Campylobacter is a common bacteria that causes late-term abortion and still births in ewes. Occasionally an outbreak can lead to a devastating abortion storm causing up to 50% foetal loss. These occur several years apart, when a naïve (previously unexposed) group of ewes get exposure to the organism. However, research shows that less obvious lower-level […]
In April, a webinar provided an overview of the performance, establishment and benefits provided by different annual legumes on low rainfall mixed farms in Victoria’s and South Australia’s Mallee and Wimmera regions. Presentations were the culmination of a 5 year (2018-2022) Rural R&D for Profit project, a collaboration of many funding, research and grower partners […]
Hardseeded legumes are proving to be more productive than traditional legume pastures thanks to varieties which allow harvest without special equipment and sowing in summer or before the conventional cropping program. Legume pastures are typically sown after cereals, canola and lentils. This limits biomass and subsequent pod production in the year of establishment. Along with […]
As harvest ends, summer fallow management will become the priority to conserve soil moisture, soil nitrogen and minimise the risk of increased disease and insect pressure associated with a green bridge in the following season.Grazing before summer sprayingDepending on the rain, and what weeds germinate and grow, you might first get some grazing value from the weeds.MLA supported research conducted by Southern Farming Systems […]
Are you wanting to trace productivity in your breeding ewes or make better informed decisions when selecting rams? Wanting to manage sheep on feed but unsure how to group them into management lots? Are you interested in using your time in the yards more efficiently while reducing labour requirement? Or do you have other ideas […]
Recent BCG activities in livestock systems have focussed on fodder. We are working on several project proposals looking at pasture and fodder options, and their management for production and quality to meet the needs of livestock and look after soils. Oaten Hay Agronomy TrialsHarvest time for AgriFutures and BCG Member oaten hay agronomy trials at […]
Do you farm your land in a way that improves the soil, plant and animal health? Yes, you do! Have you reduced tillage to reduce evaporation and preserve soil moisture, and sow earlier to increase water use efficiency during the season? Do you use legume crops or pastures to build soil nitrogen? Do you amend […]
BCG Oaten Hay Trial at Curyo trial evaluating the use of PGR Moddus®Evo @ 200mL/ha on lodging and hay quality. We’ve seen a visible effect on height and maturity of Durack sown 5 May, PGR applied 10 August at GS32 (foreground). BCG have sown Wintaroo, Brusher, Yallara, Mulgara, Koorabup, Carrolup, Durack and Bannister at the […]
Red leather leaf (RLL) is a common fungal disease caused by Spermospora avenae, that reduces hay and grain yield, reduces grain quality and impacts hay appearance and colour. In Victoria we are beginning to see evidence of infection this season. RLL infection is favoured by cool (5-16°C), wet conditions so is more predominant in medium […]
Do you farm your land in a way that improves the soil, plant and animal health? Yes, you do! Have you reduced tillage to reduce evaporation and preserve soil moisture, and sow earlier to increase water use efficiency during the season? Do you use legume crops or pastures to build soil nitrogen? Do you amend […]
Are you wanting to trace productivity in your breeding ewes or make better informed decisions when selecting rams? Wanting to manage sheep on feed but unsure how to group them into management lots? Are you interested in using your time in the yards more efficiently while reducing labour requirement? Or do you have other ideas […]