People at the centre of success
BCG has had the privilege of hosting a number of visitors over recent weeks, and there has been a consistent theme in the conversations: what underpins BCG’s success? My answers tend to come back to people. The ongoing involvement of founding members Ian McClelland and John Ferrier is a reminder for the team that the work we do builds on the foundation laid by the farmers who saw the value of independent, farmer led, research all those years ago.
Community in action
That sense of community has been on full display in the lead-up to cropping, as BCG worked to establish our new Heavy Soils and Phosphorus use efficiency trials requiring deep ripping, liming and gypsum treatments to be applied. Local farmers stepped in without hesitation in offering their assistance. These are significant programs, requiring coordination, machinery and time at what is already a busy time of year, yet the willingness to simply say “yes” reflects a shared belief in what BCG is trying to achieve for the region. Like most things in farming, it’s rarely about one big moment, it’s the accumulation of small, practical contributions that get the job done.
I want to sincerely acknowledge Andrew Barber, Andrew Lee, Lachie Barber, the McPherson family at Brim, Josh Warren and Robbie Lee as well as Greg Rymer, who contributed machinery, time and effort to help us get this work done in a very short timeframe. Whether it came in the form of trucks, tractors, JCBs, spreaders or water carts, this practical support made a real difference. Steven Rich at Goroke provided a much-needed canola trial site at short notice. These come in addition to the site hosts for BCG trials this year of which there are many. This generosity is again an example of why people are at the centre of our success.
Sowing progress and seasonal conditions
Farmers across the region are continuing to make steady progress with sowing. The rainfall over the weekend, while patchy, was certainly welcome, with many areas receiving around 10mm. It’s the kind of rain that doesn’t quite make the headlines, but gives just enough confidence to keep a sense of optimism about the season despite the seasonal forecasts looking less promising.
While much of the world’s attention was on the Met Gala and its red-carpet moments, there was a different kind of “runway” playing out across the BCG footprint: BCG seeders getting our research program in the ground. We too have been out with our cameras capturing some commentary on our trials. What is happening in our paddocks is built on substance, not spectacle.
I encourage you to jump onto BCG’s social media channels. The sowing series has been great to follow. Thank you to all who have contributed so far; hearing how different people are approaching the season has been incredibly valuable. Mick Foott set the tone as the first (and very brave) contributor, and it’s been encouraging to see others follow. The program reinforces something we already know to be true: there is real strength in farmers talking to each other, sharing experiences and learning along the way.
Engaging with industry and government
We were also pleased to host Michaela Settle MP, Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, at BCG last week. It was a valuable opportunity to share the scale and relevance of our work before heading out to the Phosphorus Use Efficiency trial at Lachie Barber’s, which was in the process of being sown. This project, led by Agriculture Victoria, is a great example of how collaboration across organisations delivers practical outcomes for farmers.
Peter Carberry (pictured above), former GRDC Research & Extension Manager and CSIRO researcher called in and reflected on the growth and evolution of BCG over time. We also welcomed Rohan Wardle, the new CEO of FAR Australia, along with FAR Research Agronomist Darcy Warren, further reinforcing the importance of connection and collaboration across industry.
Grounded in what matters
When you step back, it becomes clear that while BCG continues to grow in scale, capability and reach, the essence of what makes the organisation strong hasn’t changed. It is, and always will be, grounded in people, farmers, partners and a community willing to contribute, challenge and support in equal measure. That is something I am incredibly proud of, and something BCG as an organisation will never take for granted.
