ONE
Many crops were nitrogen-limited this year but BCG nutrition trials suggest it only took between 40 and 80kg of N for crops to reach yield potential. Consider the time it takes for N to become available to the plant (10-14 days after application) and your yield potential in light of the medium to long range climate forecast.
TWO
It can rain in spring but this brings a whole different set of management challenges. This year it meant more nitrogen, more diseases and more insects.
THREE
Australia is not immune to exotic pests as we saw with the discovery of Russian wheat aphid. Be vigilant, informed and don’t panic. Understand economic thresholds and other management options before making any irreversible and potentially costly decisions.
FOUR
Soil constraints and their impact on crops are very obvious in wet years. Recognise where these constraints are and manage appropriately (eg. drainage, nutrient application). Tools such as drones, yield maps and soil maps can help.
FIVE
Have a disease management plan and keep potential supply-chain issues in mind. In 2016, ascochyta resistance genes broke down in some chickpea varieties demonstrating the need to have a back-up plan as well.
SIX
Secondary tiller growth and late season weeds caused headaches for barley growers this year and many opted to windrow crops or to crop-top. Review the paddocks where this occurred – was it the right decision for you?
SEVEN
Lodging was widespread in 2016, reducing yields and frustrating header drivers. Compass barley was a consistent culprit. Remember, it’s unwise to change varieties based on a single characteristic especially if, historically, it has been a consistent performer.
EIGHT
Understand your return on inputs, especially in a year that has high input costs and low market values.
NINE
Even in a good season, sheep have continued to deliver on Wimmera and Mallee farms with good returns coming from meat and wool production this year.
TEN
Having on-farm storage is useful when yields are high and cash grain prices are low, but remember that on-farm storage is a long-term investment and should be carefully considered. Do the sums, calculating storage costs, opportunity costs and the breakeven price at which you should consider selling your grain.
