“One of the things this year’s drought has reinforced is that irrigation efficiency is a priority.
"Irrigators that ran out of seasonal allocation before early March need to know what can help them more effectively use their water particularly during shoulder seasons.
“It’s not only about optimising irrigation when it’s hot or near the end of the season. Irrigators need to start the season well and maintain performance.
"Last year’s spring was dry but also cold. Analysis of IRRICALC seasonal volumes for an 80% efficient irrigator shows most irrigating farmers would have been hitting their limit in early March.
"So you need to be familiar with all the measures that can make your system as efficient as possible,” Curtis said.
