ountry News Co Reaching Australia ’s richest agricultural region
Cropping, tillage & pastures
20 February
2014
Disc innovation cuts sowing time Page 3
Managing frost risk — page 6 | Cutting yield loss— page 8 | High performing rye grass — page 10
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PAGE 2—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
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Flexible options for new pasture pasture update A seminar at Culcairn next month will give
district farmers and agricultural businesses new options for growing fast feed for winter. With paddocks in the region tipped to be heavily grazed due to the dry conditions, the seminar will discuss flexible species options that might prove cheaper and quicker. The Grassland Society of Southern Australia will present the pasture update in conjunction with Meat and Livestock Australia at Ellerslie Park, on Olympic Hwy one kilometre south of Culcairn on Thursday, March 20. A broad range of speakers will cover a variety of topics to encourage improved pasture growth and production and uptake of new technology and research. Participants will also get a chance to inspect the Rennylea stud bull operation and the pasture and facilities of Ellerslie Park where proprietor Bryan Corrigan and farm manager
Peter Govan will outline their ingredients for success. Grassland Society AlburyWodonga branch secretary Jeff Hirth said the fast feed for winter theme was based on an expectation that following the dry finish to last spring and the hot dry summer in north-east Victoria and the NSW Riverina, most pasture paddocks would be heavily grazed by late March. ‘‘Traditionally producers have sown forage oats at high seeding rates to provide them with a grazeonly-once winter feed, but we want to show them that there are other more flexible options like brassica species,’’ Mr Hirth said. Based on current prices for forage oat seed, seed costs for sowing a forage oat for winter feed are about $100/ha, whereas the seed cost of sowing a forage brassica is about $45/ha, with the forage brassica producing similar quantities of dry matter during the winter. At the update, an MLA
representative will outline its investment in the southern feed-base and present tools to help landholders manage their pastures. Ballarat-based PGG Wrightson Seeds’ research manager James Sewell will provide tips on how to grow fast feed for winter, while Precision Farming consultant Peter Baines will explain techniques for the most beneficial fertilising of pastures. Mr Hirth said the update aimed to encourage improved pasture growth and production, improved grazing technology, and to help producers achieve the most out of crops and increase lamb weight growth. The seminar will run from 9 am to 3.30 pm and will include a barbecue lunch. Cost is $10 for GSSA and MLA members and $15 for non-members. ➤ For further information or to book a seat phone Grassland Society secretary Melinda Caspersz on 1300 137 550 or email office@grasslands.org.au
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at Deniliquin on Thursday, February 27. The informal meeting will kick off at 7 pm with a sausage sizzle followed by speakers at 8 pm at the Deniliquin Club. The range of topics will include a presentation from John Fowler on yield responses from different sowing dates. Some wheat varieties can have no significant differences in yield with relation to sowing date while others can either decrease or increase yields when sown before or after the optimum date for that variety. Jim Lamb will introduce two irrigation farmers from Widgelli (East of Griffith) with whom he has a long association as contract seed growers. Two growers from the MIA, Frank Dal Bon and Terry McFarlane, will speak about crops including wheat, canola, faba beans, seed onions, and others on beds (with or without subsurface drip) as well as travelling irrigators. Frank and Terry were contract seed growers for Sunprime Seeds (including hybrid wheat seed production) but are now working with Jim Lamb
Hybrid seed wheat production on Terry McFarlane’s property. (AGT) to bulk up new wheat varieties. Other speakers: ➤ John Fowler — extension agronomist with Murray LLS: Review of irrigated wheat trial results; Yield response of wheat varieties to sowing time. ➤ Chris Walsh — Seednet territory manager: Advantages of growing XCEED Oasis CL Canola, and area contracts available; Increased tolerance to heat and
drought; Increased pod shatter resistance — no need to windrow. ➤ Mary Raynes — Pulse Australia: Renewed interest in farmers wanting to grow field peas and faba beans. Representatives from the following seed companies will also be in attendance: AGT, Seednet, Pacific Seeds, Intergrain, Heritage Seeds, Waratah Seed Co and Unigrain. ➤ Inquiries and RSVP to Ian or Trudy, phone 5881 6689.
‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 3
cropping, tillage & pastures
Custom-built for maximum value By Laura Griffin
D
airy farmer Stuart Winchester had an air seeder added to a Maschio Presto multi disc to combine soil preparation and sowing. The custom-built machine will cut down the time spent in the paddock and fuel needed to run the tractor, as well as improve the seed bed and germination rates on his 155 ha Strathmerton farm, where he milks up to 240 cows. Mr Winchester looked at other brands’ discs, but wanted to get a Maschio because he believed them to be stronger machines than those of competing brands. ‘‘I had a Maschio Cobra rotary tiller that served me pretty well for nine or 10 years,’’ he said. The farmer, who moved to northern Victoria from Gippsland 19 months ago, bought the multi disc, the APV air seeder and a Deutz Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 tractor to pull the combination from Shepparton’s Bee-Jay Machinery, whose staff organised Tatura’s Trevaskis Engineering to mount the air seeder onto the multi disc. Trevaskis Engineering built a platform with fold-down steps that sits on top of the multi disc. The frame on which the seeding chutes are attached is bolted to the platform so it is fully adjustable and can move slightly, which reduces the impacts of vibration and other shocks when going over uneven ground, especially at high speeds. The construction also means Mr Winchester can easily access the air seeder’s 500 kg tank. He chose the bigger tank because to cut down the number of times it had to be re-filled. Mr Winchester said it was quicker to do each paddock because he could pull the 3.5 m wide multi disc and air seeder at speeds of between 18 km and 20 km/h. The 3.5 m width also meant the attachment was easy to move through the farm’s laneways. ‘‘Because it runs on ground speed, there are less moving parts and hopefully less maintenance costs compared to parrow harrows or rotary discs,’’ he said. ‘‘It also reduces fuel
consumption because it’s not operating on power take-off, so it doesn’t need as high revs as other machines.’’ Mr Winchester will use the combination machine to renovate paddocks and do 80 per cent of the seeding on his farm; he plans to use the seed drill on permanent pastures. Since the custom-built machine was delivered in November, Mr Winchester has been pleased with the way the machine — that is fitted with the optional larger 510 mm diameter discs — has broken up soil in every paddock. He said the seed bed preparation would be ideal for lucerne. He switched on the air seeder and used it to sow summer millet and he was happy with germination rates. Mr Winchester said the new machinery would help him to be more self-sufficient. ‘‘I can get in and do it when I want it done and am not reliant on contractors.’’ He hopes it will also help him to grow more feed.
The Maschio Presto multi disc has two rows of discs and a roller (above). Pictures: Simon Bingham
Stuart Winchester pulls a custom-built Maschio multi disc and APV air seeder with a Deutz Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 tractor (right). The crumble roller will soon be replaced by a packer roller to improve contact between seed and dirt (below).
Precision engineering
Stuart Winchester chose a 500 kg tank for his air seeder to cut down the number of times it had to be re-filled.
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PAGE 4—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
cropping, tillage & pastures
Growers updated on frost risk he frost of October 18, T 2013 was devastating to many growers across
southern NSW and Victoria, but lessons can be taken from it to decrease frost risk, CSIRO research team leader James Hunt says. ‘‘One learning from the event was delaying sowing (or flowering) was not an effective way of managing late-season frost risk,’’ Dr Hunt said. He said an experiment in Temora in the southern Riverina compared grazed, burnt and retained stubble. Dr Hunt was surprised by the experiment’s results that clearly demonstrated the insulating effect of stubble on the soil surface during frost events and the resultant increase in frost damage. ‘‘A similar yield result was observed in 2012, but while stubble-retained treatments appeared visually to have more frost damage, frost scores showed no significant difference. These trials show the potential of burning stubble in frost prone sites to reduce the risk of damage.’’ DEPI seasonal variability agronomist Dale Grey said stubble cover insulated the surface against moisture
and heat loss, but also increased heat gain. Mr Grey said research in Western Australia showed sowing frost-prone areas thinly and cutting back on fertiliser — so sunlight can get through the canopy more easily — led to a greater chance of lower losses from those paddocks. Dr Hunt said farmers should avoid planting frostsensitive crops in low-lying or frost-prone paddocks; he said only pasture, hay crops, dual-purpose wheat or barley should be grown in such areas. Dr Hunt said another way to manage frost risk was enterprise diversity, such as livestock or hay.
What causes frost?
According to DEPI seasonal variability agronomist Dale Grey, clear, calm and dry nights following cold days are the precursor conditions for a radiation frost. These conditions are most often met during winter and spring when high pressures follow a cold front, bringing cold air from the southern ocean but settled cloudless weather. When the loss of heat from the earth during the night decreases the temperature at ground level to zero, a
(From left) CSIRO research team leader James Hunt, DEPI seasonal variability agronomist Dale Grey and The University of Adelaide research fellow Tim March answered growers’ questions about frost and how to decrease risk. Panel chaired by GRDC southern regional panel member Geoff McLeod. Words and pictures: Laura Griffin frost occurs. Wind and cloud reduce the likelihood of frost by decreasing the loss of heat to the atmosphere.
The extent of frost damage is determined by how quickly the temperature gets to zero, the length of time it stays
below zero and how far below zero it gets. ➤ The panel discussion on ‘‘Frost — where to from here?’’ was part of Grains
Research and Development Corporation’s Grains Research Update for Growers held in Corowa on February 13.
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‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 5
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About 120 people including many crop and mixed farmers from across northern Victoria and southern NSW attended the GRDC update in Corowa.
Farmers Brian Trewin (left) of Devenish and Nigel Greaves of Goorambat.
(From left) Farmers Graham Parker of Henty, Joe Corrigan of Walbundrie and Ron Koschitzke of Brocklesby.
Barooga farmhand Jeremy Dickins, 20, and farmer John Bruce (who is the new Riverine Plains chairman) said they would seek to employ CSIRO research team leader James Hunt’s advice on timing sowing to ensure most of their wheat flowered during the optimal period.
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rost sensitivity ratings F are being developed for current wheat and
barley varieties to help growers manage the risk of frost, The University of Adelaide research fellow Tim March says. The Australian National Frost Program, which was established in 2012 by The University of Adelaide, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia and Grains Research and Development Corporation, ultimately aims to use this information to breed new varieties with improved frost tolerance to minimise economic losses due to frost. Under severe frost (colder than –4°C for wheat and –6°C for barley) all varieties tested to date are equally susceptible. However genetic variation has been identified under milder frosts which induce grain sterility in the range of 10 to 80 per cent. Future research will examine the relationship
between frost-induced sterility and yield loss, and whether some varieties better compensate through increasing grain size, better filling secondary tillers or other mechanisms. Frost tolerance in barley ➤ Barley has better frost tolerance than wheat. ➤ Substantial reduction in grain number starts at -2°C and total crop failure can occur at -6°C in all current varieties. ➤ Long-term trials have shown the variety Galleon is significantly more sensitive to frost damage than Keel or Fleet. Available data on the current dominant varieties does not suggest that any have specific sensitivities to frost compared to Keel or Fleet. ➤ Improved tolerance has also been identified in Japanese barley varieties. The tolerance genes from this material have been introduced into Australian adapted backgrounds, and validation studies in
Western Australia and South Australia have shown the tolerance level of this material is still comparable to Keel. Frost tolerance in wheat ➤ Wheat is significantly more frost sensitive than barley. ➤ Substantial reductions in grain number occurs at canopy temperatures below -2°C, however some losses can occur about 0°C with no signs of a frost event early in the morning. Total crop failure can occur about -4°C in all current varieties. ➤ From long-term trials, Wyalkatchem is more susceptible to frost-induced sterility than Young. How this translates into yield loss will be the subject of future research. ➤ Varietal variation in cold tolerance at booting also correlates to frost at flowering both in the field and under controlled conditions.
‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 7
cropping, tillage & pastures
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Research into frost damage on crops will double.
Research into frost increased
C
rop damage caused by recent frosts in various parts of the southern cropping region has underlined the importance of the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s increased commitment to frostrelated research programs. The GRDC is more than doubling its annual investment in frost research, development and extension activities during the next five years. GRDC Southern Regional Panel chair Keith Pengilley said from July next year the GRDC would increase its investment in frost RD&E from about $1.2 million to more than $3 million a year. ‘‘Each year, we hear of crops in the southern region being damaged by frost, and this season has been no exception,’’ Mr Pengilley said. ‘‘The GRDC recognises the significant losses of yield and income that frost can cause growers which is why we are injecting more funding into targeted research to address the issue.’’ Mr Pengilley said frost was a difficult constraint to research. Frost events can be unpredictable and their impact can vary depending on the nature of the frost and the stage of crop growth. Research also indicates that the incidence
of frosts across Australia has increased and more frost events are occurring later in the year, costing the national grains industry more than an estimated $360 million on average each year. According to Mr Pengilley, while cultural practices such as delayed time of sowing could reduce the risk of frost damage, potential losses to yield caused by such frost avoidance strategies could be sizeable, and this needed to be factored into growers’ time-of-sowing considerations. GRDC is embarking on new frost-related RD&E investments, in addition to an existing stable of frost research projects. New research programs will have three components — genetics, management and environmental. A key component of the genetics research will be the Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS) which will involve cereal germplasm being imported from all over the world and tested for its frost tolerance. Farming systems will be the focus of the management component of the new frost investments, and measures to be investigated include the effects of stubble, grazing, nutrition and the use of plant growth regulators to manipulate flowering times. Research into environmental factors
influencing frost will aim to understand landscape features that influence the severity of frost. Primary research organisations which will lead the frost research include The University of Adelaide, the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, and the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The collaborative Australian National Frost Program (ANFP) will continue working on the production of frost rankings for wheat and barley varieties, investigate preemptive measures for growers and continue research into developing frost-tolerant varieties. In the meantime, Mr Pengilley said growers in the southern cropping region were advised to check their crops for damage immediately, because delay would limit their options to reduce financial losses from frost damage. ‘‘There are a range of options that growers can use to reduce financial losses with frost-affected crops,’’ he said. ‘‘Options include cutting for hay, grazing, direct heading canola rather than windrowing, reducing yield estimates for crop insurance, and reducing exposure to forward sales of grains.’’
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anadian cropping C adviser Steve Larocque is using
controlled traffic farming and precision agricultural technologies to great effect on his 400 ha farm. The 2007 Nuffield Scholar visited 30 farms, mostly in Australia but also in the Americas, Kenya and New Zealand to learn more about precision agriculture and controlled traffic farming. He was back in Australia two weeks ago speaking with grain growers about the potential for advancing their farming systems through these agronomy innovations. At the Grains Research and Development Corporation Grains Research Update for Growers in Corowa on February 13, Mr Larocque said research showed up to 70 per cent of yield loss was
because of abiotic factors such as sunlight, temperature, water, soil nutrients and structure, and chemicals. To manage these stressors, he implemented controlled traffic farming, inter-row seeding and retained stubble systems, which allowed his crops to better use available moisture, sunlight and nutrients. Mr Larocque said that was particularly important in Alberta, Canada where the growing season averaged only 110 days, book-ended by frosts. He said controlled traffic farming had achieved ‘‘tremendous improvements’’ in soil porosity and water infiltration, which meant air and water got to the microbes and crop roots. ‘‘In one year, we were able to double or triple
infiltration,’’ the owner of Beyond Agronomy said. Mr Larocque said controlled traffic farming led him to buy and in some cases customise precision agricultural technology, such as a side-dress tool bar and crop-sensing system to apply nitrogen in split applications at varying rates across paddocks. ‘‘In West Canada, we tend to put all nitrogen on at sowing, but split application is more efficient though it’s difficult because of the short growing season. ‘‘Last year, we got the tools to make it possible and we had great results.’’ He showed the local growers research findings that farmers had been able to apply 15 per cent less nitrogen for the same yields.
‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 9
cropping, tillage & pastures
Group is ready for a busy year By Laura Griffin
R
iverine Plains’ new chair John Bruce is excited by this year’s diverse range of research projects, as well as a new office space with shop front which will allow the farming systems group to host meetings and training. Mr Bruce, who has a mixed farm at Barooga, took over the chair from Yarrawonga farmer Evan Ryan earlier this month. He said Riverine Plains’ major research projects would focus on stubble retention, broadleaf crops and gas emissions from different farm systems. Last June, the 300-member group started on a Grains Research and Development Corporation-funded research project looking at ways to improve and maintain profit and sustainability in stubble retention cropping systems. The stubble initiative follows the water use efficiency project which Riverine Plains took part in for the past five years. The project will use a combination of large, commercial scale and smaller trial plots to investigate a range of agronomic measures that can improve the profitability and sustainability of crops grown in stubble-retained systems. Mr Bruce said four focus farms at Yarrawonga, Rennie, Culcairn and Dookie involved in the trial would host field days during the five-year project.
Riverine Plains committee and staff members at the new office in Mulwala. Another project will investigate the effect of different fertiliser treatment on stubble after harvest to break it down. Chambers on three farms with varied farming systems will capture the gases
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released throughout the production cycle. Riverine Plains will also work with other farming systems groups for another GRDC-funded project facilitating the increased adoption
of broadleaf species in crop sequences to improve grain production and profitability. Mr Bruce said participating in such research projects was one of the ways Riverine Plains could
extend knowledge to help farmers improve the productivity of crop production in north-east Victoria and southern NSW. ‘‘At Riverine Plains, we pride ourselves on the information we put out because two-thirds of our membership are farmers and about one-third are agricultural professionals, so we have a pretty good grasp on-ground. ‘‘If a problem needs addressing, we can hold a field day or put the information in a newsletter, and get information out in a timely manner.’’ The group also opened a new office at Shop 4, 97-103 Melbourne St, Mulwala in early February, which they expect will be staffed five days a week. Having an office with a shop front will allow people to walk in and its meeting room will be used for committee and other meetings, training and workshops. This is the fifth year Mr Bruce has been a Riverine Plains member, and he said the passionate group helped to fill the gap when government and other extension officers were no longer available to help farmers. On his 1200 ha farm, he has 1300 Merino ewes and grows summer crops of maize and some rice, and winter crops of wheat, canola and barley. Only about 100 ha of the Barooga property is irrigated.
PAGE 10—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
cropping, tillage & pastures
Grazing pasture and cutting it too rowing ryegrass that G performs exceptionally well
throughout the year, while maintaining consistent milk production, is important for Victorian dairy farmer Mick Myers. Mr Myers and his brother Gerard and sons Aaron and Steven run two dairy operations split between farms near Echuca. In 2013 they grew two Heritage Seed ryegrass varieties for the first time on Strathallan, a 155 ha irrigation block on which they run a 400-head autumn-milking herd. The two ryegrass varieties worked well to produce a good body of feed throughout the year. ‘‘The feed has been so good that we only started feeding out silage in January, which is a month later than previous years,’’ Mick said. The Myers family planted 10 ha of Shogun ryegrass at the end of February at the rate of 25 kg/ha. It ‘‘went into a clean bed’’ and
established well after early rain. Throughout the growing season the ryegrass was flood irrigated, which helped it thrive. Cows were grazed on it year-round and did exceptionally well, Mick said. ‘‘We were really impressed with how well it grew, particularly through winter and spring. ‘‘Once it was up it never looked back,’’ he said. Shogun hybrid ryegrass has excellent establishment and has good winter and early spring growth. It will persist under harsh conditions, which allows a reliable three to four years of production under normal conditions. Shogun fits well into high production dairy and lamb finishing systems as a medium-term highproducing late pasture. The Myers family was so pleased with Shogun that another 25 ha will be planted with it this year. During 2013 they also planted an Italian tetraploid
ryegrass, Aston, for the first time. They sowed the block in mid to late February at a rate of 25 kg/ha. Parts of the block were washed out and had to be planted again in March. The second planting was dry and watered up, with good establishment. The Aston ryegrass was irrigated until mid December and persisted well late into the season. ‘‘The Aston was highly palatable for the cows and maintained a good body of feed right through autumn and winter,’’ Mick said. ‘‘We’ve sown three different varieties of ryegrass on this block in the past three years and Aston is by far the best performer.’’ Aston’s fast establishment and consistent, even seasonal growth pattern is ideal for livestock producers because it offers reliable feed through the growing season. It produces plentiful feed for multiple grazings
Mick Myers on the Myers family’s property near Echuca. He is impressed with new ryegrass varieties. through late autumn, winter and early spring, and its late-season quality is beneficial for the production of valuable silage or hay in late spring and early summer. Mick said Aston ryegrass grew so well in spring that after grazing it all year, they then cut hay. ‘‘It yielded two-and-a-half tonne per hectare at the end of the season, which is a
great result.’’ Landmark Echuca agronomist Brad Caldwell said the two ryegrass varieties performed well on the Myers’ farm. He said in general Shogun worked particularly well to renovate existing permanent pastures and he rated Aston as one of the leading Italian ryegrass varieties. ‘‘Shogun has great vigour
out of the ground and its autumn/winter grazing is exceptional,’’ Mr Caldwell said. ‘‘And you can’t fault Aston. It has good early vigour, persists well late in the season and holds on to quality exceptionally well.’’ ➤ For more information phone Heritage Seeds territory manager Reece Hardwidge on 0428 178 719 or free call 1800 007 333.
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‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 11
cropping, tillage & pastures
Reviewing the grains industry ndependent consultant Iappointed Marsden Jacobs has been to undertake a
governance review of the Grains Research and Development Corporation. GRDC chairman Richard Clark said the review aimed to ensure the most effective GRDC framework to deliver benefits for the future of the Australian grains industry. ‘‘This industry-led review seeks to ensure GRDC has a governance structure that will
deliver robust, accountable and commercial RD&E to levy payers in a changing operating environment,’’ he said. The review steering committee, comprising representatives of key industry organisations, is chaired by Grains Producers Australia director Terry Enright and will oversee the review of GRDC’s governance structure which has remained unchanged for 20 years.
‘‘There will be a broad consultation program with industry, particularly grain growers, using a wide range of mechanisms to seek feedback including through industry representative organisations,’’ Mr Enright said. ‘‘It is essential that all industry players help to inform this review as it will shape GRDC and its ability to deliver research, development and extension
outcomes to grain growers for the future. ‘‘The consultants will identify issues and opportunities, including what structure might best allow GRDC to capture increased international (and private) investment in R&D, as well as provide an analysis of available governance structure options, including an overview of best practice,’’ Mr Enright said. The report is due in June.
‘
This industry-led review seeks to ensure GRDC has a governance structure that will deliver robust, accountable and commercial RD&E to levy payers in a changing operating environment
’
GRDC chairman Richard Clark
Use only licensed sprayers ou wouldn’t use an Y unlicensed plumber or electrician, so why
use an unlicensed contractor to spray chemicals on your property? DEPI is currently investigating a number of people suspected of spraying agricultural chemicals as a business operation without holding a Commercial Operators Licence (COL) issued by DEPI. It is illegal to conduct a business (or offer a service for fee or reward) which involves the use of agricultural chemicals without a COL. This applies to all agricultural and horticultural uses of chemicals, including vermin control and fumigation of soil or produce. DEPI senior chemical standards officer Steven Field encouraged landholders to use only licensed commercial operators. ‘‘COL holders must complete appropriate training before being issued a licence, to ensure they can safely handle, store and use agricultural chemicals,’’ Mr Field said. ‘‘This in turn minimises the risk of problems
DEPI is cracking down on chemical sprayers operating without a licence. occurring, such as spray drift or unacceptable residues in produce.’’ Landholders are also encouraged to require spray contractors to produce their licence before they start work. ‘‘If landholders do not ensure that contractors applying agricultural chemicals to their
property are properly licensed, then they may be liable for the same offence as the contractor themselves,’’ Mr Field said. Contractors can be identified through the Yellow Pages or internet searches, or by contacting peak industry bodies such as the Victorian Groundsprayers
Association (visit www. vicgroundsprayers.com ) or the Vertebrate Pest Management Association (visit the website at www.vpmav.org.au ). ➤ Further information about agricultural chemical use and licensing can be found at www.depi. vic.gov.au/chemicaluse or phone the DEPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
With strong all year growth and exceptional winter performance, Knight is ideal for your grazing, hay and silage needs. For more information on Knight call Stephen Pasture Seeds on 03 5335 8055
Ê Fast establishing Ê Strong autumn and winter yields Ê Produces 22% more dry matter ($272/ ha) than Crusader over the first autumn and winter
or visit www.agricom.com.au/knight Protect your livelihood with Knight Italian Ryegrass.
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The Aitchison Airpro folds down to a narrow 2.75m transport width this together with large Áotation tyres ensures easy and fast transport even over narrow farm roads or bridges. Despite a sowing width of 4.8 m the Aitchison can be comfortably towed by a 120 hp tractor.
Contact your local Reese Agri Aitchison dealer for details, or free phone 1800 140 196 Brendan Prentice 0400 540 300 www.reeseagri.com.au
PAGE 12—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
cropping, tillage & pastures
Minimal tillage tool is effective utch manufacturer D Tulip has an established reputation
for delivering quality arable machinery such as fertiliser spreaders and power harrows. The Tulip Multidisc has proven to be an effective minimum tillage tool due to its unique disc suspension. The machine also runs at a reasonable cost, which makes life easier for the operator. The low cost of running is achieved by the
machine having minimal moving parts, while the discs have individual heavy-duty bearing housings positioned in rubber suspension to provide grip. This unique disc suspension translates to low power requirement since the machine does not need the extra weight of a conventional disc to get into the ground. These factors also contribute to the Tulip Multidisc allowing the farmer to prepare
seedbeds easily and quickly. The aggressive action of the serrated discs, as well as the large distance between the rows of discs, gives an ideal mulching and mixing result for stubble or cover crop. The Tulip Multidisc has extra protected seals on the bearings, and a large quantity of grease in the lubrication chamber. As well as these benefits, the Tulip Multidisc enables faster
fertilisation of fields, with working widths from 2 m to 9 m. Since its introduction, the Tulip Multidisc has been expanded with the XL version featuring 56 cm discs, and the Vario incorporating large ripper tines. These tines can be activated hydraulically and have a safety accumulator for stone protection. The Polymat Compact, a hydraulically driven air seeder, has been added to the range as well
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workshop in Corowa A next week will help farmers better understand
the way soil carbon can be increased by retaining crop stubble. DEPI’s Pauline Mele and Lori Phillips will deliver the keynote address about stubble retention, soil biology and carbon, including the conversion of stubble into nitrogen available for plant growth. The soil scientists will also discuss the effect of water availability on these processes. The Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation — a research collaboration between Charles Sturt University and NSW DPI — and farming systems group Riverine Plains will host the forum, which is part of the Graham Centre’s project to help landholders adopt profitable and sustainable carbon cropping practices. The project explores the relationships between different stubble levels and nutrient amendments practices, from burnt to fully
Cobram Farm Equipment, Cobram (03) 5872 1722
incorporated, with nutrients and soil carbon. Research has found soil carbon can be significantly increased by retaining crop stubble after harvest, however, difficulties of sowing subsequent crops constrains its adoption, with up to 50 per cent of farmers still burning stubble across south-eastern Australia. Research by Graham Centre member and CSIRO researcher Clive Kirkby shows stubble incorporated with added nutrients increases carbon sequestration by three to 10 times in the top 30 cm of soil. The centre’s stubble project, which has funding from the Federal Agriculture Department, focuses on the high rainfall zone in southern and central NSW and the Victorian dryland and irrigated areas. ➤ The forum will be on Wednesday, March 5 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Corowa RSL Club. Morning tea and lunch provided. To RSVP, email grahamcentre@ csu.edu.au or phone (02) 6933 4400.
Pressure grows to feed planet lobal population and G income growth, and the impacts of climate change,
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will further escalate the pressure for increased and more sustainable agricultural production to feed a hungry planet. A new study by the International Food Policy Research Institute measures the impacts of agricultural innovation on farm productivity, prices, hunger and trade flows to 2050, and identifies practices that could significantly benefit developing nations. Food Security in a World of Growing Natural Resource Scarcity: The Role of Agricultural Technologies examines 11 agricultural practices and technologies and how they could help farmers around the world improve the sustainability of growing three of the world’s main staple crops — maize, rice and wheat. Using a unique data model, IFPRI pinpoints the agricultural technologies and practices that can most significantly reduce food prices and food insecurity in developing nations. The study profiled 11 agricultural innovations: crop protection, drip irrigation, drought tolerance, heat tolerance, integrated soil fertility management, no-till farming, nutrient use efficiency, organic agriculture, precision agriculture, sprinkler irrigation and water harvesting. CropLife Australia’s chief executive officer Matthew
Cossey said this latest study reinforced there was no ‘‘silver bullet’’ solution to ensuring food security. ‘‘The reality is that no single agricultural technology or farming practice will provide sufficient food for the world in 2050, just as Mark Rosegrant, lead author of the book and director of IFPRI’s Environment and Production Technology Division, stated,’’ Mr Cossey said. ‘‘Instead we must advocate for and utilise a range of these technologies in order to maximise yields. ‘‘We must also see a stop in political-driven agendas that have no basis in science and fact, seeking to introduce completely unnecessary conflict on issues of different farming systems — because meeting the challenge of global food security will be tough enough as it is. ‘‘This study highlights that the combination of agricultural technologies and practices such as heat-tolerant crops and notill farming could reduce food prices by up to 49 per cent for maize, up to 43 per cent for rice, and 45 per cent for wheat due to increased crop productivity.’’ The anticipated negative effects of climate change on agricultural productivity as well as projected population growth by 2050, suggest that food insecurity and food prices will increase.
‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 13
cropping, tillage & pastures
Lessons learned from canola armers can learn from F the high level of blackleg and sclerotinia
stem rot experienced in some canola crops in northern Victoria and southern NSW last season, NSW DPI plant pathologist Kurt Lindbeck says.
Blackleg
NSW DPI plant pathologist Kurt Lindbeck urges vigilance for oil seed diseases in 2014. survived and reproduced on the previous season’s canola stubble. The Group D monitoring cultivar had a particularly marked increase in blackleg severity. When a similar increase was detected in South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula in 2011, the Group D cultivars showed increased susceptibility to blackleg
C 04 hri C 27 sti all a 23 n 5 now 00 0
Mr Lindbeck told the audience of about 120 people at the Grains Research and Development growers’ update at Corowa on February 13 that elevated levels of internal blackleg infection were detected across southern NSW’s blackleg monitoring sites in all canola varieties evaluated in 2013. Overall blackleg severity increased across all cultivars at blackleg monitoring sites in 2013 in southern NSW. Blackleg severity increased from 26 per cent average internal infection level in 2012 to 38 per cent in 2013. The blackleg severity in NSW in 2013 was twice the levels in Victoria and South Australia. Mr Lindbeck said this increase in disease severity was likely due to the increasing area sown to canola in NSW since 2010 because the blackleg fungus
the following season. ‘‘This situation could potentially occur in some regions of NSW in 2014,’’ Mr Lindbeck said. Blackleg management: ➤ The most effective blackleg management tool is to keep a 500 m distance from this season’s crop and last year’s canola stubble. ➤ Sow cultivars with a high blackleg resistance.
➤ Apply appropriate fungicides. ➤ Rotate cultivars with different resistance genes.
Sclerotinia stem rot
Mr Lindbeck said sclerotinia stem rot was an emerging disease challenge last season. In 2013, epidemics of sclerotinia in southern NSW and northern Victoria were
observed in high rainfall areas where some crops had infection levels as high as 30 to 60 per cent. Sclerotinia stem rot occurs when the fungus spores are released from a small, golf-tee shaped structure in the soil that infects petals. The infected petal drops and if it lodges into a leaf or a branch junction when
conditions are moist and warm, the fungus grows and invades the plant stem tissue. It can also germinate in the soil and directly infect canola plants in close proximity, causing a basal infection. ‘‘The commercial canola crops monitored in NSW showed extended periods of continual leaf wetness of at least 48 hours were trigger points for stem rot development,’’ Mr Lindbeck said. Sclerotinia stem rot management: ➤ Sow canola seed that is free of sclerotinia. ➤ Separate this season’s paddock from last year’s canola stubble. ➤ Rotate canola crops. ➤ Follow recommended sowing dates and rates for your district. Canola crops which flower early, with a bulky crop canopy, are more prone to developing sclerotinia stem rot because they retain moisture and increase the likelihood on infection. Wider row spacings can also help by increasing air flow through the canopy to some degree until the canopy closes. ➤ Consider the use of foliar fungicide.
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PAGE 14—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
cropping, tillage & pastures
Preparation is vital for next crop By Geoff Adams
R
etaining the value of stubble and preparing the best seed bed were two of the issues which propelled Nanneella farmer Geoff Dwyer into the purchase of a K-line Speedtiller. Mr Dwyer and his family have been growing wheat and canola crops on their property for about five years, after growing hay for a number of years and prior to that, dairying. Mr Dwyer bought the trailed tillage machine about 12 months ago from Echuca CIH. ‘‘We wanted to work our stubble back in to build our soil profile,’’ Mr Dwyer said. ‘‘It also leaves a good seed bed for small seeds like canola and sub-clover. They need good contact with the soil to germinate properly.’’ Mr Dwyer said they put the Speedtiller into action as soon as possible after harvesting, so the mulch would start to break down quickly. ‘‘We just about follow the header. We want to get the process going in time for summer rain, although it has been a bit dry this season. ‘‘We’ve done about 6000 to 7000 acres with it on our own place and in contracting.’’ Combined with the pulling power of a 325 Steiger equipped with GPS and Autosteer, he can
Lewis Dwyer was working with the K-Line Speedtiller at Nanneella last week. work the paddocks day or night without fear of straying. The depth accuracy has been so good he has been able to run it over paddocks without disturbing trickle irrigation tape buried in the ground for corn cropping. Mr Dwyer’s K-Line Speedtiller is 8.5 m wide with hydraulic folding. Leo Dullard from Echuca CIH said the K-Line Speedtiller was a highly effective tillage machine ideal for soil conditioning in the presence of high levels of crop residue. ‘‘The unit operates at high
speeds giving a fuel-efficient operation and allowing residues to pass easily through tyne seeders,’’ Mr Dullard said. ‘‘The cage roller at the rear gives the desired crumbling effect on the seed bed and also leaves the field level and free of ruts.’’ Mr Dullard said the three main benefits of the K-Line Speedtiller were: seed bed preparation with a single pass, summer weed control and incorporation of organic matter into the top soil. Models are available from 2.25 m to 13 m. K-Line products are built in Australia.
The K-Line Speedtiller is equipped with a cage roller.
“Seed germination is much better with this machine than any other we’ve ever had.” Mike Connally, ‘Woodlands’, Goornong VIC
Mike purchased an RFM CT Guidance 2340 planter in early 2010, with 33 double and RFM’s distinctive coil press wheels. He says that the machine has done the job in hard soil and that the double discs are equivalent or better than expensive hardened points. “I’m happy with them, we used single discs before suffering from hair-pinning in trash; this alleviates it, and creates loose dirt around the seed to aid germination. They are better in wet conditions than single discs because they don’t plug up. I really like the press wheels, especially in mud.”
SELF CLEANING
‘RFM DP18 Double Discs cut through trash, are self-cleaning and have been proven in diverse soil types right across Australia. Disc adaptations are available to suit most brands of current cultivators.’ “We found that this would go through the ‘plasticiny’ stuff very well. It handles and incorporates the stubble very well. No issues of trash building or blocking. We sowed the canola at 3kg/ha and we had good enough germination that we could have sowed lighter.” Lawry Simpson, Oaklands, VIC Lawry’s RFM CT Guidance 3340 with coil press wheels has done one season.
SELF CLOSING
Revolutionary spring coil press wheels are designed to self-clean and squeeze further into the furrow for increased seed to soil contact and better germination. Double discs and coil press wheels to fit nearly every tyne on the market. Just drop your shank and fit the disc leg. Then you have the best of both worlds.
For more information on how RFM double discs and coil press wheels will suit your machine and your soil contact Paul Ryan from RFM Ag on 0417 354 617 or email to paul@rfm.com.au
‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 15
cropping, tillage & pastures
Herbicide resistance growing By Laura Griffin
G
rowers need to better use pre-emergent herbicides because weed surveys are showing increasing resistance to post-emergent herbicides, the University of Adelaide’s Christopher Preston says. ‘‘We are heading to a situation in which grass weeds are going to be resistant to all post-emergent herbicides we are using,’’ Dr Preston said at the GRDC Grains Research Update for Growers at Corowa. He said to use pre-emergent herbicides to control annual ryegrass in cereals while minimising crop damage, farmers needed to understand: ➤ The position of the weed seeds in the soil; ➤ The soil type (particularly the amount of organic matter and crop residue on the surface); ➤ The solubility of the herbicide; and ➤ The herbicide’s ability to be bound by the soil. Dr Preston said more watersoluble herbicides (such as Boxer Gold, which contains prosulfocarb and S-metolachlor) moved more readily through the soil profile and were better suited to post-sowing pre-emergent applications than the less water-soluble herbicides (such as TriflurX (chemical trifluralin) and Stomp (chemical pendimethalin). They are also more likely to produce crop damage after heavy rain.
The University of Adelaide’s Christopher Preston’s research shows the effectiveness of preemergent herbicides. Movement of herbicides in the soil profile is strongly influenced by their binding to soil organic matter. Trifluralin and pendimethalin are strongly bound to organic matter in the soil. This means they will not move
as far from where they are applied. In contrast, Sakura and S-metolachlor (in Dual Gold and Boxer Gold) are bound much less tightly and are prone to movement in soils with low organic matter (especially sandy soils). In such soils, farmers should
Here’s a new way of thinking
consider reducing herbicide rates to reduce the risk of crop damage. Dr Preston said if the soil was dry on the surface, but moist underneath, there could be sufficient moisture to germinate the weed seeds, but not enough to activate the herbicide.
‘‘Poor weed control is likely under these circumstances. The more water-soluble herbicides will work more effectively under these conditions.’’ Pre-emergent herbicides need to be at a sufficient concentration, and at or below the weed seed (except Avadex-Xtra, which needs to be above the weed seed) to provide effective control. Dr Preston said no-till systems where seeds were maintained on the soil surface were ideal for preemergent herbicide use. However, high crop residue loads on the soil surface are not conducive to pre-emergent herbicides working well as they keep the herbicides from contact with the seed. ‘‘More water-soluble herbicides cope better with crop residue, but the best solution is to manage crop residue so that at least 50 per cent of the soil surface is exposed at the time of application,’’ Dr Preston said. He said separating the preemergent herbicide from the crop seed was essential to avoid crop damage, for example by maintaining an adequate seeding depth with disc seeding equipment. He said adding Avadex-Xtra to other grass pre-emergent herbicides generally resulted in increased control of annual ryegrass because the mixture allowed weeds germinating at the top of the soil profile and below the soil surface to be controlled.
The Kuhn difference
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The new Compact Evolution comes equipped with a range of standard features that make it the perfect choice for pasture and smaller crop spraying application. Like all Goldacres sprayers, the wide choice of optional extras allow you to customise a sprayer to suit your needs.
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PAGE 16—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
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‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014—PAGE 17
cropping, tillage & pastures
Get the timing right By Laura Griffin
G
etting wheat to flower during the optimal period in a given environment is a huge driver of yield and water use efficiency, CSIRO research team leader James Hunt told growers at a Grains Research and Development Corporation update in Corowa on February 13. Dr Hunt said the autumn and frosty spring of 2013, which continued the pattern of the past 17 years, made this difficult to achieve. He said to get as much of the wheat crop as possible flowering when the balance was struck between temperature, sunlight and water plus frost risk and heat risk, farmers needed to have the wheat varieties, rotations, equipment and organisation required to take advantage of any sowing opportunity from late summer onward. ‘‘If growers keep two or three varieties (one winter and one or two spring wheats), they can take advantage of any sowing opportunity that may arise over a three-month period,’’ Dr Hunt said. He suggested sowing winter wheats from late February through to April, sowing slower maturing spring wheats from mid-April to early May and sowing mid-fast wheats from late April onward, including dry sowing if the break had not arrived by this time. He said winter wheats could take advantage of the fact that February and March rainfall had not declined in the past 17 years because these
Help with farm management farm finances in Managing good seasons is central
CSIRO’s James Hunt’s research shows the value of growing multiple wheat varieties. varieties would not develop beyond tillering until they have been exposed to certain duration of low temperatures. This gives them a stable flowering date from a broad range of sowing dates. ‘‘They are often only thought of as dual purpose (grain and graze) varieties and have been undervalued as grain-only varieties, particularly in drier areas of the country. ‘‘In regions such as southern NSW, which is lucky to have adapted winter wheats and slow maturing spring wheats (Eaglehawk, Bolac, Lancer), it has been
repeatedly shown that there is a clear yield benefit from planting slower maturing varieties early.’’ Growers wishing to sow early in 2014 need to get themselves ready to take advantage of early sowing opportunities. ‘‘Early sown wheat needs weed and disease-free paddocks; a double break is an ideal set-up for early sown wheat. ‘‘Growers also need to have a good idea of what their optimal flowering period is and how to achieve it from different sowing dates with a range of varieties most suited to their environment.’’
to the success of farm businesses in poorer seasons, according to the Grains Research and Development Corporation. To support growers through seasons good and bad, the GRDC has established a Farm Business Management initiative which aims to equip growers with the tools and knowledge for managing risk in farm businesses and increasing profitability. GRDC southern regional grower services manager Andrew Rice said it was clear that business and risk management skills underpinned successful farm businesses. ‘‘But each farm and farming family is different and therefore a one-size-fits-all approach to business management will not work,’’ Mr Rice said. ‘‘In recognition of this, the GRDC has been working to support grower and adviser capacity in farm business and risk management by investing in a broad range of activities across the Australian cropping regions.’’ Instigated by the GRDC Southern Regional Panel, the
Farm Business Management initiative involves farm business and risk management workshops, and specialist farm business management updates across the southern region. A new GRDC Ground Cover farm business management supplement, Farming for Profit, highlights some of the activities being undertaken. ‘‘A common theme of all articles in the supplement is that there is not a best way or an only way but many ways to increase profitability and manage risk in the farm business,’’ Mr Rice said. ‘‘The aim is to provide the tools and knowledge that will enable farm business managers to best manage the specific risk and profit profiles of an individual farm and its assets.’’ The supplement is in the November-December edition of Ground Cover magazine, and can also be viewed and downloaded at: www.grdc.com.au/GCS107 ➤ More information about GRDC’s Farm Business Management initiative is available at www.grdc.com.au/ farmbusinessmanagement
PAGE 18—‘Cropping and Tillage and Pastures’, February, 2014
cropping, tillage & pastures
Manage lucerne for best results ucerne (Medicago L sativa) is the most widely grown perennial
pasture legume in Australia. It will persist if strict management practices are adhered to. It is also well understood that to maintain long-term productive lucerne pastures, some form of rotational grazing is required. A minimum spell period from grazing of around 35 days and short grazing periods are recommended. These practices should provide a reasonable balance between persistence, quality, yield and animal safety. Nevertheless, many farmers find ideal grazing management techniques impracticable and too hard to sustain under tough seasonal conditions. There are a number of factors which contribute to the low rate of adoption of ideal grazing rotations. Paddocks are often too large and there are high costs associated with subdividing and implementing stock watering systems in broadacre pasture operations. Additional management skills are required and perhaps there is a poor
One trap for growing lucerne is to allow high stocking rates in dry summers. understanding of the benefits of rotational grazing. One of the greatest obstacles to adoption is that over a long dry summer, when the only green feed on the farm is lucerne, farmers will leave their stock on it for
extended periods despite the consequences. The adverse effects of continuous grazing on lucerne plants and set stocking with high stocking rates under dry conditions, will most likely result in a rapid decline in persistence.
There is a strong relationship between winter dormancy and grazing tolerance but there are also a number of other traits that contribute to differences in lucerne persistence. Grazing tolerance in lucerne has been linked to
deep set crowns, the plant growing along the ground, broad crowns, prolific and extended periods of budding, maintenance of leaf area under grazing and maintenance of root carbohydrates. Grazing-tolerant lucerne varieties undergo extensive
screening combining elite breeding lines and successful commercial cultivars. Differences in persistence between the grazing-tolerant and the non-grazing types have become apparent as more trials are being conducted. Several grazing- tolerant varieties are now available. These varieties, because of their improved persistence, generally have less weed invasion. They also have been shown to yield as well as, or better than, the non grazing-tolerant lines. DEPI recently set up a number of demonstrations on-farm using grazingtolerant varieties under a number of different pasture mixes and grazing systems. These mixes and systems will be monitored for productivity increases, increases in ground cover and lucerne persistence which may have a number of environmental benefits. Lucerne can be established in autumn but there needs to be good weed control. Soil testing should also be done to determine a fertiliser program. — Neil James, DEPI
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Research will look into the impact of pests, diseases, weeds and nutrition on retaining stubble.
Stubble gets its own project
systems Farming groups across the
southern cropping region are laying the foundations for a suite of local development and extension projects under the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s major new initiative to address challenges associated with stubble retention. The Maintaining Profitable Farming Systems with Retained Stubble initiative involves farming systems groups in Victoria, South Australia and southern and central NSW collaborating with research organisations and agribusiness during the next five years. They will be looking at stubble retention issues encountered by southern region growers, including pests, diseases, weeds, nutrition and the physical aspects of sowing and establishing crops in heavy residues. GRDC’s southern regional grower services manager Andrew Rice said retained
stubble farming systems underpinned cropping profitability and sustainability, but not all growers in the southern region maintained crop residues from one season to the next. Mr Rice said in wetter years especially, maintaining stubbles posed immediate challenges for growers who often elected to remove stubbles to avoid issues with the next season’s cropping program, compromising the longterm resilience and profitability of their farming system. ‘‘It is important for growers to have the confidence to hold on to their stubbles year after year, so at the end of this initiative we want to be able to provide them with a package of information and resources based on local trials that will enable them to establish a permanent retained stubble system that is consistent in its performance,’’ Mr Rice said. The GRDC, on behalf of growers and the Federal
Government, is investing $17.5 million in the initiative that has been instigated by the GRDC Southern Regional Panel and the four Regional Cropping Solutions Networks that support the panel. The initiative aims to identify the impediments to stubble retention, quantify the effects that these issues are having on yield and profitability, develop practical solutions and then extend the results to grain growers and advisers. The groups and organisations include Birchip Cropping Group (on behalf of BCG, Southern Farming Systems, Victorian No Till Farming Association and Irrigated Cropping Council), Mallee Sustainable Farming Systems and Riverine Plains. Research support is being provided by CSIRO, and SA Research and Development Institute’s Naomi Scholz has been appointed to assist with co-ordination and communication.
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