The farmer to farmer learning session at the annual BCG Trials Review Day, held on 15 February at Birchip, again highlighted the importance of reflecting, planning, communicating and taking a holiday.
This year Ultima farmer, Ben Merritt, and St Arnaud farmer, Ben Batters, took to the stage and were interviewed by BCG Chairman and Birchip farmer, John Ferrier.
Both Ben’s highlighted that last year wasn’t a great year for yields, but there were learnings to take into coming seasons.
“I was amazed at the crop we were able to grow with the amount of rainfall we did get,” Mr Batters said.
Mr Merritt explained he put out fertiliser year that he doesn’t believe was used by the crop. His fertiliser applications in 2019 will reviewed with this in mind.
“We will be holding off on some fertiliser this year given what is left over from last year.”
Nitrogen fertiliser purchase and scheduling has been something that both growers felt has challenged them in the past.
“It is a challenge to make nitrogen decisions. Hopefully nitrogen decisions will be easier this year with higher subsoil moisture,” Mr Batters explained.
Soil sampling is going to be undertaken on both farms this year, with Mr Batters finding soil sampling information very helpful for determining inputs for their export oaten hay paddocks.
Mr Merritt does soil sampling over multiple paddocks and zones, but with sampling only occurring in recent weeks, analysis information will be available a bit late with decision making happening now.
“I wish we had tested earlier as we are making our fertiliser purchases now,” said Mr Merritt.
Technology was a hot topic, with Mr Batters interested in looking into soil moisture probes.
“I am interested in soil moisture probes to better understand our soil types and water holding capacity.”
Mr Merritt said, “I am looking into more of the weed technology where there is a physical chipping of the weed.”
BCG members can listen to all recordings for all BCG Trials Review Day presentations on the BCG website; www.bcg.org.au. BCG memberships can be purchased on the website, to access this content and information.
This article was published in the Stock and Land, 21 February 2019.
