Memories were made in ankle deep mud on Wednesday (September 14) when close to 400 farmers braved the elements to attend the 2016 BCG Main Field Day at Warmur.
We weren't joking when we said ankle-deep @VicCountryHour !#rain #mud #Birchip #grain #spring pic.twitter.com/da0Y1yBmsC
— Danielle Grindlay (@danigrindlay) September 14, 2016
In a stark contrast to the 2014 and 2015 field day, the research paddock was a sight to behold with healthy cereal, canola and pulse trials framed by rivers of mud, large puddles and tracks created by the hundreds of gumboot covered feet that sloshed through the bog.
BCG members combining crop research updates with training for @ToughMudder at #BCGMFD16 today! #mudgloriousmud pic.twitter.com/SlvPRaFz1b
— Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) (@BCG_Birchip) September 14, 2016
But more notable was the jubilant atmosphere that even wind and rain could not dampen as farmers caught up with their friends and neighbours and happily reported on how much rain they had received.
“We’re not complaining,” was the common response from farmers when asked about the challenging conditions.
The highlight of the day for most was the trial tours held in the morning.
Farmers, undeterred by the heavy tracks and showers of rain, visited a number of the research trials and heard from researchers and agronomists about a range of topics including crop diseases this season, canola and pulse management, crop varieties, pest control, mixed pasture systems, gibberellic acid use and crop nutrition.
BCG events manager Ciara Cullen said she couldn’t believe the enthusiasm exhibited by the crowd despite the mud, slush and inclement conditions.
“The site has received more than 40mm of rain over the last two days, and that was on top of about 20mm received late last week,” she said.
“We did think about cancelling the event but with marquee up, the presenters booked and the catering already ordered, we decided to go ahead.”
Ms Cullen said despite a few nerves as people began the long trek into the site, which was inaccessible to vehicles, the event had exceeded expectations in terms of both attendance and feedback.
“It just goes to show how committed farmers are to their businesses and to their own professional development,” she said.
“They recognise that this event provides them with information and expertise that they can use to continue to improve on the terrific and professional job they are already doing.”
Evidence that WimmeraMallee farmers are committed to learning, growing & improving. #BCGMFD16 @agronomeiste pic.twitter.com/zgp7PKeBRt
— Justine Severin (@Sevrowe) September 16, 2016
After lunch, growers filed into the marquee for afternoon presentations. Although undercover there was no escaping the mud and puddles with the rain that came earlier in the week having left its mark.
Inside the tent at the @BCG_Birchip field day pic.twitter.com/nppX84hOU7
— Emma Brown (@EmmaMaggieB) September 14, 2016
With opening keynote speaker Jud Wheatley (de Bruin Engineering) running late due to his own ‘bogging’ mishap en route, popular presenter Dale Grey (Agriculture Victoria) was first up to deliver the spring seasonal outlook.
With the sound of more rain in the background, Mr Grey’s address only added to the joyous atmosphere as he interpreted the weather models.
He said despite a La Nina being unlikely at this stage, most models were suggesting an average to wetter than average spring.
De Bruin engineer Jud Wheatley then delivered a thought provoking address about the integrated Harrington Seed Destructor – a device which can capture and destroy weed seeds at harvest time and reduce farmers’ reliance on herbicides.
The day then concluded with a discussion about the return on investment for grain storage and an analysis of the grain, pulse and canola markets this year.
BCG CEO Chris Sounness said he was thrilled with the event.
“Despite everything the trials looked fantastic and I’m certain everyone would have taken something out of the day,” he said.
“The BCG team has once again delivered an event that is highly worthwhile to our members and the broader agricultural industry, and this one, undoubtedly, will be one we will remember.”
And so we conclude #BCGMFD16. An excellent day pulled together by the @BCG_Birchip team, challenge conquered! pic.twitter.com/E5wwt9rSvC
— Ciara Cullen (@clcullen_) September 14, 2016
