Canterbury farmers who own irrigators are urged to take part in a new study by Lincoln University and insurance company FMG.
It will look at the impact of last September's windstorms on farming and cropping operations.
''Following the storms we received 261 irrigator-related claims and I'm pleased to say we're now 96% through those,'' FMG's products and services general manager Mike Lange said.
''By launching this study, we're proactively moving beyond the claims process and looking at how we can help farmers get a better understanding of why the winds had such a devastating impact.
''Once we have the findings of the research we'll be in a much stronger position to add further practical advice to farmers around reducing the impact of future storms,'' he said.
FMG has sent a survey to about 450 of its clients who own pivot irrigators, some who made post-storm claims and others who did not, so information can be gathered on why some areas suffered more than others.
FMG encouraged any irrigator owner in the region to become involved, too.
Majeed Safa, from Lincoln's department of agriculture management, said it was a great opportunity for farmers to provide local data.
''We'll take their experiences and combine those with weather patterns from September to help build a wider snapshot of the wind's impact,'' Dr Safa said.
The research team has interviewed 30 farmers and Lincoln engineers and students will collate the data.
Irrigation New Zealand supported the project.
''We applaud FMG and Lincoln for making this happen,'' chief executive Andrew Curtis said.
''It will give our members a well-needed boost to know that two reputable organisations have joined forces to try and learn more about these storms.''
The survey closes in mid-July and results are expected to be released in September.
Cantabrians can take part by emailing Dr Safa at: majeed.safa@lincoln.ac.nz or phoning him on (03) 423-0263. Personal information would remain confidential and only collective findings would be shared, Mr Lange said.
FMG supplies clients with a flyer containing tips on looking after irrigators.
''To protect against weather events, we suggest clients try and move irrigators out of the wind,'' Mr Lange said.
''However, if this can't occur, irrigators should be parked pointing into the prevailing wind before possible power outages.
''FMG also asks that clients walk the track their irrigator will travel to ensure there is no debris blocking its path.''
- by Sally Brooker