A productive, sustainable and profitable farming future
Looking towards helping farmers to secure a productive, sustainable and profitable future, this year BCG will focus on identifying ways growers can refine their systems and improve efficiencies.
BCG will investigate ways to farm smarter, drawing on grower knowledge and experience as well as information from industry experts and research findings.
BCG CEO David Chamberlin said the theme would highlight the long-term implications farm decisions can have on the farm business.
“Often we are focused on the season in front of us,” he said.
“While being responsive and adaptive according to the season is necessary, the decisions we make today do have implications for tomorrow. BCG aims to support farmers to get the most out of this season as well as the seasons ahead.”
Mr Chamberlin said BCG recognised the increasing complexity of today’s farm businesses, and arising issues that could potentially limit productivity including herbicide resistance, labour shortages, climate variability and increasing marketing responsibilities.
“There is also a rising world demand for food and potentially less rain and declining arable land with which to produce it so, we need to ensure growers are provided with the information needed to continue to increase long-term agricultural productivity,” he said.
“This might include refining farm practices to increase efficiency, but it can also extend to things such as marketing, managing labour and selecting the right farming software for your business.”
Mr Chamberlin said BCG was committed to supporting growers to navigate their agronomic, economic and management responsibilities.
He said BCG would continue to research and promote smart, input-efficient farming practices designed to preserve the land and environment, sustain and enhance its fertility and prolong the life expectancy of the tools growers currently take advantage of.
This year much of BCG’s research will take place at Watchupga east.
The 2013 main research site is 25km north of Birchip on the corner of Sea Lake-Birchip and Watchupga roads, in a paddock currently farmed by John and Sammy Mitchell.
Trials Co-ordinator Claire Browne said the paddock selected for this year’s trial site featured a lighter soil type than the 2012 Main Site.
“We’re looking forward to getting into the season, working with the Mitchell family, and delivering findings that will benefit farmers both locally, and beyond,” she said.
