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, the field day promises to deliver much more than an attractive backdrop.
“We have a full day planned featuring highly regarded industry experts who will talk to farmers about a range of agronomic issues and options to improve the profitability of their crops,” she said.
The day kicks off with breakfast from 8.15am then site host Dan Boyle will give an overview of the paddock and his farming enterprise at 9am.
Attendees can select from one of four site tours which will visit various research trials where BCG research staff, agricultural scientists and leading industry professionals will be on hand to discuss the trials and answer questions.
Topics being covered include gypsum management, wheat nutrition, volunteer cereal control, late glyphosate use in barley, gibberellic acid in lentils, vetch and oats, pasture systems and hay marketing, canola management, wheat, barley and pulse variety selection, integrated pest management and more.
In the afternoon keynote speakers include integrated Harrington Seed Destructor engineer Jud Wheatley (DeBruin Engineering), grain storage specialist Chris Warrick (Primary Business), and Colin Peace from JumbukAg who will discuss grain and hay marketing.
Afternoon discussions will also feature a presentation on header efficiency and stubble management and popular seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey will deliver the highly anticipated spring climate outlook.
Ms Cullen said the BCG team was looking forward to welcoming farmers to the annual field day, particularly with the trials looking so healthy this year.
“This event is designed to help growers and consultants learn about new agronomic strategies and products and opportunities to maximise crop yield and farm profitability,” she said.
“But it also a chance for growers to get off the farm, catch up with friends and neighbours and gain some perspective on the season and harvest which is looming ahead.”
The 2016 BCG main field day will be held at Warmur (18kms south-west of Birchip on the Birchip-Warracknabeal road).
Entry is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members, with lunch available for purchase on site. For details contact BCG on 5492 2787 or at www.bcg.org.au/events.
