Keeping Irrigation Knowledge on the Farm
Farm Manager Mark Downie explains how Optifarm moved from inconsistent irrigation scheduling to reliable, accessible records with SWAN Systems — and what SWAN Sync means for the team.
From Smart Scheduling to Real Returns: What the Research Actually Shows
Decades of peer-reviewed research point consistently in the same direction. Better irrigation scheduling delivers water savings of around 20%, yield improvements of 5–10% or more, and financial returns that comfortably outweigh the cost of the tools. Here's the evidence.
The Data Is Already on Your Farm. Are You Using It?
Most irrigated farms are already data-rich. Weather stations, soil sensors, forecasts — it's all there. The problem is that most of it never informs irrigation decisions. Here's why that gap matters and how to close it.
The Hidden Cost of Guessing: Why Irrigation Timing Matters More Than Volume
Irrigation timing matters as much as volume. Fixed, set-and-forget schedules don't respond to weather, crop stage or soil conditions — and that gap is quietly costing you yield and water.
Are You Leaving 20% of Your Water — and Your Profit — on the Table?
Most irrigated crops receive at least 20% more water than they need. That excess costs money and can actually reduce your yield. Here's what the research shows — and what farmers are doing differently.
Irrigation at Scale: Australian Vintage at Nepenthe
Jurie Germishuys from Australian Vintage explains how SWAN Systems supports irrigation management across 1,600 hectares of vineyards, improving precision, continuity and confidence in decision-making.
Irrigation management is more than just turning the taps on
This is the first article in a short series on first principles of irrigation management - the fundamentals that underpin good decisions, regardless of crop, region, or system.
Smarter irrigation for greener communities
Greg Ingleton reflects on his long-running work with SWAN Systems across South Australia and New South Wales, showing how structured irrigation scheduling can reduce water use while maintaining high-quality public open space.
How Tachi Farms Uses SWAN Systems to Improve Irrigation Decisions
Kevin Ruble, General Manager at Tachi Farms, shares how bringing all irrigation data into one place helps his team work more efficiently across 821 acres of grapes, pistachios, and pomegranates. This testimonial highlights how SWAN supports better planning and clearer decision-making.
Smarter Irrigation for Cherries: Managing Water for Fruit Size, Quality, and Profitability
From winter dormancy to summer growth, cherries depend on stable soil moisture at critical stages. This article explores how steady irrigation and good water-management practices help reduce cracking, improve uniformity and lift fruit quality.