BCG ran the 2017 Trials review day in Birchip a couple of Fridays back.
It was a great day that provided an opportunity for BCG staff to highlight their knowledge about the research they are carrying out and how farmers can use the findings to improve outcomes on-farm.
I really enjoyed seeing our staff showing their skills in communicating the research with such polished and professional presentations.
Communicating science is a skill that seems to be under threat in society and the BCG team has great talent in this space.
The Trials Review was topped and tailed with two excellent presentations. Tim Rethus and Nev Reilly reflected on their Wimmera and Mallee farm businesses and how they come to make operational and management decisions last season. They painted a bright future for farming in general.
The discussion with Tim and Nev, which was led by Birchip farmer and board member John Ferrier, was informative and highlighted the complexity of modern farming. Equally it showed how making good decisions is key to getting you to a great spot.
At the end of the Trials Review two Agronomists wrapped things up. While many expected this session to be simple, being led by two ‘Simons’, it proved to be an informative and popular addition to the program.
Simon Severin from Agritech Rural at Horsham and Simon Craig from Farm360 at Swan Hill did a great job providing insight into the way they are advising their clients to tackle the big and small challenges emerging during 2017.
BCG membership renewals are now due and I know most members have re-joined which is great and very much appreciated.
Members are BCG’s life-blood and allow us to do the trials that are relevant to growers in our regions.
This year we asking each of our members to fill in a membership survey. This information is very important in allowing us to communicate with partners, researchers and others about our organisiation and to prioritise activities that are most valued by members.
Please fill the survey in if you haven’t already. We’ve kept it short and can be filled in simply by clicking this link.
I am looking forward to updating you through the year about BCG trials, research and extension. Plus, as we start to move into this precision ag space, we look forward to providing information about how PA and digital agriculture might increase farm profitability.
And here’s hoping to a high yielding 2017.
