ZeroIN: IRRIGATION

Irrigation decisions don’t happen in isolation — they’re about cost, risk, energy and long-term business performance.

This ZeroIn session brings together growers, industry and technology providers to unpack what’s really involved in irrigation upgrades — and what it takes to move from interest to confident investment.

The morning workshop will explore:

• How irrigation fits into broader farm business decisions, not just infrastructure
• Energy use and cost management – presented by SRA, including tools like FEATOnline to better understand and predict your energy inputs
• Real on-farm experience, hearing from local cane grower Tony Bugeja on how irrigation has shaped his business and decision-making
• Innovation readiness – presented by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub, with AgValuate — a practical tool to help you assess whether new technologies stack up in your operation
• Partnering with your banker – presented by Rabobank, why including your bank manager as part of your business team can strengthen your decision-making, and how a clear, well-considered approach to investment builds confidence on both side

We’ll also unpack the key factors growers typically consider before investing, before hearing briefly from suppliers – Aglantis and EAS who will showcase their automated irrigation systems in the field.

Following the workshop, we’ll head out to two local sites to see automated pump systems in operation, ask questions, and hear directly from the suppliers and growers involved.

Lunch provided.