Farm tour highlights innovation, collaboration

In separate morning and afternoon sessions, participants got the chance to gather a range of insights into some of the farming practices and strategies their fellow irrigators are implementing.

The morning activity involved a highly engaged Q&A session with Tocumwal’s Nathan Pate about his award-winning irrigated corn production and advanced mixed farming operation.

He and his farm manager fielded dozens of great questions about the operation's focus, approach and commitment to improved farming practices, before taking the guests on an inspection of their soon to be harvested corn crop.

The topic shifted in the afternoon from corn production to hemp cultivation, with a visit to the Macdonald family’s Blighty property.

The visitors received a close up look at the current hemp crop and got to hear useful information on growing practices and the many benefits of this emerging commodity, including its ability to improve soil health and capture carbon.

Consultants to the family farming operation were also on hand to discuss and answer questions on this developing industry and potential market opportunities.

Murray Irrigation CEO Ron McCalman said it was extremely pleasing to see the positive level of collaboration and engagement demonstrated by participants throughout the tour, which is in keeping with the initial goals and essence of the day.

"The team really enjoyed seeing the group sharing their ideas, thoughts and their experiences on the different topics that were discussed over the course of the tour," he said.

"Our footprint produces such a diversity of food and fibre, and insights gained through days like these provide value not only for our customers, but for Murray Irrigation as a whole.

"We really enjoyed hosting this event and have received some very useful feedback on preferences for future topics and how we might continue creating more such meaningful engagement opportunities for customers moving forward."