The farm faced high electricity costs, with the irrigation system consuming 21,484.3 kWh in the 2022/23 financial
year on SAC Small Business Tariff 20. During dry seasons, electricity consumption frequently exceeded the 100
MWh threshold, resulting in the farm being transitioned to the more expensive SAC Large Business Tariff 50.
Additionally, the 45kW Southern Cross pump experienced inefficiencies, with energy usage recorded at 4.00
kWh/ML/m head and water losses of 46% due to pipeline leaks. These inefficiencies limited the farm’s ability to
control energy costs and maximise productivity