BCG writes articles relating to current agricultural issues which are published in Stock and Land.

2009

Cereal Cyst Nematode still a real threat

During the 80s and early 90s CCN caused major problems for farmers in the Wimmera Mallee. In recent times CCN’s affect on cereal production has declined in the region due to carefully chosen resistant cereal varieties and strategic crop rotation. With CCN sitings low and therefore disease affects not widely publicised, farmers’ focus is re-directed towards controlling other diseases such as yellow leaf spot, stripe rust and rhizoctonia.

Stripe rusted sited in the Mallee

Stripe rust continues to be a major concern for farmers in the Wimmera Mallee. It has been reported this year in the northern Mallee in a CFL STL crop at GS 33. While the report is isolated, more sightings are expected as the season progresses especially if conditions are conducive (moist and cool). It is important for farmers to be prepared.

Grazing Cereals

BCG in collaboration with the Rainbow and District Landcare Group are involved in a grazing cereals project focusing on how some of the commercially available cereal varieties grown within the region respond to grazing.

Disc seeding trial at Nhill

Trials comparing disc and no-till sowing systems have recently been established on sandy and clay loam soil types at Nhill. The aim of these trials is to compare the establishment of wheat crops in various disc sowing systems with the conventional no-till system. An additional aim is to assess the interaction between pre-emergent herbicide treatments and sowing systems on wheat establishment.

Women to jump on board the Climate Change Roadshow

BCG is undertaking its latest project focused on climate communication – with the focus on women. The project involves a series of climate forums in five regional towns in the Victorian Mallee and Wimmera region.

To dress or not to dress

The recent rainfall (25 – 50mm) received across the Wimmera Mallee is a positive start to the 2009 growing season and no doubt farmers will be thinking about bigger yield potentials. While the rain was needed and most welcome, it is important to keep it in perspective when determining further inputs, particularly nitrogen (N).

Women to Study Weather

With some decent rain across most of the Wimmera Mallee, farmers have committed to another season and have almost finished their sowing programs. Sowing is a nervous time for grain growers. On Wednesday 17 June BCG will be holding a Women’s Agronomy Workshop where De-Anne Price from DPI Horsham will present information on the seasonal outlook for 2009.

Innovative approach to create frog homes

Wildlife ponds have proven successful in conserving frog populations in the Wimmera Mallee. Community interest in wildlife ponds has been strong. The research has also influenced policy with the GWM Water Board announcing a scheme to provide a rebate for 17,000 litres of water to landowners who construct and register a wildlife pond according to the guidelines developed by BCG.

Post Emergence Brome Grass Control

With the recent rains and early sowing programs, the challenge of controlling weeds in-crop is on again for farmers. One of the most difficult of these weeds to control is brome grass.

When Is The Optimum Time To Sow?

For a farmer, the importance of sowing time cannot be understated. Timely sowing operations can mean the difference between a three tonne crop and a two tonne crop or in recent years the difference between a harvestable crop and one that has failed.

Phosphorus Testing: What You Need To Know

The once standard practice of applying blanket fixed fertiliser rates across a farm regardless of crop requirements has been replaced by the more targeted approach which uses soil testing to determine individual paddock requirements.

2008

Trifluralin Use At Sowing

Trifluralin, a Group D herbicide, has increased in popularity due to its ability to control ryegrass in response to annual ryegrass populations developing resistance to the chemistry of Group A and Group B (Hoegrass and Glean) herbicides.

Dry Sowing

Grain growers routinely face tough decisions and one of the toughest of recent years has been whether to start sowing by the calendar or by the weather.

Changing Climate, Changing Practices

Australia’s agricultural climate is changing with increased variability in rainfall, temperature and the global environment. The marketing and consumer environment is changing.

Frogs On Farms

The Birchip Cropping Group is undertaking an innovative project to tackle an emerging threat from changes to regional water delivery and management on farms. Development of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline will result in a change from an open water supply system of channels and farm dams to a closed system of pipes and stock troughs.

Back To School: Lessons To Be Learnt From 2007

The Birchip Cropping Group will host its annual Members Only Trials Review day this Monday 18th February 2008, at the Birchip Leisure Centre.

PBI What Does It Mean?

Farmers across the Wimmera/Mallee have either had their paddocks soil sampled or are in the process of completing them so as to assess each paddocks nutrient levels and consequently calculate their fertiliser requirements for the coming season.

The Cost Of Controlling Weeds!

The substantial increase in glyphosate prices and pressure to keep input costs low has seen many farmers redo the sums comparing cultivation versus chemical fallow for controlling summer weeds.

BCG Trials Commence

Research into the most effective ways to conserve moisture during summer is first on the agenda for Birchip Cropping Group’s (BCG) trial work this year.