Irrigation workshop

Caption: Field demonstration at the 2021 Irrigation Masterclass,  (March 2021)

Darwin and Katherine growers turned out to learn about best practice for irrigating at the recent irrigation masterclasses held in Darwin and Katherine in March 2021.

The masterclasses were a collaboration between the Northern Territory Government, NT Farmers Association (NTFA), Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) and Irrigation Australia as part of a Hort Innovation mango best practice project.

Paul Wilmott from Irrigation Australia ran the sessions, covering topics such as monitoring soil moisture levels, crop water use and testing the efficacy of your system in the field. Following the poor 2019 to 2020 wet season, water use efficiency became more topical for Territory growers. Sarah Hain (AMIA), Di Renfree (NTFA) and Rowena Eastick (Territory Natural Resource Management) provided a snapshot of the various water use efficiency projects currently underway to engage growers in understanding how to be more efficient with their water.

Many of the growers admitted attending for the mini trade show that was hosted as part of the masterclass. More than 20 companies displayed the latest in water monitoring and irrigation equipment.

According to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Plant Industries Director Matt Hall, “Around 70 people registered for the workshops and there was some really positive feedback from growers on the day. The stallholders are keen to be involved in a similar event in Queensland, so we are really happy with the outcome”.