As one of the initiatives of BCG’s involvement in the Vic Drought Hub, BCG is proud to present the second generation of Over the Fence viewed through the lens of drought resilience.
The series seeks to capture pearls of wisdom derived from lived experiences, share information, and inspire innovative approaches to proactive risk mitigation. Additionally, the series will spotlight the diverse business profiles thriving in the region, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of our local communities.
Over the coming months, eNews will feature some of the stories, generously shared by the region’s farmers for the book. In this instalment, we turn our attention to the forefront of many agricultural minds – summer spraying. Enjoy reading insights into the weed management tactics employed by seasoned Goodnight farmer, Peter Best.
Weed Management: WeedSeeker® – Peter BestÂ
The home base for Peter Best is at Goodnight southern NSW in a 300 mm rainfall zone near the junction of the Wakool and Murray River. Peter and his wife Sarah live at Goodnight with children Olivia (eight), Jasmine (six) and Leo (four). Peter also has an interest in a cropping station which is 65 km north east of Mildura, named Petro. The crop types grown include wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas, vetch, oats and occasionally canola. In July 2022 an almond orchard was also established at Goodnight. Between the two enterprises 16000 ha is cropped annually, approximately 5500 ha at Goodnight and the remainder at Petro. To cover that area and manage the orchard, nine people are employed full time across both locations.
There is no set rotation as paddocks are treated individually to best manage weeds and disease. Typically, this results in a relatively even split between cereal and break crops.
You have a WEED-IT. How did you make the decision to purchase one? What were the driving weeds behind the purchase?Â
The decision wasn’t an overly complicated one, it was driven purely by savings achieved spraying only where the weeds are growing rather than the traditional 100 percent blanket. The main species we see in this area over summer are melons, heliotrope, caltrop and skeleton weed. Of late and especially following the wet season, we have just experienced milk thistle and fleabane has reared their head in a big way. Using the WEED-IT technology gives us the flexibility to target hard to kill weeds with higher rates and more potent chemistry.
What are the benefits associated with using your WEED-IT on farm?Â
Depending on the weed density, we see 50 – 90 percent chemical savings on a summer spray. This, along with the ability to economically control fleabane and other hard to kill weeds, are the key advantages. It also allows us to be fussy with summer weeds whilst minimising costs.
Do you have a strategy when using your WEED-IT?Â
There is no set strategy. The WEED-IT is used in all paddocks every year. In a typical summer, the first spray is applied as a blanket as weed populations at that time are too dense to gain advantage from spot spraying. Subsequent germinations are generally sparse and are better suited to the WEED-IT.
What is the average number of times you are now spraying paddocks over summer? Do you do economics on spraying or is this something your agronomist does?Â
In an average summer I budget for one blanket spray and two spot sprays; some years it’s more, others less. In this area, it has been proven beyond doubt that summer weed control is one of the main drivers of yield. In a typical season, good summer weed control results in a gain of between one and two tonnes per hectare in cereals. In drier seasons this can be the difference between growing a crop or leaving the header in the shed. I sit down and do the economics on spraying each year.
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About the Vic Hub
The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is a state-wide collaboration of 10 organisations.
Led by the University of Melbourne and with headquarters at UM’s Dookie Campus, the Vic Hub is a Partnership between five farming organisations (Birchip Cropping Group, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, Riverine Plains and Southern Farming Systems), four universities (UM, Deakin, Federation and La Trobe), and the State Government (through Agriculture Victoria).
One of eight hubs established nationally through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund (FDF), the Vic Hub works to enhance the drought preparedness and resilience of Victoria’s agricultural industries, the environment and regional communities, encompassing broader agricultural innovation. Engaging with a range of industry and community stakeholders, the Vic Hub links research with community needs for sustainable outcomes.
For more information on the Vic Hub and its work, please visit https://vicdroughthub.org.au
