Stripe rust, Weed-It spray technology and farm safety were discussed at the farmer-driven BCG Young Farmer Network’s (YFN) latest meetings.
Jeparit and surrounds and West Wimmera
Stripe rust and what it means for 2023 and farm safety were the topics chosen by the Jeparit and surrounds and West Wimmera groups for their first Young Farmer Network held recently. BCG’s Senior Research and Extension Manager Kelly Angel led the stripe rust discussion drawing attention to strategies focusing on timing, monitoring and being proactive in decision making: “It’s imperative with stripe rust that we decide early, rather than procrastinate as the timing of each application of fungicide will determine whether management will be effective. Too long between application and you are leaving the crop exposed. Furthermore, with the outlook at this time, we may need to consider that the risk will be high leading into next year.”
Farm safety expert Denise McLennan led the harvest farm safety discussion outlining simple steps farmers can take to ensure their farm is a safer place to be. From installing the Emergency Plus app on your phone to ensuring each employee’s emergency contact is saved in your phone, these are some of the many small steps that create a safer workplace. “Attendees learnt practical, easy strategies to make their farm safer, many of which only took a few minutes now but could save a life,” said Kelly.
Denise also highlighted the importance of communication and each farm member knowing their role, how the business operates, expectations and responsibilities. The main message was Communication and culture is what makes farms safer.
Buloke and Quambatook
In addition to hearing stripe rust strategies, the Buloke and Quambatook groups were also interested in looking at shielded sprayers for late season weed management in cereal crops as well as optical spraying technologies for managing summer weeds, such as Weed-It technology. Young farmers and advisers heard from local growers already using the technology. Each of these growers was at a different stage of implementation ranging from just purchased, to having used the technology on-farm for a number of years.
Woomelang farmer Callum Boxall said: “It was valuable to be able to discuss the new weed detection and selective elimination technology with farmers who know first-hand. To hear what they love, how they use them and if they are worth the initial outlay really helps when you are learning about and deciding whether a technology such as Weed It is right for your own farm business.”
Unfortunately, BCG’s Loddon YFN was postponed due to the recent flooding. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the floods. We hope that once things are back on track, we can reschedule our meeting as we are really looking forward to fostering relationships and building knowledge in the area,” Kelly concluded.
For more information regarding BCG’s Young Farmer Network Contact Kelly Angel on 0427 564 507 or email kelly@bcg.org.au
These meetings are supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Meals at Young farmer Network meetings to date have been sponsored by Rural Bank and The Charlton Community Bank.
