BCG will launch two new young farmer groups at Quambatook and Nhill.
Delivered through the growth, adoption, production and profit (GAPP) initiative, the aim of this joint BCG and State Government project is to help farmers increase productivity and profitability through the adoption of new technologies and practices on-farm.
The GAPP concept was launched by BCG last year with groups established at Manangatang, Hopetoun, Horsham, Rupanyup and in the southern Mallee, as well as a women’s group which is based out of Birchip.
Members meet regularly (3-4 meetings) during the year to discuss agronomy and farm business management, and how one influences the other. The groups are supported by BCG research and extension staff and local agronomists.
Members also have access to industry specialists and farm business professionals who are invited to take part in meetings to share their expertise with growers and answer their questions.
Project manager Linda Walters said that so far the GAPP initiative had been well received with farmers using the groups as a vehicle to upskill.
“Members also appreciate the opportunity to assess their businesses and consider the direction they want to take them,” she said.
“We get some excellent speakers along but a lot of the learning comes from farmers talking to other farmers.
“This is particularly valuable for younger and up-and-coming farmers wanting to get a better understanding of the things that impact their bottom line.”
The inaugural West Wimmera and Quambatook GAPP meetings will be held March 22 (8am at St. Patrick’s school hall, Nhill) and March 23 (Quambatook golf club at 5pm).
The Women’s GAPP group will also resume next Wednesday (March 23) at 9.30am at BCG and more members are welcome.
Harm van Rees (Cropfacts) will present at next week’s meetings and discussion topics will include: cost of production and yield gaps; pre-emergent herbicide use; crop modeling and simulation (Yield Prophet®); and risk management.
Soil water and nutrient status of a local focus paddock that will feed into Yield Prophet® will also be analysed at each meeting.
The cost to be involved in a GAPP group is just $55 (inc. GST) pa. For more information or to register your attendance phone Linda Walters on (03) 5492 2787 or email [email protected].
