Despite a relatively dry June across the region, the Bureau of Meteorology’s ENSOOutlook shift to a La Nina WATCH has everyone feeling cautiously optimistic for the remainder of the season. The BCG research program in 2020 has increased to almost 10,000 plots across 24 locations and 35 paddocks being sown. This highlights an increased effort […]
Approximately one third of all Australian commercial scale farms across Australia produce hay each year. Export quality oaten hay demands a price premium but achieving quality standards set by hay buyers along with optimal yields can be tricky. BCG is currently running its second of three years of trial work as part of the National […]
The original GAPP program ran between 2015 and 2017 with the aim of increasing on-farm production and profitability, particularly among young farmers. The program brought in a range of agricultural professionals to present at discussion group meetings and crop walks over the course of the project. In the years since the project ended, we have […]
Have you got ideas on how to use sheep electronic ear tags or eIDs, but haven’t tried it yet? Do you want to reduce labour and time in the yards? Want to identify high or poor performing animals? Or just want to use your data to make better informed management decisions? If so, this project is for […]
This month BCG caught up with St Arnaud Farmer, Luke Batters. After starting a career as an agronomist, before becoming a barista in Bright for several years, Luke has returned to the family farm where the innovative spirit he has inherited from his father Barry has been the driving force behind his passion to test […]
Many growers and rural businesses continue to experience issues with mobile and internet connectivity that would be considered substandard and unacceptable in larger regional or metropolitan centres. As well as causing frustration among growers and employees, connectivity issues can have a significant economic impact. A 2017 paper published by BCG estimates that, for farm businesses across the Wimmera […]
SNAPSHOTOWNERS: Ash and Emma MoonLOCATION: Pyramid Hill, VictoriaFARM SIZE: 1700 hectaresANNUAL AVERAGE RAINFALL: 380mmSOIL TYPES: Tragowel clay, Macorna clay and Yarrawalla loamENTERPRISE MIX: Broadacre irrigated (50%) and dryland cropping (50%); flock of 300 Merino ewes producing first-cross lambsCROP PROGRAM (2019): Cereals 50% (Scout wheat, Spartacus barley), legumes 25% (PBA Hallmark XT (PBR) lentils, PBA Samira […]
This month BCG caught up with Hopetoun Farmer and local Football Coach, Coleman Schache. After a day in the paddock picking up some pretty sizable rocks unearthed deep ripping in the summer, Coleman managed to find some time in his busy schedule to have a chat about his farm, his community and his plans for the […]
I would like to congratulate the BCG staff on their completion of the full 2020 cropping trials program in the current Covid-19 environment. BCG look forward to presenting in season trials and results through numerous communication methods to our members, the agricultural community, sponsors and collaborators later in the year. I made comment during the 2020 sowing program that […]
Wimmera-Mallee growers advised to be aware of Wireworm activity. BCG Staff recently spoke to growers in the Wimmera about the discovery of Wireworm in a Canola crop, resulting in approximately 120 hectares of Canola being re-sown on one property near Murtoa. Damage to Canola was also reported at a property at Natimuk. “Two paddocks were really belted around” explained one grower “we […]
A new research project, being undertaken by Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), is investigating ways to improve crop biomass production and yield on the poor performing sandy soils common across the Mallee. The project, supported by the Mallee CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare program, is investigating the relationship between increased biomass production […]