The much anticipated 2016 Main Field Day is on again this Wednesday September 14, and in stark contrast to the last two years, this time attendees are advised to “bring their gumboots!”
This Wednesday morning, farmers from across the Wimmera Mallee will converge on the Warmur site for the annual field day, with guest speakers covering a range of topics.
BCG CEO Chris Sounness said he was expecting a great turn out to what will be a very informative day.
“We have experts representing all different aspects of the farming community who will help growers to get the most out of this season as it draws to a close,” he said.
As exhibited over the last two weeks the weather is continuously changing. Agriculture Victoria climate agronomist Dale Grey will provide insight in to recent weather patterns and interpret what the models are predicting for the rest of the growing season.
Also presenting during the afternoon is Jud Wheatley (de Bruin Engineering), Chris Warrick (Primary Business) and Colin Peace (JumbukAG), who will discuss the Integrated Harrington Seed Destructor, grain storage and grain and hay marketing, respectively.
Site walks will be conducted during the day allowing attendees the opportunity get a first-hand look at field research while hearing and contributing to discussions about crop nutrition options, pest, weed and disease management and other issues that have arisen this season.
Along with the guest presenters, a number of BCG research staff members will be on hand to showcase and discuss their field research projects. Among them is BCG research manager Claire Browne who will present the wheat variety trials and discuss how the various varieties are performing this season.
Farm consultant Simon Craig (Farm 360), who has worked with BCG for over a decade, is also booked for the event. This year he will focus on volunteer cereal control, with trials at the site testing a range of herbicide options to control volunteer wheat in barley and volunteer barley in wheat (wharley).
Mr Sounness said that the wide variety of trials being undertaken this year, and favourable weather conditions, had the site looking impressive and Warmur had proven to be a wonderful location for the event.
“The BCG team have worked hard to provide an event that is highly worthwhile to our members and the broader agricultural industry,” he said.
“However, to accommodate anticipated wet conditions this week, attendees should bring coats, umbrellas and gumboots.”
The 2016 BCG Main Field Day is at Warmur (18kms south west of Birchip on the Warracknabeal-Birchip road) on September 14. Gates open at 8.15am for breakfast, with trial tours and information sessions running from 9am to 4pm.
Entry is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members, with breakfast and lunch available for purchase on site (proceeds towards the Birchip P-12 School Cambodia project).
For details contact BCG on 5492 2787 or log on at www.bcg.org.au/events.
