It’s a busy and energising time across the region, with growers preparing for sowing and spraying following recent rainfall. The rainfall at the beginning of March has been a positive start to the season. Heading into sowing with moisture in the profile provides a strong foundation and gives growers the opportunity to set up their programs with greater confidence. There’s a strong focus on eliminating the green bridge and conserving valuable soil moisture ahead of sowing, setting paddocks up to make the most of the conditions we’ve been given.
The cost of production remains front of mind, with diesel and urea prices increasing and supply remaining a key concern. While these pressures are real, they also reinforce the importance of informed, timely decision making. Farming has never been without its challenges and across our region there is a strong depth of experience, capability and support to draw on.
This is where the work BCG is doing continues to play an important role. Our focus on nitrogen use efficiency is helping growers better understand their N banks, what’s already in the system, and where to prioritise inputs. In a higher cost environment, these insights are proving increasingly valuable in supporting confident, well-informed decisions.
At a board level, BCG is currently reviewing its strategic direction, with an increased focus on applying an economic lens across our trials, projects and events to support informed decision making. Supporting practical, informed decision making remains at the core of what we do. While cost is a key consideration, timing, labour, efficiency and practicality are equally important in shaping on farm outcomes.
As we head into sowing, we wish all growers a productive, safe and successful start to sowing.
Warm regards,
Brett Hosking
Chair, Birchip Cropping Group
