Birchip Cropping Group will present two more ‘Farming after the Drought’ workshops this month.
The workshops, which are being delivered on behalf of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, will be held at Normanville on June 17 and at Sheep Hills on June 22.
The focus of these workshops will be in-season decision-making in a year when farmers are looking to recover after two of the driest seasons on record.
Facilitating the workshop will be experienced farm consultant Kate Burke (ThinkAgri). Dr Burke will guide the discussion which will highlight the likely impact of agronomic decisions can have on overall profitability and how to identify areas where savings can be made.
AGRIvision agronomist Craig Muir will add a local perspective to the conversation at Normanville while Simon Severin (Agritech Rural) has been secured for the Sheep Hills event.
These local agronomists will provide details about the current performance of district crops and any emerging issues growers should be wary of.
The seasonal forecast (including scenario analysis), in-season weed, disease and pest control, crop nutrition, crop monitoring and the optimum to time to terminate vetch will also be covered during the workshop.
A range of tools growers can use to support decision-making and build confidence will be highlighted including Yield Prophet® and soil moisture probes.
BCG extension manager Ciara Cullen said the workshops were part of a series of eight delivered this year to support farmers recovering from drought in the Wimmera and Mallee.
“The workshops have motivated some robust discussion about the consequences of the past two dry years and how best to negotiate the year ahead,” she said.
“This month’s workshops will specifically focus on the decisions that have a real impact on farm profitability, including grain marketing, managing cash flow and reviewing budgets.
“It’s also an opportunity for farmers to learn how they can use the tools and information available to inform the practical decisions they make on the farm, and how this relates to overall profitability.”
The GRDC farming after the drought workshops will be held at Sandhill Lakes fire station from 8.30-12.30pm on Friday, June 17 and at Sheep Hills Hall from 8.30-12.30pm on Wednesday, June 22. The workshops are free with lunch and morning tea provided. To register your attendance or find out more phone BCG on (03) 5492 2787 or email [email protected].
