Preserving the past. Promoting the future.
During a recent visit to Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club with one of my sons, the concept of “Preserving the past. Promoting the future” was prominently featured as a motto/vision around the precinct. I couldn’t help but think about the similarities and reflect on its relevance to the work of the Birchip Cropping Group (BCG).
Just as the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club pays homage to its storied history while nurturing young talent and fostering a love for tennis, BCG similarly appreciates its legacy while striving to advance agricultural research and practices across the region.
In the context of BCG, preserving the past entails recognising the lessons learned from previous trials and research as well as the wisdom of seasoned farmers to ensure that learning continues to inform and guide our present-day initiatives.
Promoting the future at BCG means embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative industry, which we work hard to bring to the paddocks of all farmers.
As we navigate the dynamic landscape of agriculture, the ethos of “Preserving the past. Promoting the future” serves as a guiding signal for BCG. By striking a balance between what the past has taught us and innovation, we recognise what we have achieved while at the same time charting a course towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for agriculture and the next generation of farmers.
2024 sowing
The practical processes involved in sowing this season’s crops – as some have done, year in, year out – also reflect the past, but take into account the new technological knowledge to which we are fortunate enough to have access.
At a recent seeding demonstration day held by BCG, it was evident that despite the progress we have made, sowing time is still a complex and demanding process.
Here at BCG this year, the sowing process is going to be more complex, though even more exciting, than usual. During 2024, we are set to operate across an unprecedented 50 research sites in the Wimmera, Mallee and North Central regions, making this our most expansive research program to date.
This means that to coordinate the sowing effort effectively, BCG will rely on a clear understanding within the team about decision making processes and how we communicate with each other about the various moving parts.
It is equally crucial for farm businesses to establish clear communication channels on their farms about how things are going to work throughout the sowing program. Early discussions about logistics and decision-making responsibilities and establishing clear communication protocols among all those involved will streamline operations and mitigate potential issues during this critical time.
We at BCG wish you all a safe, smooth and problem free sowing.
Fiona
