“BCG’s Trials Review Day was invaluable for me leading up to the growing season,” said Wycheproof grower and adviser Ben Brennan discussing BCG’s Trials Review Day held last Friday at the Birchip Leisure Centre. “The information on up-and-coming varieties, the latest research, hearing what worked and what didn’t last season and ways to combat these challenges was relevant and timely. It was certainly worth my time.”
“The Getting the Crop in session with Tim Pohlner, Matt Bissett and Luke Maher was great. Hearing these respected agronomists from across the Wimmera Mallee speak openly, particularly around the pre-emergent issues of last season and their advice moving forward was beneficial for me.
The NVT barley and wheat varieties presentation was also a highlight for Ben: “As an advisor I collect a lot of data and opinions about a variety before I recommend it to growers. There is a lot of data in the NVT results. Having BCG’s lead NVT researcher Brooke Bennett deliver the results in such a simple summary was excellent.”
Grain storage
Grain storage was also a topic of interest with Primary Business’s grain storage expert Chris Warrick’s interactive presentation drawing interest from the crowd. Chris encouraged attendees to commit to monitoring their grain regularly for insects as well as for temperature.
“In warm conditions many grain pests can complete their lifecycle in as little as three to four weeks causing significant damage. By monitoring for pests early and knowing how to identify which pest/s are present this can help growers detect problems early and manage them before significant grain damage occurs. Early monitoring can also avoid surprises and costly rejections on delivery,” Chris said.
“Temperature is important. Reducing the temperature through correct aeration can dramatically reduce pest numbers and make managing the pest an easier and more effective task.”
Grain silo bags were also of interest with audience members asking how best to treat grain in this storage now that it is required by some bulk handlers for any grain delivered post-harvest.
“After treatment, grain in silo bags needs to be vented to ensure residues are reduced to an acceptable level prior to delivery. This can be challenging in a silo bag. A phosphine clearance meter is the surest way to avoid residue rejections,” Chris concluded.
Networking
Culgoa’s Georgie Warne said she never misses Trials Review Day: “There is always something that I learn that I’m excited to try on farm. I also really enjoy the social side: meeting new people and catching up with those I don’t get to see every day. I inevitably learn something at morning tea or lunch that further adds to the day.”
Image: Aaron Tonkin and Dave Tuppen discussing Goldacres’ Weedetect artificial technology at BCG’s Trials Review Day.
