WaterSmart Decisions

WHY THIS PROJECT IS IMPORTANT

The Preparing Australia project (2021–2024) established more than 80 weather stations and soil moisture probes across southern NSW and north-east Victoria, in partnership with Birchip Cropping Group, Central West Farming Systems, Farmlink and Holbrook Landcare.

However, uncertainty around network maintenance, data accuracy and limited training in interpreting data have constrained grower confidence and adoption. WaterSmart Decisions will address these gaps by validating the reliability and practical value of existing and emerging water-use-efficiency (WUE) technologies, while building the skills needed to turn data into informed on-farm decisions.

WaterSmart Decisions will build farmer and agronomist confidence in water-use-efficiency technologies, turning reliable data into practical decisions that improve productivity, technology returns and resilience to variable and dry conditions.

Across 40 dryland and two irrigated farming sites in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, the project will assess technologies including soil moisture probes, portable sensors, weather and forecasting networks, irrigation-scheduling tools, calibrated analytics and integrated digital platforms.

Led through collaboration between Riverine Plains, Facey Group, Field Systems, Farmanco and Southern Growers, the project will combine real-farm technology validation with agronomic, environmental and financial assessment. Findings will be translated into practical resources, including training, workshops, case studies, interpretation guides and decision-support tools, helping farmers and advisers understand which technologies are reliable, how to interpret the data and where they can add value.

Focus areas

• Validating technology and data reliability: Assess the accuracy, reliability and practical value of existing and emerging water-use-efficiency technologies across diverse dryland and irrigated farming systems.
• Building farmer and adviser capability: Equip farmers and agronomists with the skills and confidence to interpret and apply data through practical training, workshops, case studies and decision-support resources.
•  Improving on-farm decision-making and returns: Demonstrate how trusted data can inform water management decisions, improve water-use efficiency and farm productivity, strengthen returns on technology investments and support drought resilience.