“Knowledge is the key” was the message from presenters at the 2018 BCG Trials Review Day held at Birchip last Friday as growers from across the Mallee and Wimmera filled the Birchip Leisure Centre to get the latest in grains and livestock research.
After what was considered a challenging year by many farmers in the district reporting below average rainfall and yields, the day offered a chance to reflect on the learnings of 2018 and to plan effectively for 2019.
BCG Research Officer, Genevieve Clarke shared results from trials looking at early sowing of winter wheat varieties.
Ms Clarke said from two years of trials (2017 and 2018), we have seen two very different seasons.
“If considering sowing wheat early, it is important not only to understand your stored soil moisture levels but also the rainfall that is received in that early break.”
“10mm may not be enough moisture at sowing to establish a crop early, particularly on heavy soil types” she added.
In his presentation, BCG’s Cameron Taylor urged growers to think strategically about canola sowing dates to get the most out of the variety chosen and mitigate risks such as frost damage or moisture stress.
“Over the last four years, fast to mid-fast developing varieties are best suited to Mallee and Wimmera environments when sown at the correct time to ensure flowering in the optimal window” he said.
Harm van Rees, CropFacts, explained results of a yield gap analysis of Mallee, southern Mallee and Wimmera regions saying as yield gap shrinks, it will become more difficult to increase yield however planning, understanding the limitations, such as soil moisture, and using “all the tools available” was key.
There was also a sense of optimism as considerable summer rainfall in December means summer weed spraying, and conserving soil moisture, could offer great yield potential for 2019.
A joint presentation by Cameron Taylor and Harm van Rees highlighted how summer soil testing is a useful tool to identify current soil moisture and nutrient status.
“Gathering baseline data now will assist growers to make decisions for the 2019 growing season, especially nitrogen and soil moisture status, which will assist with fertiliser decision-making” Mr Taylor said.
The 2019 Trials Review Day was held for BCG members. Comprehensive reports on the topics discussed on the day, were included in the 2018 Season Research Results publication produced for BCG members. To become a BCG member, and receive a copy of the 2018 BCG Season Research Results phone BCG on 03 5492 2787.
