Talking Water - Tuesday 24 February 2026

Business News

Murray Irrigation Cotton Farm Tour 

We had 27 farmers from all corners of the Murray Irrigation footprint join us at 'Sandford's Farm', Warragoon, last Tuesday for a learning and networking session on all things cotton.
 
This half-day event was the latest in our Irrigation Innovation Farm Tour series, which aims to create a space where growers can come together to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and share their farming experiences. 

The participants got to hear from farmer Greg Sandford, who spoke about his journey into cotton production, while CottonInfo Southern NSW Regional Extension Officer, Kieran O’Keeffe, was also on hand to highlight some of the key factors that new and intending growers should consider when making the transition to cotton.

The group then headed out for a walk through Greg's cotton crop, led by Consulting Agronomist James Kanaley (Kanaley Ag Consultants).

There was plenty of engagement and questions over the course of the visit, with the discussion ranging from field layout, soil health and farm-practices to market information and how farmers interested in cotton production can get involved. 

It was a fantastic sharing journey for all - thanks to everyone who came along.

A huge thanks also to farm host Greg Sandford (Kyagre Farms), and to Kieran and James for lending their industry expertise.   

We hope you enjoy the above footage from the day. 

Sandhills Crossing erosion control trial 

Sandhills Crossing on the Mulwala Canal has been at the centre of an important trial designed to inform decisions on how Murray Irrigation tackles the ongoing challenge of erosion, and the resulting delivery and maintenance issues (including silt and weeds) it can create. 

This curved section of channel, which crosses the Riverina Highway around 20 kilometres east of Deniliquin, is particularly prone to erosion; and represented an ideal location for Murray Irrigation to put various water line erosion protection products to the test. 

Trial sites were established during the company's 2025 Winter Works Program, where major works were being undertaken to rebuild the channel bank, which had eroded seven metres from its original alignment as a result of fast-moving water and wave action. 

Now six months in to this trial, Senior Manager of Water Delivery, Jarryd Pearce, outlines in the above video the findings, and how Murray Irrigation intends using these learnings to help mitigate the impacts of erosion, improve water delivery efficiency and inform the company's ongoing efforts to future proof the network for future generations. 

Round two of LWMP funding now open

Expressions of interest (EOI) for round two project funding of the Land Water Management Plan (LWMP) is now open, and will run through until March 27. 

For the first time, a scholarship will be offered to any student located within the footprint (including towns) studying an agricultural related tertiary course.
 

EOI must be submitted via one of the five landholder associations (LHA): Denimein, Deniboota, Wakool, West Berriquin or Berrigan Irrigators Council (BIC).
 

EOI forms are available on the LWMP website, which you can find by clicking on the button below. 
 

Alternatively, you can email office@lwmp for more information.

Fee-free agricultural training opportunities

RuralBiz Training is offering NSW Government-subsidised (fee-free) training for eligible farmers and rural residents.

These courses are designed for people working in agriculture and cover key qualifications such as Certificate IV in Agriculture, Certificate IV in Agribusiness, Diploma of Agriculture and Diploma of Agribusiness Management. The training is flexible and self-paced so you can fit it around your farm commitments. 

Whether you’re looking to build your skills, improve business knowledge or explore new career pathways in agriculture, click below to find out more.