The Strawberry Forest and Fruits of Life
Bacchus Marsh
Sam, Belinda, Sam, Tanya and Josh Dellios
STATE WINNERS: Farm gate to plate category, 2018 Victorian Rural Water Awards
Changing from an infield to vertical growing method for strawberries required more than a new way of thinking for the Dellios family. The changes have increased production, decreased their inputs and waste and caused them to rethink their marketing.
Wellwood Wallace Walnuts and Walnut Oil
Ballarat
Phil and Patty Farnell
STATE RUNNERS-UP: Groundwater category, 2018 Victorian Rural Water Awards
Phil and Patty Farnell bought Wellwood Wallace Walnuts and Walnut Oil, a certified organic orchard with 2880 walnut trees, 100-plus fruit trees and 30 chestnut trees. They are using drones and data to identify when to water their trees, supported by off-the-shelf technology. Along with this, they are replacing old irrigation infrastructure with the overall aim to improve irrigation efficiency and return water to the market.
Ashley and Lisa Mezenburg
Denison
Ash and Lisa Mezenberg
STATE RUNNERS UP: Irrigation category, 2018 Victorian Rural Water Awards
The future of irrigation automation in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) is being enacted on a dairy farm at Denison. Nine Dethridge wheels have been replaced through the rationalisation program; but on this farm, an integrated WISA system means irrigation can be driven from the farm office, on the tractor, in the dairy or at the football.
Schreurs and Sons
Middle Tarwin
Adam and Christopher Schreurs
STATE WINNERS: Surface water category, 2018 Victorian Rural Water Awards
An irrigation system networked to soil moisture probes and utilising sediment drainage channels, reuse dams and a natural wetland are highlights of a multimillion dollar celery-growing business at Middle Tarwin.