Canterbury farmers know the nor’west wind all too well. It can arrive quickly, build fast, and leave damage behind in its path. For irrigators, those sudden gusts can be particularly risky. Towers can twist, spans can buckle, and whole machines can be put out of action in minutes.
While no one can control the weather, you can control how prepared you are. Having a clear, step-by-step plan makes all the difference in protecting your investment and reducing downtime during the busy growing season.
Here’s what we recommend when a wind warning is issued.
Keep watch
The first step is simply awareness. Weather conditions can change fast on the Canterbury Plains, so do not rely on a quick look at the sky.
- Monitor MetService alerts and local forecasts.
- Set up text or app notifications so you do not miss sudden changes.
A five-minute warning can be the difference between safely parking your irrigator and dealing with preventable damage.
Identify your risk spots
Not all paddocks or positions are equal. Some are more exposed to crosswinds or gusts than others.
- Take time to note the areas where your irrigator is most at risk.
- Decide on a safe parking position for each irrigator so you can act quickly when conditions turn.
By planning this ahead of time, you avoid scrambling under pressure.
Shut down early
It is always better to be proactive than reactive. Once a warning is issued:
- Move Irrigators into their safe position and stop them before winds peak.
Waiting just a bit longer often catches farmers out.
Point
Where possible, point your irrigator either directly into or away from the wind. This reduces the surface area exposed and lowers the risk of damage during high winds.
After the Canterbury windstorms, IrrigationNZ and FMG found that irrigators parked in this position were far less likely to be damaged. The worst position is when the machine is sitting side-on, with the spans or corner arms at a 90-degree angle to the wind.
IrrigationNZ recommends leaving a tolerance of up to 22 degrees. Every degree beyond that increases resistance and the chance of tipping.
Park
Once your irrigator is lined up with the prevailing wind, park it there until conditions ease.
- Pivot irrigators should have one or two designated parking spots.
With modern tools like FieldNET, you can move irrigators into their safe position remotely. This not only saves time but also reduces risk by keeping you out of the paddock during strong winds.
Anchor
Anchoring provides extra protection in extreme winds. One effective method is tying across the span in the middle of the “V” brace, which secures both the span and the base beam wheels. This spreads the anchor points over a wider angle and allows you to use a single ground anchor beneath the irrigator.
IrrigationNZ recommends using movable anchors so your team can respond quickly. Options include:
- Concrete blocks (minimum weight 500 kg)
- Steel pegs or pins driven into the ground with a kanga hammer
These give you flexibility and a reliable way to secure the machine before damage occurs.
After the wind passes
Once it is calm again, do not be tempted to flick the switch straight away.
- Inspect the entire irrigator before restarting.
- Look for leaning towers, flat tyres, twisted cables, or bent spans.
- If possible, walk the length of the machine so nothing gets missed.
- Make sure to remove any anchors or tie down devices.
Restarting a damaged irrigator can cause more extensive and more expensive repairs.
If your irrigator is damaged
Sometimes, even with the best preparation, wind will win. If you find damage:
- Do not run the irrigator until it has been assessed.
- Call our service team to secure and repair the system safely.
- Record details, note the location, take photos, and keep staff away until repairs are complete.
Quick reporting helps with insurance claims and allows us to get you back up and running faster.
Review and adjust your plan
Every wind event is a learning opportunity. After each one:
- Note what worked well and what could be improved.
- Update your plan to make it faster and safer next time.
- Share it with staff so everyone knows their role when the next warning comes.
By treating wind response as part of your seasonal routine, you will reduce stress and protect your equipment in the long run.
Stay ahead of the wind
High winds are part of farming life on the Canterbury Plains. But with a clear plan and quick action, you can minimise damage and downtime.
If you would like help with training, servicing, or creating a tailored wind-response plan for your farm, get in touch with the Plains Irrigators team today.
