What is the Flexible Farming Systems Trial?
While farming systems in the southern Mallee and northern Wimmera are diverse, most would aim to maximise productivity and sustainability.
How do all the different farming systems compare in terms of economics and resource management?
This question led the BCG to establish a long-term Farming Systems Trial in 1999 with on-going funding and support from Grain Growers Association and the Grains Research and Development Corporation. The trial compares four different farming systems practised commercially within the region to examine the environmental, economic and agronomic changes that take place over time.
The site was established 28km north of Birchip, Victoria, whereby the four farming systems could be compared side by side over a number of 1 hectare plots. Five randomly placed plots have been allocated to each system, with 12 plots acting as 'standards'.
Four farmers volunteered to become a champion of each system. Within the trial, the champions make all the decisions regarding inputs, rotations and other management issues.
At the end of 2005, the Farming Systems Trial became known as 'Flexible Farming Systems', and the trial will continue for another three years.
What is being measured?
- weed populations
- disease levels
- nitrogen
- soil water
- soil microbial activity
What are the four systems?
Zero Till View the rules for this system
- Championed by Allen Postlethwaite
- 100% crop intensity (cereals, pulses, oilseeds)
- controlled traffic
- wide rows
- full stubble retention
- one-pass knife-point seeding
- no livestock
Reduced Till View rules for this system
- Championed by Brad Martin (Brim Technology Gp)
- 80% crop intensity (opportunity cropping)
- stubble retention and minimum tillage
- flexible cultivation practices and stubble management
- opportunity livestock
Fuel Burners View rules for this system
- Championed by Paul Barclay
- 60% crop intensity cereal-based with pulses grown irregularly
- mechanical fallow
- opportunity livestock/pasture
Hungry Sheep View rules for this system
- Championed by Ian & Warrick McClelland
- 70% crop intensity (cereals and pulses) combined with intensive grazing pressure from livestock
- no fallow
Find out more:
At the 2006 BCG Grains Research Expo, a coloured publication called "Six Seasons of the BCG Farming Systems Trial" was launched. This publication was sent free of charge to BCG members and to 15,000 GGA members.
You can download that report in two parts (due to its large size). Please note these pdf files may take some time to download.
Click here to read the first part of "Six Seasons of the BCG Farming Systems Trial" (includes front cover, summary, background, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, acknowledgements and references)
Click here to read the second part of "Six Seasons of the BCG Farming Systems Trial" (includes appendices and back cover)