Installing pop-up sprinklers instead of fixed grid irrigation would have been seen as strange by many eight years ago. Today, Bryce Burnett, a deer farmer in Oamaru, swears by it as one of the best decisions he ever made for his farm.
In early 2025, Parkland Irrigation visited Bryce to assess how his irrigation system had been performing. Before installing his current pop-up pasture irrigation (PUPI) setup, he had been considering installing centre pivots, fixed grid and K-line systems to irrigate his paddocks.
In addition to raising deer, Bryce also farms cattle and grows fodder beet on a mix of flat and hilly terrain. The possibility of using center pivots was limited due to the landscape, and the deep ruts created by pivots posed a safety risk to both his cattle and deer. This left him with two options: choosing fixed grid irrigation and K-lines or installing pop-up irrigation. The decision was a challenging one, but several key criteria led him toward PUPI:
One of the biggest advantages of pop-up irrigation is its ability to deliver consistent and uniform coverage across paddocks. Bryce’s farm was fitted with Toro Infinity and Flex800 sprinklers, which are typically designed for golf courses. Unlike traditional fixed-grid irrigation, which relies on impact or rotor sprinklers mounted on stakes, these pop-up sprinklers emerge from the ground, ensuring more effective water distribution.
In terms of uniformity, the Toro Infinity sprinklers are engineered so that water is distributed evenly from the center of the sprinkler out to its maximum radius. This means every inch of grass receives the same amount of water, eliminating the inconsistencies often seen with other sprinkler types. Conventional sprinklers often fail to achieve this level of precision, as they aren’t designed for fine applications like the Toro system.
When it comes to coverage, pop-up sprinklers outperform fixed systems in several ways. With fixed sprinklers mounted on stakes, it’s difficult to ensure water reaches the base of the post. Additionally, wind can easily carry water away due to the elevated position of the sprinkler, leading to dry patches in the paddock. However, with pop-up sprinklers, water is released closer to the ground, making it much harder for wind to disrupt distribution. This eliminates the risk of uneven watering and ensures optimal growth conditions for pasture.
Another key factor in coverage is the impact of terrain. Traditional fixed grid irrigation and K-lines struggle to provide uniform water distribution on hilly landscapes because gravity affects how water disperses. In contrast, pop-up sprinklers ensure that water is consistently applied regardless of elevation changes. Bryce noticed a significant improvement in pasture quality, particularly in areas where his previous systems had failed to deliver adequate moisture.
While the initial investment in a pop-up irrigation system is higher than upgrading fixed grid or K-lines, the long-term efficiency makes it a cost-effective solution. One of the biggest drawbacks of fixed grid irrigation is the ongoing maintenance. Regular checks and manual adjustments are required to ensure that all sprinklers are functioning correctly, and there's always a risk of discovering failures too late once the grass has already suffered.
The opportunity cost of not having a real-time monitoring system means that any irrigation inefficiencies go unnoticed until they impact pasture health. Setting up a separate monitoring system is an additional cost that is nearly equivalent to the cost of a pop-up sprinkler system itself.
Beyond maintenance, there are added complexities with fixed grid irrigation, particularly when navigating cattle, deer, or farm machinery around irrigation infrastructure. Posts and stakes must be carefully worked around, increasing the overhead time and labor costs associated with farm operations. K-lines, while more affordable initially, are incredibly labor-intensive. Farmers must continuously move them across paddocks, requiring either personal effort or the hiring of additional farmhands. Many rely on quad bikes or other machinery just to haul K-lines around, further increasing operating costs over time.
Additionally, there are hidden costs with fixed grid and K-line irrigation. Manual labor is unpredictable and inconsistent, with human error leading to misplaced sprinklers or inefficient rotations. The time spent repositioning K-lines multiple times a day could be better allocated to higher-value farming activities. Bryce found that by switching to pop-up irrigation, he eliminated wasted time and effort, making his entire farm operation more productive.
By comparison, pop-up irrigation eliminates all these overhead costs. Once installed, there are no ongoing labor requirements beyond ensuring a water source is available. There’s no need to constantly adjust or reposition sprinklers, no obstructions for livestock or machinery, and no hidden costs associated with additional labor or monitoring setups. The system is set-and-forget, providing consistent and reliable irrigation without the unexpected costs that traditional methods accrue over time.
Pop-up irrigation offers superior reliability compared to both fixed grid and K-line systems. Since the entire system is installed underground, external factors like wind, livestock, and farm machinery do not interfere with its operation. Once connected, the system functions seamlessly, requiring no manual intervention beyond routine monitoring through the irrigation controller. Depending on the setup, farmers can check and adjust their irrigation remotely from their homes or on-site via a manual controller.
One of the biggest advantages of the Toro Infinity and Flex sprinkler system is the unparalleled level of control it offers. Users can fine-tune the arc, radius, timing, and programming down to the second, ensuring precise irrigation tailored to their paddock’s needs. Additionally, various nozzles can be selected to optimize water distribution depending on the type of pasture being irrigated.
Another major advantage of pop-up irrigation is its convenience and minimal visual impact. Unlike K-lines, which require constant repositioning and can become obstructions in the paddock, pop-up sprinklers remain hidden when not in use. This means no hoses, pipes, or stakes to interfere with livestock movement or farm operations.
For Bryce, this was a game-changer. His paddocks now look cleaner, and he never has to worry about machinery getting tangled or livestock knocking over sprinkler posts. The automated nature of the system also meant that he never needs to spend hours adjusting irrigation manually.
Moreover, pop up irrigation takes away all of the visual impact of regular irrigation infrastructure, making it an ideal choice for farmers who prioritise efficiency without compromising the landscape. With no visible clutter, the farm retains its natural look while benefiting from an advanced, fully integrated irrigation system.
Bryce Burnett’s decision to install pop-up irrigation has completely transformed his farm’s efficiency, reliability, and productivity. He enjoys precise control, cost savings, and the ability to future-proof his land for any potential developments.
At Parkland, we are committed to helping farmers like Bryce achieve the best irrigation results with advanced and reliable solutions. If you're considering an upgrade or want to learn more about how pop-up irrigation can benefit your farm, reach out to us today.
Call us at 09 415 0300 or email us at info@parkland.co.nz to get started!
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