A BCG machinery modification morning held in Culgoa on 28 February drew the interest of over 60 farmers from across the region. Held on the property of Des Witney, the day involved four local farmers showcasing their seeding set ups and providing some important information about their individual experiences of moving into a no-till sowing system.
Cameron Warne spoke about his Jenke system, Des Witney showcased his Hordwood Bagshaw Scari-bar set up, while Neil Leuhman talked through his Flexi Coil set up. Phil Penny from Case IH O’Connor’s Birchip, discussed the key features of their new DBS Ausplough parallelogram system, a system which John White from Wycheproof has just purchased. John White talked through his decision making process as to why he has purchased this particular seeding system.
It was a great opportunity for farmers to talk through aspects of changing systems and ask questions of other farmers who had already made the transition into a no-till system. Key issues of row spacings, tine arrangements and press wheels were high on the list of discussion topics.
The morning was facilitated by Fiona Best, BCG Extension Coordinator, who said “Farmers sharing their experiences, both the positives and the not so positive, is one of the best ways for other farmers to avoid costly oversights, particularly when changing machinery set ups”.
Despite the weather conditions being cold and blustery the day promoted valuable discussion and provided participants with some important take home messages about moving into a no-till system. After the official part of the morning had concluded, farmers took the opportunity to catch up one on one with the presenting farmers about their machines.
As part of the Flexible Farming Systems project, BCG and VNTFA have produced a number of fact sheets to assist farmers to make a smooth transition into no-till.
