2013 Archived News Page
Below is a list of BCG related news stories. If you would like to suggest a news item, please email BCG with the details of your event.
April
Sowing update from the BCG research team
Since the first trial (early sown wheat) was sown in late February at Curyo, BCG has now begun the bulk sowing program, especially in the last fortnight. The research team is focussed on getting seed packed and striving for good time management as this is the key criteria for the sowing program to run smoothly.
Support BCG with Nufarm
Nufarm has joined forces with BCG to support local research and development in the Wimmera and Mallee.
Water Use Efficiency and break crops in the Mallee
The 'Yielding Benefits through Partnerships' project funded by GRDC began in 2008, and delves into the impact of farming systems and the subsequent crop use of 'out of season rainfall', break crops and their effect on water use efficiency.
More Profit from Crop Nutrition II (MPCN II) annual meeting in Adelaide
The GRDC funded initiative More Profit from Crop Nutrition II (MPCN II) is a national project aiming to increase nutrient use efficiency and have growers making better fertiliser decisions. This initiative includes 24 projects across Australia, and BCG is responsible for the Extension and Training (South) project, which aims to deliver up-to-date information to help growers and advisers make better fertiliser decisions to increase efficiency and profitability.
Increasing Carbon - are your soils up to it?
A workshop presented by the Nullawil Prime Lamb Group including a presentation by Declan McDonald, Productive Soil Specialist, Vic DPI and soil profile mapping with DPI Farm Plan 21 team. More >March
Renew your BCG membership now!
Membership renewals are now due. More >Sowing begins at BCG
BCG has made an extra early start to its trial sowing program this year with the first research trial sown on February 25. This trial will compare the early grazing and yield potential of winter wheat varieties sown very early in response to summer rain. More >'Farming for tomorrow' the 2013 BCG theme
'Farming for Tomorrow' is BCG's theme for 2013. Looking towards helping farmers to secure a productive, sustainable and profitable future, this year BCG will focus on identifying ways growers can refine their systems and improve efficiencies. BCG will investigate ways to farm smarter, drawing on grower knowledge and experience as well as information from industry experts and research findings. More >2013 main research site revealed
2013 main research site - Watchupga East This year's main research trial site is at Watchupga East. John and Sammi Mitchell have kindly agreed to allow BCG to use their paddock for the main site, which is 25km north of Birchip on the corner of Birchip-Sea Lake and Watchupga East Road. The paddock selected for this year's main site features a lighter soil type than the 2012 main site, being a Mallee sandy loam. BCG is looking forward to getting into the season, working with the Mitchell family, and delivering findings that will benefit local growers. More >Elevated CO2 and its impact on soil
The Australian Grain Free Air CO2 Enrichment (AGFACE) program was established in 2007 to investigate how field grown crops would respond to future elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. However, as knowledge about how plant growth was effected by elevated CO2 came to light, it became evident that little was known about soil-crop interactions and nutrient dynamics under elevated CO2. To fill this knowledge gap, SoilFACE, a sub-project of the AGFACE program, was established in the Wimmera four years ago.
February
Visions and dreams realised: BCG celebrates 20 years
A glittering Roaring 20s ball was enjoyed by a large crowd at Birchip last Saturday night to celebrate BCG's 20th anniversary. The atmosphere was jubilant and joyful as former and current members of the Board, staff, sponsors and BCG members gathered to toast 20 years of local farmer-driven research.
2013 summer soil sampling: book now!
BCG is once again offering a pre-cropping soil sampling service to members in 2013. Sampling will take place mid-late February, beginning with northern Mallee farmers and moving south through the Wimmera. We encourage all farmers to sample their paddocks in order to gain a good indication of their soil nutrient and moisture availability. More >January
Stay in the know at 2012 BCG Trial Review day
BCG will hold its invaluable annual Trials Review day and launch the 2012 BCG Season Research Results handbook at the Birchip Community Leisure Centre on February 15.
Be the first to receive BCG trials results
One of the most valued days in a BCG member's calendar will be held on Friday 15 February at the Birchip Community Leisure Centre. Held exclusively for members, Trials Review is a thought-provoking day where results and key findings from 2012 research will be released. In 2012, BCG was responsible for over 100 trials at more than 15 sites across the Wimmera and Mallee, the largest number in its history. With a full program, this year's Trials Review will deliver a great and varied amount of information ready for farmers to put to use in the 2013 season. More >BCG celebrates 20 years
A celebration to mark BCG's 20th birthday will be held in early February, and we warmly invite you along to help us celebrate. This year marks 20 years since the first BCG (formerly Birchip Cropping Demonstration Sites) farmer-driven agricultural research trials were sown, and BCG members and associates are invited to celebrate this milestone.