A discussion group of farming women from across the Wimmera and Mallee met in Birchip yesterday for the third time in 2015 as part of the BCG and State Government joint initiative growth, adoption, productivity, profitability (GAPP).
The meeting, entitled ‘harvest and beyond’ provided tools and information relevant for production and profit on farms right now beginning with Julia Hausler, a Warracknabeal farmer and ex-grain marketing lecturer.
In her presentation, Ms Hausler shared her experience and gave examples of grain marketing management on her farm and provided some advice for making grain marketing easier.
Ms Hausler urged participants to do their homework to know what they are growing and how much it costs to produce.
“One of the biggest mistakes farmers make is selling below their production costs,” she said.
Ms Hausler also encouraged the participants to ‘think like a trader’.
“Have your day book on hand and record your conversations with your marketer, also, be clear on the difference between a quote and contract.” she said.
Following a discussion on grain marketing, BCG public relations officer Justine Severin provided an interactive workshop about social media and how platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Blogs, SoundCloud/podcasting and YouTube can be used as a useful tool in agriculture.
Ms Severin reflected on the rapid development of digital technologies and the social media opportunities it presents. She said social media platforms were important for “creating our own stories” and providing an opportunity to ‘push back’ on the messages we are given and provide an alternative or localised view. The almost exponential uptake of Twitter in Australian agriculture, has been a great example of how farmers and industry can promote their ideas, products and services.
The final indoor sessions concluded with a presentation from BCG commercial services manager Cameron Taylor about herbicide mode of action and herbicide residue which has caused some damage in crops this year due to reduced rainfall.
Mr Taylor explained the basics of herbicide modes of action by either contact or systemic means and how chemical use can lead to the weed resistance, “most resistance happens in systemic herbicides” he said.
Mr Taylor also outlined the influencing factors of herbicide breakdown. “All herbicides will leave a residue, but some persist for longer and it will depend on a range of things including microbial activity, soil type, organic matter, water, pH, fertility and temperature”.
Following the classroom sessions, the women’s group went to the McClelland’s property at Jil Jil to learn about the outcomes of a saltbush plantation for livestock management and sustainable resource management.
Leigh Pyke from Mallee CMA and Chris Korte of DEDJTR explained that five sites across the Mallee were sown with saltbush seedlings in June 2015. The initiative acknowledges that farmers play a key role in securing the health of the region’s natural and productive landscapes and that establishing saltbush plantations on areas of low productivity can transform land to have grazing value and improved soil management. Several members of the group already graze saltbush on their properties and were able to share their knowledge.
Despite the tough seasonal conditions, the women focused on what they can do to manage the season accordingly through learning and shared experiences in a relaxed and informal environment.
For further information or to register your interest, contact the BCG office on (03) 5492 2787.
