Birchip Cropping Group’s main research site will be open for inspection on September 14, as part of the much anticipated 2016 Main Field Day. Thanks to substantial winter rainfall, the site at Warmur is looking spectacular with close to 20 field trials contributing to a colourful display. But according to BCG extension manager Ciara Cullen,
Hay production in 2015 was a viable option for many growers. With growing season rainfall in 2015 being among the lowest on record, and grain production predicted to be poor, approximately 50 per cent of Wimmera and Mallee cereal crops were cut for hay. In 2015 BCG ran a versatile oat evaluation trial at Berriwillock,
Women’s GAPP group members had the chance to get their hands dirty and in the process they learned more about their soils and crops at a soil water workshop hosted by BCG last Thursday (August 18). The interaction between soil nitrogen and soil moisture was the focus of the day, with Anne Jackman, Harm van
The many benefits that come with enterprise diversity in mixed farming systems were highlighted at BCG’s fourth annual Sheep Management Showcase on Wednesday (August 17). The buoyant mood at the popular event was undoubtedly a reflection of the good state of the sheep industry at the moment and with forecasts suggesting that the good prices
The Mallee and Wimmera is looking a picture and canola is starting to turn the country side yellow. Disease seems to be at the front and centre of our minds -remember to get out of the ute and have a good look when inspecting for disease in crops. Table 1. Rainfall and deciles across the Wimmera and Mallee. DURATION (MM) OUYEN MANANG’ SWAN HILL SEA LAKE BIRCHIP HOPET’N CHARLTON RUP’ W’BEAL LONGY NHILL KANIVA BOORT Jan – July 169 (5) 148 (4) 176 (4) 195 (5) 191 (5) 203 (5) 262 (7) 310 (8) 238 (6) 245 (6) 239 (6) 295 (8) 260 (7) GSR (Apr-July) 123 (6) 102 (4) 117 (5) 134 (6) 144 (6) 119 (5) 181 (6) 213 (8) 174 (7) 176 (6) 152 (4) 193 (5) 175 (7) August (1-15) 15 19 19 18 12 9 22 28 12 20 10 11 26 Climate Predictions for average to slightly above average rainfall over spring remain, with summer rainfall now looking to be average. Spring temperatures are also predicted to be average. The IOD- shows some signs of weakening but models predict it will continue for the next three months. There’s still an outside chance of a La Niña but it will be a weak one if it does occur (Source: Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria). There is a strong forecast for 9-13mm in the Mallee and 14-18mm in the Wimmera late Thursday night through to early Friday morning. Forecasts for a wet harvest are not strong this year, so bear this in mind when planning for harvest. Temperatures This year continues to be warm, with the warmest on record from January 1 to August and the third highest growing season on record. This is due to the higher minimum temperatures as opposed to higher day time temperatures. Figure 1. Accumulated heat-sum base 0 for the January to August season compared to historical events (days since season start). Yield Prophet, Warmur The current growing season rainfall is a Decile 5 and equates to 50% probability on the grain yield outcome graph (Figure 2). Currently, the solid green line indicates a 50% probability of a 3.2t/ha wheat yield with the current nitrogen (N) supply, but with the addition of N the yield could increase to 3.7t/ha. Note: the dotted lines on the grain yield outcome graph represent the probable influence of frost and heat on yield. The gap between the dotted and solid lines converges as yield increases indicating that the effect of frost and heat shock is greater in the worse years with lighter yields. Figure 2. Yield Prophet® grain yield outcome for the main research site at Warmur. Insects RLEM, Oat aphids and Cowpea aphids have been found in vetch and cereal crops, continue to monitor and use sticky traps to identify the level of beneficials present. Russian Wheat Aphids, whilst their movement has slowed in recent months, they will be on the move as the temperatures increase. As we progress into the latergrowth stages, the threshold
Farmers from across the Wimmera, Mallee and beyond will converge at Birchip Leisure Centre this Wednesday for BCG’s fourth annual Sheep Management Showcase. With a focus on profitable mixed farming systems, the crowd will hear from specialists in sheep flock management, animal health and reproduction, mixed farming systems, technology and more. Product demonstrations are part
Information on this website is not a scientific journal and has been prepared solely as a means of disseminating information to the members of BCG and the community. Content on this website has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information available at the date of publication. Although all reasonable care has been taken in producing the reports within, the authors do not warrant that the content is free from errors or omissions. The authors and BCG does not accept any liability for the contents of this publication or any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred from relying on the information within. Readers are responsible for assessing the relevance and accuracy of the contents of this website. Products may be identified by propriety or trade names to help readers identify them, however, this is not an endorsement or recommendation of any product or manufacturer referred to.
Receive the latest research, extension and event news direct to your inbox! For a limited time, receive a free technical bulletin when you subscribe.