GAPP participants who met at Nhill, Quambatook and Birchip this week praised the initiative for providing a forum which delivers relevant information, challenges cultural practices and encourages open discussion.
The focus of the three meetings was on recognising and controlling farm business costs, the season forecast and how to interpret climatic models and how to use tools such as Yield Prophet® to support in-crop nutrition decisions.
Presenter Simon Craig (Farm 360) presented hypothetical management and agronomic issues which participants worked through as a group.
Questions about buying more land, managing weed patches in large paddocks and value-adding were examined and solutions offered.
DEDJTR climate specialist Dale Grey showed the GAPP members how to interpret climate models which happily point to an IOD- and a La Nina year, which means a higher than average chance of rainfall.
Dale added the caveat however, that where models are concerned, there is always room for error and variation.
Leading from discussions about weather and rainfall, members were keen to address challenges around crop nutrition and top-dressing logistics.
The group heard how the Yield Prophet® crop forecasting tool could be used to help make decisions about when and where it would be beneficial to apply fertiliser.
The meeting concluded with a crop walk that focused on identifying crop growth stages, sowing depth and density, emergence, early stage weed identification and monitoring for pests and disease, particularly Russian Wheat Aphid.
BCG facilitates eight GAPP groups – Hopetoun, Manangatang, Rupanyup, Horsham, West Wimmera, Southern Mallee, Quambatook and a Women’s Group. For information or to join a group phone Linda Walters (03) 5492 2787.
