Irrigators Urged to Check For Lightning Strike Damage

Irrigators Urged to Check For Lightning Strike Damage

IrrigationNZ says farmers should exercise caution when starting irrigation systems – even if storm damage isn’t obvious – as lightening strike has emerged as a secondary cause of problems following last week’s storm.

“Just because your centre pivot didn’t blow over in the wind doesn’t mean your system is ok. We are now hearing reports of irrigation control systems fried by lightning strike, especially along the Canterbury foothills. Farmers need to check their infrastructure carefully before the season begins. Don’t start your irrigator before you’ve undertaken appropriate the safety checks,” says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.

“Irrigation system pre-season checks will be even more important this year as parts and labour will be in short supply due to the storm. Irrigators can not afford for their irrigator to break down due to negligence as it will result in downtime. Basic checks like ensuring the pivot tracks are free from obstructions, tyre pressures are correct and so forth are a no-brainer,” says Mr Curtis.

A pre season irrigation check list is available free of charge on IrrigationNZ’s website www.irrigationnz.co.nz and printed, laminated copies for continual use in your pump shed can be ordered for $10.

A week on from the big wind, IrrigationNZ says insurance companies and the Government deserve credit for fast-tracking crucial repairs.

“The Government has been extremely helpful and potentially this will make it easier to bring in the irrigation specialists we need. Parts are on their way from Dubai, China and America and we now just need the manpower to get our machines up and running. The important thing is to accelerate this so the irrigation season isn’t delayed any longer. IrrigationNZ will monitor the situation and provide information and key contacts that the industry can access,” says Mr Curtis.

The insurance industry has also risen to the challenge with a commitment to fast-track claims and get clients up and running as soon as possible, says Mr Curtis.

“Specialists from FMG Rural Insurance, which has the largest market share of irrigators, joined IrrigationNZ today on a tour of damaged machinery in Mid and South Canterbury. They’ve proposed some solutions to help settle claims efficiently and are moving quickly to assess what needs to be done,” says Mr Curtis.

FMG Rural Insurance has received more than 200 claims already for irrigator damage totalling $6.5million, says FMG Rural Insurance’s Manager Risk Advice Matt Harvey, “and this number is expected to rise as more reports of damage come in”. More than 1200 claims with an estimated cost of $11million have been made to the company for damage to farm buildings, machinery and vehicles following last week’s storm.

An emerging issue is around wind damage to irrigation systems installed on properties but yet to be commissioned (made operative). IrrigationNZ has been made aware of a handful of farmers whose systems suffered significant damage but were uninsured because the system wasn’t up and running.

“There’s only a few irrigators in this situation but it’s an insurance issue that needs to be highlighted for the future,” says Mr Curtis.

IrrigationNZ and FMG Rural Insurance’s advice for irrigators affected by last week’s storm;

- Begin your check with the machine turned off.

- Walk the length of your irrigator or pivot and check for physical damage.

- Check for signs of electrical damage at the pump shed and along the length of the irrigator.

- Walk the length of your irrigator track and check for irrigator parts, trees or other debris in the paddock. Take precautions when driving around.

- If you have experienced damage contact your insurance company & lodge a claim.

- If you have concerns or require an assessment get in touch with your local supplier to let them know.

For further information, please check IrrigationNZ’s advice in relation to this storm at www.irrigationnz.co.nz as well as the standard pre season checklist for irrigators developed by IrrigationNZ in conjunction with FMG Rural Insurance.

ENDS

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