2010
Sensing success: the latest in crop management
BCG is hosting a Soil 2 Grain workshop in Rupanyup on Tuesday 3 August exploring the latest results, techniques and guidelines on canopy and disease management in cereal and canola crops.
Managing pest problems on farms
Insect pests represent a significant challenge to grain production in the Wimmera Mallee. To help farmers control pests BCG in collaboration with CESAR Consultants will be running an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop on Wednesday 18 August at BCG.
BCG Women's Agronomy Group tackles hay, locusts and bugs!
Hay verses grain, nitrogen strategies, farm bio-security and locusts will all be discussed at the upcoming BCG Women's Agronomy Group meeting on Wednesday 11 August at BCG
PA crop walks at Birchip and Nyah West
BCG in collaboration with SPAA is running two precision agriculture crops walks on Thursday 19 August. The first walk is at Birchip (9.00am - 11.00am) and the second at Nyah West (2.00pm - 4.00pm).
Australian Farmer of the Year Awards
Just announced is the search for Australia's most innovative and professional grain grower as part of the Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
Governor of Victoria visits BCG
BCG staff and participants involved in the round table discussion with the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser, A.C. and his wife Mrs Jan de Kretser.
All you need to know for 2010 locust plague
2010
BCG encourages farmers to report locusts to APLC
Farmers are encouraged to report locust beds and hot spots.
Locusts - what have we learnt and what can we expect around harvest?
BCG has released a special technical note providing farmers and industry with an update on locust. Key messages in the bulletin include sowing, recording egg beds, and preparing to spray in late September to early October. Additional links to the Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC), VIC DPI and WA DPI are provided.
Controlling mice at sowing
The risk of mice eating seed and germinating seedlings is a potential problem for Wimmera Mallee farmers this sowing season with high mice population numbers across the region.
Cereal Rust Report - 2010 Season
There have been several recent developments that have improved the understanding of wheat stripe rust pathogen. Colleagues in the USA have published for the first time the occurrence of a sexual state in the stripe rust life cycle. This is a very important development in the understanding of the biology of this pathogen, and unlocks a mystery that has remained unanswered for more than a century. The nature of this reseearch and the implications for Australia are discussed in the article.
2010 stripe rust risk for wheat
The above average summer and autumn rainfall across Victoria has resulted in widespread growth of volunteer wheat (leaving us with a green bridge). Coupled with conducive conditions (moist and cool) and high levels of stripe rust inoculum has built up. Therefore there is a high probability that if we continue to receive average rainfall throughout the season, stripe rust has the potential to be a real threat to 2010 wheat yields.
Locusts: to sow or not to sow?
Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you will no doubt be alert to the building number of plague locusts in southern New South Wales and the northern parts of Victoria and South Australia. Reported as the worst locust situation in 40 years, the infestation has seen some crops and pastures eaten down to nothing. This relatively uncommon situation has sparked significant discussion about the best way to manage the outbreak and reduce the risk of crop loss.
BCG talk with Landline about the latest fertiliser decision making tools
BCG research agronomist Simon Craig and Research Committee Member Peter Taylor speak with Landline about the latest technologies available to help farmers make fertiliser decisions.
Grazing cereals
Farmer experience and research from grain growing regions with higher rainfall (eg south-east NSW, south-west VIC) have shown that cereals can be successfully grazed prior to the end of tillering (GS30) without compromising grain production. The success of dual purpose crops in these regions has driven interest in assessing the suitability of grazing cereals in low rainfall areas such as the Mallee.
2010
Read BCG's 2009 Annual Report
Download the 2009 Annual Report for comprehensive information regarding BCG activities including research, development, extension, awards and member services.
Grazing cereals, Rainbow VIC
Four farmer grazing cereal demonstrations at Rainbow in 2009 showed no difference in yield between grazed and un-grazed crop. Grazing increased screenings in all four demonstration paddocks.
2010
2010 Yield Prophet Subscriptions Open
Summer rainfall across Australia has, for the most part, been close to average. Consequently the majority of growers should carry some stored soil moisture into the 2010 season. Further to this significant rainfall was received across most of eastern Australia in the first half of March further improving prospects.
BCG Native Pasture Cropping Field Day
Native pasture cropping is a novel farming system BCG is trialling where winter cereal crops are sown directly into summer active native pastures. On Friday 9 April BCG is running a pasture cropping field day at their Hopetoun trial site to demonstrate the sowing of crop and native pasture seed using pasture cropping principles. This will include an explanation on how the system works and the necessary steps required for successful native pasture management and crop sowing.
2010
2010 - A New Opportunity
The BCG theme for this year is '2010 - A New Opportunity'. BCG will work hard for farmers and rural communities in 2010 to identify new opportunities for improvement in farm practice, cost minimisation, on-farm communication, technology adoption and risk management. In line with this mission, BCG will release their 2009 key research result at the BCG Members Only Trials Review Day on Friday 19 February. BCG hopes that the messages delivered will empower farmers to embrace new farming opportunities.
Indian scientists visit BCG
Two Indian research scientists, Dr Raji Reddy and Dr Sreenivas, and CSIRO's Zvi Hochman visited BCG on Friday 12 February. The group were particularly interested in crop management options in response to seasonal climatic variability, and developing and evaluating options for effective communication and adoption of climate forecasts and agricultural advisory systems.
2010
BCG has finalised the 2010 Main Field Day Site
BCG's 2010 Main Site will be hosted by Peter and Marg Shirley on their property at Warne, 40kms east of Birchip on the Calder Highway. Cereal, pulse and oilseed varieties will be tested at the site with other trials to be finalised by the BCG General Advisory committee in mid February. Farmers and industry are invited to attend the Main Field Day at this site scheduled for Thursday 9 September 2010.
2009
Summer weeds are setting seed
Summer weeds are already setting seed across the Wimmera Mallee and the pressure is on once again to control them. Not an easy task as harvest is still in full swing for many.
Seed hunter documentary goes to air
BCG Chairman Ian McClelland stars in an upcoming documentary - Seed Hunter, which follows Australian scientist Dr Ken Street on a quest through Central Asia to find ancient seeds whose genes may help save our food from the impact of climate change.
BCG labeled 'world class' by Governor-General
BCG's most recent accolade was from Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, who labeled BCG as 'world class' after visiting to officially open the 2009 Grains Research Expo and speak at the Expo Dinner in July 2009. View photos from the two events.
ABC Radio to talk surviving, thriving and a touch of royalty
According to ABC Central and Western Victoria, they are proud to be joining a major farming tradition - the 2009 BCG Grains Research Expo. Dave Lennon and Fiona Parker will broadcast live from the Expo on Thursday 2 July from 8.30 - 11.00am. Their program will focus on the latest agricultural, social and environmental research and the demand the drought has placed on farmers in the region.
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.
Ted Baillieu visits Birchip
State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu met on Thursday 6 November with members of the BCG Board, staff and local community for lunch and a round table meeting. The aim of the visit was to discuss and inform the opposition state government about current agricultural issues affecting the Wimmera Mallee region. Peter Walsh MP Member for Swan Hill and Shadow Agricultural Minister was also involved in the talks. The effect of drought, lack of water and the flow on impact within communities was the topic of dominance during their visit.
Ian McClelland to feature in 'Seed Hunter' - 21 Oct ABCTV
BCG Chairman Ian McClelland stars in an upcoming documentary - Seed Hunter, which follows Australian scientist Dr Ken Street on a quest through Central Asia to find ancient seeds whose genes may help save our food from the impact of climate change. Seed Hunter goes to air on 21 October 2009 at 8.30pm and was nominated for Best Science, Environment and Technology Documentary at the ATOM Awards 2008.
Birchip farmers feature in ABC's Four Corners 'Winds of Change' program
ABC's Four Corners program 'Winds of Change' aired Monday 17 March 2009 and tracked the shifting fortunes of five Birchip farming families as they face the vagaries of drought and the new reality of climate change. BCG's social research project, 'Critical Breaking Point', was also discussed. You can watch the program, read a transcript and view related reports on the ABC website
2007
ABC Landline repeats their story on BCG
ABC Landline repeated their story about BCG as part of their summer 'Best Of Series' on 28 January 2007. If you missed it...
2006
Listen to the ABC Radio National live broadcast from Birchip
If you missed hearing any of the interviews and live broadcasts by ABC Radio National's Bush Telegraph program, you can now listen to specific parts from the link on our Past Events page.
BCG featured on ABC Landline
ABC's Landline visited BCG in October, with their report going to air on 5 November 2006. Link to transcripts of the Landline reports.
Politicians visit BCG
The Premier, Mr Steve Bracks, and Minister for Agriculture, Mr Bob Cameron, visited BCG last week as part of their two-day tour and consultation with drought-affected communities.
State government to support BCG with further drought initiatives
The Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Hon Bob Cameron, announced at the 2006 BCG Grains Research Expo a $50,000 grant to support further drought initiatives.
Minister Bob Cameron visits BCG
The Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, visited the BCG for a seasonal update on 25 May 2006.
ABC Radio National listeners take on the wheat industry
In Bush Telegraph's 'With The Grain' project, listeners go online to make decisions that will affect the yield, profitability and soil health of a paddock owned and managed by Mallee wheat farmer John Ferrier.
2005
Premier Steve Bracks congratulates the BCG
"When you think about the BCG, there is one word that comes to mind always, and has come to mind ever since we've been in government, and that's the word 'innovation'." (Premier Steve Bracks).
2004
Sir Gustav Nossal & Dr Graham Mitchell at the BCG
Sir Gustav Nossal & Dr Graham Mitchell (DPI Chief Scientists) attended the Young Scientists Forum held at the BCG.
Governor of Victoria visits the BCG
The Governor of Victoria visited the BCG on 28 April 2004.