restore it to proper operating condition. While doing so, the farmer later installed a new high-efficiency motor and variable speed drive.  The upgraded system was delivering more water while using less power. 

The new motor with VSD provides flexibility for a range of pumping tasks including supplying a  new lateral irrigator that was identified in a broader Farm Business Resilience Plan installed with funding assistance from a QRIDA's Drought Preparedness Grant. 

Read the Case Study here: Cecil Plains Cotton Farm - Ag Energy Hub

Darling Downs Cotton and Sorghum

A number of pumps were inspected in the energy audit which found that each bore was operating under different conditions, with different duty points and friction losses. 

The farm was operating under drought conditions at the time of the audit, so pumping volumes were reduce

Pump One for example, has 4 duty points, each with different friction losses.  The recommended replacement pump would be able to complete the irrigation with 35% less running hours and 50% less energy.

After replacing pump one, the farm reduced energy use by around 10 per cent while improving energy productivity in kWh per Ha by 10%. 

Read the Case Study Here: https://www.qldagenergyhub.com.au/case-studies/cotton-and-sorghum-farm 

Darling Downs Grazing Property 

The audit identified opportunities to improve bore pumping efficiency, reduce diesel use and install a small solar system at the homestead. 

The property uses regenerative farming practices and at the time of the audit was operating at reduced capacity due to drought.

The audit recommended a new bore pump, smaller than the existing pump and with no VSD required due to the relatively constant duties. Replacing the diesel stock pump with a Solar pumping system would save over $8,300 in diesel costs and achieve a payback of 4 years based on cost of diesel alone.

Read the Case Study Here: Darling Downs Beef Cattle - Ag Energy Hub

The solar system reduced electricity costs by more than 60 per cent, while future improvements to remote water pumping are expected to improve the reliability of stock water supplies and reduce operating costs.

While each farm is different, the audits identified similar opportunities. 

By understanding how the pumps and irrigation systems were performing,  improvements could be prioritised where they would deliver the greatest benefit. In many cases, maintenance, refurbishment or better matching equipment to operating conditions came before major capital investment.

These examples show that preparing for drought isn't always about large infrastructure projects. Sometimes it starts with understanding how existing water systems are performing and making practical improvements to ensure the right amount of water is being supplied at the right time, with the most efficient irrigation system.

Next Three Steps:

1. Read more about irrigation energy savings here: https://www.qldagenergyhub.com.au/news/energy-efficient-irrigation-savings 
2. Find out how the Farm Business Resilience Program helps you review all areas of your business, assess risks, and develop drought strategies through a tailored Farm Business Resilience Plan here:  Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) | Farm Business Resilience Program

3. Call QFF’s Energy Information Service for Landholders (EISL) if you have any questions about on-farm energy.  The service is available Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 5pm and can assist by providing information and guidance on a range of energy matters. 

   Call 07 3329 7500 to access the service today.