RIVERLAND irrigators Alan and Raelene Reichstein were forced to take a small block exit grant in 2010 after years of low commodity prices and water restrictions during the millennium drought.
They had mainly been running vines, with some citrus, on their 20-hectare property at Loxton North since 1988, and had a secondary property at nearby Rillie Reserve.
"Because of the water restrictions, we were having to buy in water, which was expensive," Alan said.
"In one year we had to spend up to $60,000, which was more than we made in a year!"
The grant meant they had to sell their 245-megalitre water licence and remove all irrigation infrastructure on the block.
Since then, they have grown some dryland oats and cut hay to "keep the weeds down and control the vermin".
They now have to figure out where to start again.
"It's a hard decision because of our age, it limits our options," Mr Reichstein said.
"We're too old to start with permanent plantings again, so we're looking into annual crops such as lucerne or vegetables. It will depend on what markets we can find."
They will also have to consider whether they lease or buy water, which Mr Reichstein is concerned about.
"About 170 growers took the package in SA, so they will all be looking at the same thing," he said.
"So it will only be a matter of time before water prices skyrocket."
Alisha Fogden
Cropping editor of Stock Journal.
Cropping editor of Stock Journal.
