Warracknabeal Herald » Rural

Systems a key

superadmin — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:02:02 +0000

AUSTRALIAN cereal growers adopting harvest weed seed control systems are driving down weed populations to lower levels on their farms, and extending the life of the herbicides they use.
This was one of the messages Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative researcher Michael Walsh delivered to the Global Herbicide Resistance Challenge, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
The event hosted in Fremantle, Western Australia and was an international, multi-disciplinary research conference addressing herbicide resistance; a major threat to global and Australian agriculture.
Dr Walsh said the problem of herbicide resistant weed populations globally was particularly severe in production systems where herbicide dependence resulted in a lack of weed control diversity.
“The dramatic consequences of this can be extreme levels of herbicide resistance in weed populations,” Dr Walsh said.
“A glaring example of this was in the Western Australian grainbelt where annual ryegrass and wild radish populations were extremely difficult to control with herbicides alone,” he said.
“Here, as in other regions of the world, herbicide resistance has resulted in a loss of valuable herbicide resources and driven the search for alternate weed control strategies.”
Dr Walsh said it was well known that a key to managing dominant annual weed species was to prevent the input of fresh seed into their short-lived seed banks.
“We are lucky in Australia that our most problematic weeds hold onto their seed at harvest so we have the opportunity to remove or destroy some of these seeds,” he said.
“A number of HWSC systems are now being used effectively to target weed seed production in the Australian grain belt.”
“Although herbicides remain the number one weed control tool in Australian cropping systems, it is now clear that the inclusion of HWSC systems in weed management programs is enabling weed populations to be driven to low levels, providing some insurance for the sustainability of remaining herbicide resources.”
“What is absolutely evident is that herbicide sustainability in global cereal production areas will only be achieved if there is diversity in both the agri-ecosystem and in the herbicide and non-herbicide tools employed for weed control.”
Hundreds of delegates from more than 30 countries registered for the Global Herbicide Resistance Challenge, which attracted wide ranging keynote speakers from Australia and overseas.
Major issues discussed included the threat of herbicide resistance and its impact on global grain production, alternatives to chemical weed control and the latest gene modification advances.

• SYSTEMS: Harvest weed seed control systems used by growers include windrow burning, the use of chaff carts and the Harrington Seed Destructor.

Pursuing peas to please

superadmin — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 02:18:45 +0000

HARVEST might be over but there is no peace for the pea breeders at the Department of Primary Industries, Horsham whose scientists are piecing together the results of their hard work.
DPI staff have been busy roguing peas, which involves painstakingly hand-picking any rogue pieces from recently-harvested pea samples.
While some seeds can be mechanically sorted, picking at peas is strictly hands-on, down to the pinkies and pointers.
Eyes are peeled as half a dozen staff probe and pick at tray after tray of one special pulse.
“The machines can do colour sorting of peas, but we are not just looking for colour, we are also assessing the size and shape of the seed,” DPI assistant pea breeder Peter Kennedy said.
“It has been all hands-on deck for one of the most promising-looking pea lines of 2012, which we sowed in larger quantities last season because of its potential for commercial release,” he said.
Mr Kennedy said the high yielding Kaspa-type pea was in its seventh year of development.
Kaspa, released in 2001, has been one of the benchmark varieties since but is now being superseded by new lines.
“About 20 kilograms of seed from this new variety is needed to perform variety checks this year in breeders’ nurseries sown across the country.”
“It has to be pure seed for this process so we can’t have any impurities in the sample. Every variety has a story of development of up to 10 years and, after seven years, this one is getting towards its final chapters.”
Breeding peas is a long process but one that Mr Kennedy relishes, having started his career in 2011.
“I hated peas as a kid but now I love them, and chickpeas and lentils,” he said.

Farmers keen for upcoming harvest

superadmin — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 04:54:31 +0000

WILKEN Grain hosted its successful annual pre-harvest meeting at the Birchip-rd grain facility on Friday.
Attendees were treated to a magnificent barbecue lunch before getting all the upcoming harvest news from guest speakers from Viterra, Glencore, Elders Topefer, Riordan Grain and Ag Farm.
Wilken Grain proprietor Richard Wilken said there were in excess of 100 people in attendance, some of whom had travelled more than 100 kilometres to attend the afternoon.
“Numbers were as expected, if not slightly up on last year’s event,” Mr Wilken said.
Speakers had a 10 minute window to talk about the outlook for the future grain markets, leading into and after harvest, with some discussion regarding the world stocks of grain.
Mr Wilken said some countries have been extremely dry and have low production, while other countries have harvested a larger than expected volume of grain.
“However, overall worldwide stocks are probably down but prices are still not reflecting this. The market is still seeing prices similar to the 2010-11 harvest,” Mr Wilken said.
“Glencore Grain’s Mark Fitzgerald touched on the merger with Viterra, which is yet to be finalised,” he said.
“Viterra are still purchasing grains as per normal and it will not affect any contracts in place. The forthcoming harvest will be business as usual with Viterra with all past and present buyers achieving its market.”
Mr Wilken said anybody wishing to discuss the up coming harvest contracts can contact him at the office on 5394 1076.

• INTRODUCE: Wilken Grain marketing, segregation and contracts manager Paul Atkin introduces the first of the speakers during the annual pre-harvest meeting held at Wilkens on Friday.

Detpa Grove a Mecca for buyers

superadmin — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 05:53:53 +0000

JEPARIT’S Detpa Grove White Suffolk stud, owned by the Pipkorn family, continues to be a Mecca for stud and commercial buyers seeking the White Suffolk breed’s elite genetics.
67 buyers from four states attended the annual Detpa Grove production sale recently with 16 others following the sale and bidding through the Auctions Plus network.
Although the weather was cold the bidding was hot and, by sale end, 215 head of ewes and rams had grossed $345,650 at a $1608 average in an 81 percent clearance.
The stud ram draft of 38 rams was again a highlight and frenetic bidding at the top end resulted with seven rams selling for $10,000, or more.
Bordertown’s “Bundara Downs” Steve, Ros and Greg Funke, combined forces with Anthony and Don Ferguson of “Anna Villa”, Weetulta, to win the bidding duel for the first of the White Suffolk stud rams, DG110084Triplet at $16,000, which ultimately proved to be the equal top priced ram.
Bruce Buswell of “Matilda Downs” at Mount Barker made the trip from Western Australia worthwhile by purchasing the next ram in the ring, DG110116, also for the equal top price of $16,000.
Mr Buswell then chased his second choice ram DG110185Twin by A080276Twin up to $12,000 before pulling out, with Detpa Grove regulars A. and R. Weidemann of “Sunnydale” in Rupanyup winning the duel.
He did not miss out on the genetics completely, however, securing this ram’s twin brother DG110186Twin for a bargain basement price of $3000.
The Weidemann family also picked up an impressive average breaker late in the catalogue, purchasing DG110210Twin for just $2500.
Mary Burzacott and Michael Emery of Beachport paid $10,000 for DG110416Twin, another Anden 090168Twin son for their Richmond Park stud.
Clive and Deb Shillabeer, Wingamin stud, Karoonda were also pushed to $10,000 for the third last ram offered, DG110452Twin.

• TOP: Detpa Grove principal David Pipkorn (left) and South Australian buyers Greg Funke and Anthony Ferguson stand with DG110084Triplet, the $16,000 equal top priced ram at the recent White Suffolk sale.

The August drop youngster was a great grandson of An080276 and was the second highest performance ram on Lambplan in the catalogue with a 205 Carcase Plus index.
While South Australian and Western Australian buyers, along with one from Victoria dominated the top prices there were also plenty of New South Wales breeders competing.
Woodlea Farming Pty Ltd, through Elders Dubbo, paid $6500 for DG110585Tw. Repeat buyer John Jamieson, through Elders Deniliquin, paid $3000 for a Storm Force son and Victoria and Lachlan Patterson, Kinellar stud, Goolagong picked up a good value buy for another impressive Storm Force son for $3500.
Mark Williams, through Elders Kaniva, has supported Detpa Grove for a long time and this year purchased three outstanding rams at a $5000 average, later adding three top ewes at $1300.
With extremely strong commercial buyer bidding, it was clear that commercial producers appreciated the Detpa Grove rams as much as the seedstock breeders.
Just 14 of the large offering failed to find buyers at the end of the day, resulting in a 90 percent clearance.
Elders Bendigo branch has been bringing clients to the sale almost since its inception 24 years ago and this year being no exception with five buyers purchasing 27 rams.
A. Jensen and Son, with 10 rams from $700 to $1300 and at a $940 average, was the biggest volume buyer through Elders Bendigo.
Blythwood Pastoral Co., through Elders Hamilton, with six rams from $1000 to $1300 and SW Fielding and PW Spicer, through Elders Warracknabeal with two top rams at $1500 and $2200 were also prominent.
DMD Nhill supplied two clients of note; Josh Pitt with five from $700 to $1000 and Zanker Grains with four from $600 to $700.
32 individual buying accounts were successful in purchasing the Detpa Grove flock rams.
The high quality stud ewe offering was the only area of the sale to produce a somewhat disappointing clearance, although prices were still good.
With only eight ewe buyers for the 88 ewes that were available, a high clearance rate was always going to be difficult.

Grain, gadgets and sheep dogs

superadmin — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 01:52:29 +0000

A TECHNOLOGY hub, livestock discussion sessions and sheep dog demonstrations were among highlights from last week’s BCG Grains Research Expo.
The annual event, now in its 17th year, attracted more than 500 farmers keen for the chance to discuss the latest issues affecting their industry and to peruse more than 80 agriculture related exhibits.
Among those in attendance was Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh and Member for Northern Victoria Candy Broad.
Mr Walsh opened the expo, delivering a positive message about the importance of primary producers to both Australia and the world.
He said with the middle class population in large countries like China on the rise, the demand for quality food and fibre would increase along with it.
Mr Walsh praised the region’s farmers for the high quality products they already produce and paid tribute to BCG for delivering research and staging events would help Victorian primary producers to meet future demands.
The 2012 expo program was jam-packed, with discussion sessions and demonstrations running from 8.30am, through to 4pm.
10 discussion sessions which covered everything from carbon farming initiatives to succession planning and livestock management, attracted excellent crowds, as did the “On the Couch” discussions about upgrading machinery and buying versus leasing land.
The technology hub, which was a new addition to the expo program, proved exceptionally popular with capacity crowds filling information sessions about smartphone and tablet applications and computer programs designed to help farmers.
Attentive crowds attended a timely discussion about new carbon pricing legislation and initiatives that will allow primary producers to trade carbon credits.
A session on the role out of the National Broadband Network also attracted interest, with people keen to understand how the NBN would benefit them and if regional and rural internet and telecommunication services will improve.
BCG events manager Margaret O’Keefe said all the discussion sessions were well attended and she was extremely pleased with the day.
“We had plenty of positive feedback from farmers,” she said.
“All the livestock sessions were well attended, the technical hub was full to overflowing and sessions on topics such as securing and satisfying staff, traits of future varieties, grain marketing and succession planning certainly gave farmers something to go home and think about.”
“The demonstrations were also popular this year,” she said, “We had cooking demonstrations by Christina Yeow and working dog demonstrations by Paul MacPhail from Beloka Kelpies at Welshpool.”
Sea Lake farmer and regular expo attendee Nic Harrison said he always found something relevant at the event, which he said just gets “better and better each year.”
“The best thing about it is just the wealth of information and exhibits all at one place in in our part of the country,” he said.

• DEMONSTRATION: The working dog demonstrations, performed by Paul MacPhail from Beloka Kelpies, attracted large crowds at the recent BCG expo.

Annual expo set to be a hit

superadmin — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 04:58:29 +0000

BIRCHIP’S population is set to expand next month when visitors flock to the town for the annual Birchip Cropping Group Grains Research Exhibition.
Hundreds of farmers, agronomists and grains industry representatives will enjoy a full and informative day, which is set to feature an exciting line-up of speakers, special guests and more than 100 industry exhibitors.
The always popular discussion sessions, which run concurrently throughout the day, will cover a range of relevant and soon-to-be relevant topics.
Topics will include the impact of the National Broadband Network, grain cultivar traits for the future, attracting and retaining farm labour, grain marketing and the weather.
A substantial list of high profile speakers have been booked to answer questions and share their knowledge including climate-change champion Jennifer Hawkins, along with Australian Farm Institute’s Renelle Jeffrey will deliver a presentation on how the carbon tax will affect farm businesses.
Three livestock sessions will focus on weaning lambs, feed efficiency and the suitability of various breeds for the Mallee.
On the couch sessions, where small groups can interact with speakers in an informal setting, will cover topics such as buying land versus leasing, upgrading machinery and how the Grains Research and Development Corporation will allocate increased grower levies. The crop doctors will also be on hand to diagnose and discuss any problems growers are experiencing with their crops.
BCG is excited to have celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow from ABC television program Poh’s Kitchen attending the Expo. Expected to be a big drawcard, Ms Ling Yeow will lead a cooking demonstration and share some of her cooking tips.
Working dog trainer Paul MacPhail from Beloka Kelpies will also bring something different to the Expo, running sheep dog training demonstrations throughout the day.
BCG corporate relations and events manager Margaret O’Keefe said she was thrilled with the program for this year’s event.
“The planning starts months before the event and we always aim to bring something different,” Ms O’Keefe said.
“We are careful about the exhibitors we invite and put a lot of work into trying to bring to the Expo speakers who can address the current issues farmers are facing.”
The theme of this year’s Expo is “Prepare, don’t predict” so there will be a focus on helping farmers to be prepared for some of the challenges on the horizon such as the carbon tax and rising carbon dioxide levels.
The BCG Grains Research Expo will be hosted at Birchip P-12 School from 8.30am to 4pm on July 5. The event is free for BCG members and $30 for non-members with catering available on site.
Free bus transport will be available for attendees from across the district. If you would like a bus to run from your town or more information phone BCG on 03 5492 2787 or email info@bcg.org.au.

VFF honours Colbert

superadmin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:05:46 +0000

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation has honoured three of its most passionate advocates, including Watchem’s John Colbert, at the Annual Conference Gala Dinner last week.
Mr Colbert was presented with a VFF life membership alongside Cohuna dairy farmer Max Fehring and retired Carranballac grains grower Jim Hinton.
“These men have shown it’s not just about leading, but bringing others with you on the journey,” outgoing VFF president Andrew Broad said.
Mr Colbert has been a member since the early 1960s and has spent much of his life lobbying for more equitable rural rates.
Mr Colbert was also on the VFF Grains Council and was part of the team who set up Landcare, which now has hundreds of member groups throughout the state.
“The VFF values the contribution of its life members, who have volunteered countless hours of their time over many years,” Mr Broad said.
“Victoria is a better place to farm because of people like Mr Colbert,” he said.

• ACCEPT: (left) John Colbert accepts his Victorian Farmers Federation life membership from outgoing VFF president Andrew Broad.

Farmers look back to look forward

superadmin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:26:27 +0000

SOUTH Australian Research and Development Institute leading climate scientist Doctor Peter Hayman has told producers at a major forum in Birchip last week that there were several practical strategies farmers could implement to manage the risk of our variable climate.
More than 50 producers attended the “Weathering the Future” forum and heard from Mr Hayman, who provided insight into what grain farmers can expect over the next decade
The forum was a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Birchip Cropping Group.
DAFF’s Julie Gaglia said the forum provided an opportunity to hear the latest research as part of Australian Government’s $46.2 million Climate Change Research Program.
“Government, through the CCRP, is working with researchers and primary producers to help manage changes in climate, without impacting productivity,” she said.
BCG research consultant and project leader for research under the National Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative, a joint partnership between the DAFF and the GRDC, Doctor Harm van Rees said the forum brought together some of Australia’s leading scientists to explain the latest in cropping research, seasonal forecasts and climate models.
Dr van Rees said the forum was well attended by farmers keen to maintain the profitability of their enterprises.
“Forewarned is forearmed, and if we expect farmers to thrive in the coming seasons, we need to give them the information now so they can plan ahead,” he said.
“While it may be hard to believe after the unseasonal rain, all the research points towards things getting hotter and drier, so it is imperative that every drop of water in the farming system is utilised.”
“That might mean people have to change their crop of choice or even change their farming practises to make the most of water and nutrient stores.”
Dr van Rees said there was no doubt a changing climate would have long-term production and financial implications for regional farmers.
“Today’s forum was able to show them it is possible to minimise the risks and adapt to make sure every season is a profitable one,” he said.
Australia’s Farming Future is a Government climate change initiative for primary industries. It provides funding over four years to help primary producers adapt and respond to climate change.
The CCRP, managed by the DAFF, is a key element of Australia’s Farming Future and provides funding for research projects and on-farm demonstration activities under the three priority areas of; reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil management and research into adaptation management practices.

• VOICE: Farmers had the chance to voice their questions during the panel discussion at BCG's Weathering the Future Forum.

Celebrating farmers

superadmin — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 21:45:00 +0000

FARMERS do more than just help feed, clothe and shelter us, they keep our country and economy strong. Farming and all the industries supporting it generate more than $405 billion each year, that is 27 percent of our gross domestic product.
Australian farmers should be recognised and celebrated for feeding the nation, leading the world in farming techniques and innovation and for sustaining the vital agribusinesses that underpin our economy.
Australian Year of the Farmer will raise the profile of farming and showcase the exciting career opportunities available in agriculture and related industries.
The Australian Year of the Farmer Roadshow will be in attendance at agricultural events, field days, food and wine festivals, V8 supercar events and music festivals.
Australian Year of the Farmer Roadshow coordinater Lizzie Reid said they were at the cutting edge of what was going on, it is critical all Australians recognise what contribution farmers make to Australians’ lives.
“We are endeavouring to enrich connections between rural and urban Australia, which is how Year of the Farmer started,” Ms Reid said.
“Year of the Farmer managing director Geoff Bell and chairman Phillip Bruem saw the divide between urban and rural Australia and worked towards this campaign,” she said.
“As part of the education process we will be going into schools across Australia and educating teachers and students by providing information on where food comes from.”
“Many Australian children believe the food they eat everyday comes from the supermarket.”
Ms Reid said they hoped by educating Australians and raising a greater awareness of agriculture and the opportunities within agriculture, more Australians would take more of an interest in farming and agriculture.
“Australians need to understand that you do not need to be a farmer living and working on a farm to be helping Australian farmers,” Ms Reid said.
“There are more women seeking a career on the land, through finance, agronomy, mechanics, marketing and sales and research,” she said.
Now is the time to join the farming industry, current projections indicate that farm production must double in the next 40 years.
There is a huge range of city based jobs that support the farm sector, a career in agribusiness could help solve global food security issues.

• PROMOTE: Australian Year of the Farmer Roadshow coordinater Lizzie Reid is proud to be an Australian farmer and is enjoying the opportunity to be able to travel to events across Australia promoting the Year of the Farmer.

Popularity increases with age

superadmin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:54:50 +0000

A FEATURE of this years Wimmera Machinery Field Days was the vintage TractorCade, which was hosted each afternoon of the event and attracted a good crowd.
Proving popularity only increases with age, the classic 1950′s and 60′s tractors on parade were well received by a large crowd of onlookers.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson said the TractorCade was fantastic with about 30 tractors on show.
“They all started and were all going so it went smoothly,” he said.
“It was a highlight of the field days with about 30 tractors from district museums, clubs and private owners making their way to the event.”
Mr Wilson said the TractorCade was a big event in the early days of the field days, but as the machinery and field days grew it became physically impossible.
Vintage tractors featured in the moving vintage show and shine included John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Fordson, Fiat, Lanz Bulldog, Minnea-polis Moline, Chamberlain, Case, Nuffield, International Harvester and Allis Chalmers.

• DRIVIN': Geoff Starrick driving a vintage tractor in the Wimmera Machinery Field Days vintage TractorCade this week, followed by some of the 30 tractors on display.