Linc farms 2388 hectares of which 648 hectares is leased, with his parents Roger and Dianne. In 2018, 2024 hectares were sown to crop, while the remaining was brown manure. Linc has recently been named chair of the Agriculture Victoria Internet of Things (IoT) broadacre reference committee, which is part of an overall $12 million agri-tech trial occurring in the state.
Where: Kinnabulla
Enterprise mix: Wheat and barley approximately 50%, canola 15%, lentils 20%, brown manure/fallow 15% with some year to year adjustments with all these percentages.
Soil type: We’ve got a range of heavy clay to red loam to clay loam with a little bit of sand.
What is IoT and why were you interested in being involved?
The IoT project will test on-farm digital technologies and improve digital connectivity. Therefore, looking at what might be practical for farmers and aiding the uptake of these technologies. I was approached by Agriculture Victoria about this role and it seemed like a great opportunity. I personally hope I can get a lot out of it which could lead to bigger things for our farm.
Looking forward to 2019, what are your rotation and enterprise-mix plans?
Our farm recently had 160-200 ml rain over two days which means we will go into 2019 with a lot of confidence. The crop rotation will basically stay the same, but we may consider now replacing a lentil paddock with chickpeas, or the crazy thought of trying faba beans again – maybe.
With the stored moisture we currently have, it shouldn’t take a huge growing season to achieve good results.
What are your plans and goals for 2019? Do you have a special focus?
No real special plans for 2019, just stick to what I’m doing with cropping. Although in the last week my plans have gone from focusing on growing low-input 2019 crops, to knowing we’re in with a chance and applying more to achieve the yield potential.
Will you be taking some time off before sowing?
I’ll definitely be taking time off through January and February at times, most likely will get down the beach and plenty of river fishing trips after the first round of summer weed spraying is completed in January.
