Farmacist’s Nine-Year Journey to Irrigation Automation

Key Points

• Nine-Year Journey: Since 2015, Farmacist has been dedicated to developing an affordable and reliable irrigation automation solution for sugarcane farmers in the Burdekin region.

• Observant Partnership: A collaboration with Observant helped create a tailored automation system specifically designed for the unique needs of sugarcane farming.

• Benefits for Farmers:

  • Water Savings: Optimised water flow reduces waste and helps conserve resources.

  • Time Efficiency: Remote management saves time and offers more flexibility (yes, even a bit more time for fishing!).

  • Cost Management: By aligning with off-peak electricity tariffs, farmers can manage irrigation costs more effectively.

• Limited-Time Offer: In November, Farmacist is offering a special deal on Installation Kits for 8 irrigation sets and 1 pump starting at $1625.00 + GST per set. **Conditions apply**

• Upcoming Grants: Significant grant opportunities are on the horizon, making it an ideal time for farmers to consider their automation options.

Introduction

In 2015, Farmacist set out with a vision: to find a solution that would make irrigation easier, more efficient, and affordable for sugarcane farmers in the Burdekin region. What began as an idea quickly became a journey of trial and resilience. Over the years, we’ve faced unexpected challenges, refined our approach, and partnered with innovative minds—all with the goal of creating a system that genuinely serves our community. After nearly a decade (but who’s counting?), we’re proud to share how far we’ve come and the impact our irrigation automation system is having on farms across the district.

The Early Trials and Challenges

Our journey began with multiple trial sites as part of Project Catalyst, Project Gamechanger and the Burdekin Sugar Innovation Project, where we explored low-cost automation options. These early trials showed promise and even produced a working system. The initial solution relied on radio frequency technology, which had its limitations and costly base stations. This made the system unfeasible for commercial use on delta farms with higher intensity of moving parts, so we had to go back to the drawing board.

Figure 1: Irrigation actuator developed as part of project catalyst innovation projects in 2015

With so many components needed for furrow irrigation, keeping each part affordable was crucial. Other automation solutions were around, but with high up-front costs, they just weren’t practical for many Burdekin growers. We were determined to create something that didn’t just work reliably but was also realistic and affordable for our community.

 Partnering with Observant: A Turning Point

After years of trial and error, we found our breakthrough when we partnered with Observant. Together, we developed an irrigation automation system tailored specifically for sugarcane. Observant brought their tech expertise, while we contributed local knowledge from years in the field.

The result?

A solution that not only ticks the technical boxes but also works with the unique landscape and conditions of the Burdekin.

Making a Difference for Burdekin’s Farmers

This tailored automation system has already had a meaningful impact for local farmers. Here’s how it’s making a difference:

• Field-Tested Performance: With extensive use across the Burdekin district, Farmacist’s irrigation automation system has proven itself to be reliable and adaptable. Real-world applications have helped us continually refine the system for the best performance in local conditions.

·    Water Savings: By controlling and optimising water flow, farmers can make every drop count, using resources more efficiently and sustainably. Automated irrigation helps avoid over-watering, ensuring that water reaches exactly where it’s needed, which supports healthier crops and reduces waste. This approach not only benefits the environment but also helps keep water costs down.

·         Time Efficiency: The system’s automation allows for remote management, saving farmers significant time that would otherwise go to manual irrigation checks. Instead of spending hours in the field adjusting valves and monitoring sets, farmers can now make changes with a few clicks from wherever they are. This leaves more time for the things that matter—whether it’s tackling other farm tasks or, hopefully, squeezing in a bit more fishing!

·         Set Management and Tariff Optimisation: With better control over irrigation schedules, farmers can align with tariff structures to manage both costs and irrigation sets more effectively. As electricity prices continue to rise, irrigation is only set to get more expensive. By automating and fine-tuning their irrigation schedules, farmers can take advantage of off-peak electricity windows, saving money by irrigating during the cheapest times of day. This alignment helps keep operating costs manageable and maximises the value of each irrigation cycle.

Looking ahead, there are significant grant opportunities on the horizon. For farmers interested in exploring automation, now is a great time to get involved. In November, we’re offering a special on Basic Installation Kits catering for 8 irrigation sets and 1 pump station starting at $1625.00 + GST per set **Conditions apply**, making it easier than ever to start automating at a manageable cost. Farmacist also has a dedicated team of agronomists ready to provide guidance, along with a qualified electrician to ensure smooth installation. Importantly, this system can be implemented step by step, so you can take it one pump at a time and manage costs in a gradual, sustainable way.

It’s been a nine-year journey (but who’s counting?), and we’re thrilled to finally bring this irrigation solution to life for sugarcane farmers. With our system ready and grant opportunities on the horizon, we’re looking forward to seeing this automation rolling out across the Burdekin. Here’s to saving water, time, and making irrigation simpler—one pump at a time!