How smart irrigation investments are future-proofing a Western Victorian dairy farm

In the heart of Western Victoria, the Bushell family has been steadily investing in the future of their dairy farm, ensuring it thrives despite climate challenges and industry shifts. Their farm in Nullawarre, located along the scenic Great Ocean Road, is now reaping the rewards of strategic planning and smart irrigation investments.

Tackling climate challenges head-on

For more than 20 years, Shane and Raina Bushell have worked to improve their 120-hectare farm, first as share farmers with Raina’s parents before eventually purchasing the property. Alongside their son Sam and long-term team members Justin Chalmers and Kara, they have focused on building resilience against unpredictable weather and rising feed costs.

A desire to future-proof the farm pushed the Bushells to explore solutions that would reduce their reliance on external feed. With the cost of bought-in feed continuing to rise, ensuring consistent on-farm grass production became a priority.

Investing in the right technology

One of the most impactful decisions Shane Bushell made was investing in three T-L centre-pivot irrigators, installed in partnership with Water Dynamics. Half of their farm is now under irrigation, a move that has helped secure steady pasture growth and ensure their herd receives high-quality, homegrown feed.

“The pivots have been a game-changer,” says Shane. “They allow us to control our water supply and guarantee grass growth even when rainfall is scarce.”

The latest addition to their irrigation system, installed in 2024, is a four-span, 224-meter T-L hydraulic centre-pivot irrigator equipped with AgSense Field Commander® technology. This advanced system allows Shane, Sam, and Justin to remotely monitor and control their irrigation from their mobile phones, saving time and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Why T-L centre pivots?

The Bushells opted for T-L’s hydraulic drive system over traditional electric pivots due to several key advantages:

• Continuous movement: Unlike electric-driven pivots, which stop and start, hydraulic-driven pivots move smoothly, reducing gearbox wear and ensuring even water distribution.
• Reduced maintenance: The system eliminates the need for an electric drive gearbox, making servicing easier and reducing downtime.
• Improved safety and efficiency: Hydraulic operation removes the electrical hazards associated with traditional pivots, while also cutting down on energy costs.

We used to have an old electric drive pivot that was constantly breaking down,” explains Shane. “Once we installed our first T-L system in 2019, we saw immediate improvements in reliability and efficiency.

Encouraged by the results, the Bushells added a second system in 2020 and their most recent one in 2024. This latest addition ensures they are well-prepared for future dry seasons and have a consistent supply of quality feed for their herd.

The results: more grass, less stress

Since implementing their T-L pivot irrigation systems, the Bushells have seen dramatic improvements in pasture growth and overall farm efficiency. Their ability to grow their own high-quality feed has helped them reduce reliance on external suppliers and improve profitability.

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, their milk quality was recognised with a Dairy Australia Gold Medal, further validating their investment in sustainability and efficiency.

Lessons for other farmers

For dairy farmers facing similar challenges, the Bushells’ experience serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of strategic investment. Reliable irrigation not only secures grass growth but also enhances overall farm resilience.

“If you’re serious about future-proofing your farm, investing in the right irrigation system is one of the smartest moves you can make,” says Shane.

With their farm now well-equipped to handle unpredictable weather patterns, the Bushell family is looking ahead with confidence. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from their forward-thinking approach.

For other farmers considering an upgrade, the Bushells’ story is proof that investing in the right technology today can pay off for years to come.

For expert advice on irrigation, contact your local Water Dynamics branch
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