University of South Australia farm machinery researcher Dr Jack Desbiolles will discuss seeder selection at Birchip Cropping Group’s (BCG) Trials Review Day this Friday (February 19).
He has working linkages with the farming industry and machinery manufacturers, at both local and regional levels, and actively disseminates research findings to support broad-scale adoption within the industry.
At Birchip Leisure Centre this Friday Dr Desbiolles will discuss matching machinery to your environment, including the implications of wider row spacings, the pros and cons of paired row systems, seeder performance in swale dune systems, edge row sowing for access to moisture and liquid banding of fungicides for rhizoctonia management.
Dr Desbiolles is among a top line up of speakers to be taking part in BCG’s popular trials review day.
The event provides farmers with an opportunity to reflect on last season, hear about the latest research findings and discuss and debate how practice change might influence production outcomes and profitability in 2016.
The day’s program also includes the presentation and interpretation of local research results, advice on farm business management after a below average season and the climate prediction for the season ahead.
BCG will present many of its 2016 research results from crop variety comparisons and barley agronomy field trials, as well as the findings for weed control research looking at alternative knockdown options and the impact of row spacing and crop competition.
Other topics on the agenda include the interaction between crop nutrition and frost, seed treatments, grain and graze and sprouting tolerance.
BCG contract services manager Cameron Taylor will discuss new technologies and how BCG intends to use it to enhance research operations in 2016 and highly regarded farm consultants Harm van Rees (Cropfacts) and Phil O’Callaghan (ORM) will share their experiences and expertise around farm spending and profitability.
The event will close with a look at the climate models and what they are predicting for 2016. Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) climate specialist Dale Grey will lead this presentation and discuss what this data might mean for grain growers this year.
The BCG Trials Review Day is for BCG Members only. Non-members can purchase a membership prior to the event or on the day. Registration is from 8:15am with sessions to begin at 9:00am sharp. For more information, including a full program, visit www.bcg.org.au or phone (03) 5492 2787.
GRDC project No. BWD00024, ‘Advancing profitable farming systems – stubble’
