Natural supplies dry up and alternatives need to be found. Many hours can be spent operating petrol or diesel pump systems.
These days alternatives are available.
Advances in solar technology means that solar pumping systems can now economically provide stock and irrigation water for farmers. Solar pumps have come a long way in the last ten years.
"The perception amongst many is that solar pumps are used for powering fountains in fish ponds," says Alastair.
"With current technology, solar pumps can now do all the jobs that petrol, diesel or mains pumps can.
"Solar systems are capable of pumping thousands of litres an hour and pumping up hills hundreds of metres high.
He says farmers in drought areas often have to use water from new supplies to supplement water systems.
Installing a solar pump system allows farmers to provide stock with water from sources that are not near a mains power supply and most times solar systems cost less to run than other systems.
Providing water on hill farms for stock water supplies, pumping water from streams and lakes for stock and providing irrigation water in remote areas are only some of the uses for solar pump systems.
A typical solar system consists of a number of solar panels, a controller to efficiently convert solar energy into electricity, and a pump.
Pumps are usually submersible types or can be placed beside streams or dams or down wells.
Alastair says solar pump systems are ideal for stock water, because the hotter and sunnier the weather, the more the stock drink and the better the pump works.
On rainy or colder days, when pumping is reduced, stock need less water.
Solar pumps are competitive in price with petrol and diesel pump systems when running costs are considered and they have the advantage of not needing regular refuelling.
