Three Common Irrigation Mistakes in Fodder Production

Efficient irrigation is a game-changer for feedlots and commercial dairy farms, especially when growing fodder in semi-arid areas. However, many farms make mistakes when installing these systems that lead to costly consequences—higher energy bills, inadequate water supply, or frequent equipment replacements.
We’ve observed three common missteps and how to avoid them with the right expert guidance.

Mistake 1: Mismatching Infrastructure with Available Water Supply

Recently, one of our clients, farming in a semi-arid area, invested in drilling a high-yield borehole with an impressive recharge rate of over 20 m³ per hour. When choosing a pump, he sought advice from a local dealer who sold him a petrol-powered pump with a much lower horsepower than needed to utilize the borehole’s capacity fully. As a result, his farm’s water supply couldn’t meet the demands of his irrigation needs.

This mismatch not only caused limitations in water flow but also wasted the potential of the borehole. This scenario is common among farms that rely on dealer recommendations rather than expert advice. Unlike experts, dealers often prioritize selling what’s readily available, potentially leaving you with an ill-suited setup. Consulting with irrigation professionals ensures that your equipment matches your infrastructure’s potential.

Mistake 2: Selecting Incompatible Irrigation Equipment

Having access to abundant water from the borehole, another client was advised by a dealer to install a high-end irrigation system requiring considerable water pressure to operate. This equipment came with high initial costs, and it demanded significant power to maintain the required pressure, which ultimately increased the farm’s operational expenses.

This is a common problem we see with commercial farms. High-pressure equipment often means higher pumping costs, making the system more expensive to operate than necessary. Before settling on an irrigation system, consider other options that are compatible with your water supply without inflating energy expenses.

Mistake 3: Misplacement of Water Reservoirs

One key decision when pumping water from a river or borehole is determining where to place your water reservoir. Should it be on the highest or lowest point of your land? We recently worked with a farmer who built his reservoir at the lowest point on the property, thinking it would efficiently capture runoff.

However, this location required heavy pumping to supply water at sufficient pressure to the rest of the farm, significantly increasing operational costs. Every farm has unique topography and requirements, so an ideal reservoir placement needs careful analysis. Working with an expert ensures that the reservoir is optimally positioned to reduce costs and maximize efficiency.

Choosing the Right Approach

Mistakes like these can be costly, but they’re entirely avoidable. With expert planning and customization, you can install an irrigation system that maximizes your water supply, minimizes costs, and supports sustainable fodder production. Our team specializes in customized irrigation solutions tailored to the specific needs of feedlots and commercial dairy farms, ensuring you make the most of your investment from the start.

End-to-End Irrigation Services

Our expertise doesn’t stop at planning. We offer an end-to-end irrigation system solution—from initial site scoping and customized designs to construction, system installation, and final fodder establishment tailored to meet each farm’s unique needs. With our expert guidance, you can ensure an efficient and sustainable irrigation system that supports high-quality fodder production so that your farm is set up for long-term success from the ground up.

Conclusion

Installing a well-suited irrigation system requires careful planning and the right resources. By avoiding these common mistakes, feedlots and commercial dairy farms can enjoy efficient water management, significantly reducing operational costs and increasing productivity.

Reach out to our team to discuss custom irrigation solutions for your farm.

Josephine Nguta Mugambi
Senior Consultant, SPARD Africa Consulting Ltd.