Irrigation

North Canterbury dairy farmer Stuart Neill, winner of the 2025 Canterbury Supreme Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, reflects on the long-term changes that have shaped his business. Farming 200 hectares near Culverden, he has built a resilient, pasture-focused system anchored in simplicity, environmental stewardship, and strong people management.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stuart about the journey behind the award, the evolution of irrigation on the farm, and the environmental gains from redesigning old tile drains and restoring waterways. They also discuss flexible milking, building a system that works for both cows and staff, and his message to other farmers: meaningful change happens when you’re willing to step back, rethink, and keep improving.

An investment in new irrigation infrastructure will hopefully save Hamish Hammond thousands of dollars.

Irrigation season has started and it’s time for a refresher. Checking the system is working as it was designed to and managing water application by monitoring soil moisture will be well worth it.
Words Anne lee.

Making every drop of water count is important when the resource is limited. Technology is helping one couple do just that. Words Anne Lee, Photos Holly Lee.

Fertigation - applying fertiliser through irrigation - has allowed Pamu Farms to make significant cuts to nitrogen use on a Canterbury farm. Anne Lee reports.