A Word from the Chair – April 2025
As we step into the upcoming season, it’s a good time to take stock of where we are and where we’re headed. Farming is never without its challenges, but preparation, resilience, and a strong support network are key to managing whatever comes our way.
The start of the season is an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past year and apply them to our plans moving forward.
It was great to see so many of our members come together at February’s Trials Review Day to discover the latest available information to help them prepare for the year ahead. I am sure that the knowledge shared at the event will help many growers refine their approaches and implement changes that improve resilience and profitability.
Seasonal conditions are always unpredictable, and while we can’t control the weather, we can control how we prepare. Checking in on soil moisture levels, reviewing input costs, and making informed decisions about variety selection and weed control strategies will set the foundation for the season ahead. BCG has run a recent roadshow of events covering succession, benchmarking and land/machinery acquisition. Given the many external business influences and high operating costs that we are experiencing right now, it is not surprising that these workshops were very well received; our business included. Farming is challenging and feels complex right now, so we are fortunate to learn from experts and share discussion around different approaches to tackling current times. Mindset is just as important as preparation. Ask any current sports coach. A measured, adaptable approach allows us to navigate uncertainty with confidence, and recognise and withstand momentum changes as they come. Surrounding yourself with good advice, whether that be from agronomists, researchers, or fellow farmers, helps take the pressure off and ensures you’re making decisions backed by the best available information. At BCG, our research and trials continue to be focused on providing practical, local insights to help farmers make informed choices.
This season, I encourage you to make use of BCG’s resources, whether it’s attending crop walks or our Main Field Day, participating in workshops, or keeping up to date with the latest research. The 2024 Season Research Results compendium has been distributed both physically and digitally on your website and I hope you have had the opportunity to integrate some of the information into your planning for this season. Every step we take to improve our knowledge and systems helps us build more resilient businesses for the future.
Wishing you all the best for a productive and successful season ahead.
John Ferrier
