Greg and Sarah Gibson’s plans to expand and intensify their Hagley and Bishopsbourne farming operations were on hold due to one factor – insufficient water.

So, when Tasmanian Irrigation announced an 11,000-megalitre augmentation of the Greater Meander Irrigation Scheme, they didn’t hesitate.

They purchased an additional 300 megalitres and diversified their cropping program, replaced an existing pivot and invested in two new pivots, added another 100 hectares to their irrigable area and are now looking to employ additional staff.

“Tasmanian Irrigation water is a game changer,” Greg said.

“We are so fortunate that Tasmanian Irrigation decided to increase the capacity of the Greater Meander Scheme, enabling us to intensify our trade lamb and vegetable production enterprises by increasing yields and quality.

“The flow on effect of this water is huge. Farmers in this area are putting on more staff, and buying more fertiliser, chemical, seed, tractors, pivots and other machinery, which is great for the Tasmanian economy.”

Greg, Sarah and their children Nina and George currently farm 725 hectares across “Mill Farm” at Hagley and “Willow Vale” at Bishopsbourne, utilising 650 megalitres from the Greater Meander Irrigation Scheme (including the recently purchased additional 300 megalitres) and 200 megalitres from the Whitemore Irrigation Scheme, as well as farm dams and the Cressy Longford Irrigation Scheme.

In 2025 they will finish 8,500 trade lambs, grow poppies, ryegrass seed, potatoes, beans and peas, and lease out ground for onions and broccolini.

“We wouldn’t have had the confidence to enter into larger contract agreements without the extra water from the augmentation, as in dry years we may not have had sufficient irrigation to finish the crops,” Greg said.

“I always tell people to buy as much irrigation water as you can afford because it minimises risk and provides a stable income by effectively drought proofing your farm.

“By helping to avoid the massive peaks and troughs of farming, we better position agriculture to be more attractive to the next generation.

“We are so thankful to Tasmanian Irrigation and the State and Federal Governments for being so forward thinking and investing into irrigation schemes in our State.”