The BCG team turned the page on the 2016 research year with the results of many trials presented at the Trials Review Day on February 17.
The day saw more than 150 farmers and consultants turn up to hear new developments and BCG research officer Jessica Lemon said it was fulfilling to share the results from a busy but rewarding season.
“Trials Review is our opportunity to present the findings from all of the long days spent in the paddock sowing, spraying, assessing and harvesting trials plus statically analysing data and writing reports,”
“It is also an opportunity to touch base with members and bounce our upcoming trial ideas off them and obtain some valuable feedback about relevant issues.”
Similarly, the Mallee and Wimmera advisory committees are made up of BCG members who meet twice per year to provide on-the-ground direction and support for the research and extension program.
Each committee met during February to discuss the research priorities for the research and extension program and how we allocate some of the members’ money to deliver on these priorities.
In recent weeks BCG confirmed that the location of its 2017 main research site and Main Field Day will be Curyo, 25km north-west of Birchip.
Moving the main research site each year allows BCG to deliver relevant research to a broader audience by changing climates, soil types, weed and disease pressure and farming systems.
BCG is fortunate to have two paddocks side-by-side with Craig Rickard’s paddock being a lentil stubble and Jim Rickard’s paddock being a fallow. This year also marks the year of BCG’s 25th anniversary and 25 years of Main Field Days.
Topography maps were gathered last week by BCG’s drone and soil testing has been done so we can begin to plan the location of each trial on the paddocks.
Soil tests are being conducted at all BCG research sites to ensure that any soil constraints are identified and all nutrient and moisture levels are known prior to sowing.
Interpreting soil test results can be confusing, but important to do to enable implementation of farm management and nutrition decisions surrounding the results.
In addition to soil sampling, seed ordering, trial design and protocol development, research site identification, annual project meetings and reporting are all underway.
BCG is offering a soil sampling in 2017 and more information can be found on the soil sampling flyer 2017, or you can complete your expression of interest online or by phoning the BCG office on 03 5492 2787.
