More than 500 people attended the inaugural Gippsland Irrigation Expo last week, taking the opportunity to catch up with fellow farmers, exhibitors and the latest in irrigation technology.
GippsDairy executive officer Laurie Jeremiah said the March 18 event at Sale Showgrounds event had met – and even exceeded – expectations.
“Putting on a new event always has an element of the unknown, but this has clearly tapped into Macalister Irrigation District farmers’ desire to run more efficient and cost effective irrigation systems,” Mr Jeremiah said.
“It’s been a real group effort with local farmers coming up with the idea and a coalition of supporters getting behind the concept to turn it into the great event we have here today.”
“To see so many farmers eager to embrace new irrigation technology that uses water and energy more effectively is great news for both the dairy industry and the environment.”
The Expo was supported by Dairy Australia, GippsDairy, Wellington Shire, the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) and Southern Rural Water.
Lunch was provided by the Rotary Club of Maffra with a generous $2000 donation from Rural Finance, while the Lions Club was ready with first aid.
Macalister Consultative Committee chairman, GippsDairy board member and Stratford dairy farmer Iain Stewart, who was one of the driving forces behind the event, said a similar event for Goulburn Murray irrigators had inspired the Gippsland Expo.
“The response has been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
“We are already talking about whether we run another one in two or three years’ time, but you can be certain there will be another one.”
As farmers mingled with exhibitors, discussing the benefits of solar powered risers, underground tanks or modern pumping systems, DEDJTR irrigation extension officer Gavan Lamb noted the buzz of noise in the Expo building.
“There’s a lot of people here talking to each other ... which is great for the exchange of knowledge and information,” he said.
“It’s proved a good opportunity for farmers to catch up with suppliers and talk about the latest in technology.”
For the stall holders, having so many irrigators in one place was a great chance to show products and services that can help farmers improve their bottom line.
“I think the concept of this Expo is great … it’s very well targeted,” Jen McDavitt from Gippsland Precast in Maffra said.
