AgLife – April 26, 2018 edition

April 26, 2018

Burning for bounty An extended dry has narrowed a window of opportunity for farmers to prepare paddocks for burnoff programs. Siblings Ally and Matt McCuish had the job of stubble burning with their father Charlie McCuish at Natimuk at the weekend. Story, page 27.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Proudly brought to you by:

95 Nelson Street, Nhill

DMD Horsham’s NEW location CALL 03 5391 2106

This Weeks Special Still the same team, still the same number DogPro Working Dog

$25.00 20kg Bag

95 Nelson Street, Nhill

thru service Still offering great drive

105 River Road, Horsham

CALL 03 5391 2106 Thursday, April 26, 2018

“Like” Us On F

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page

25

Proudly brought to you by: This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog

$25.00 20kg Bag

“Like” Us On Facebook

Trials gain insight 95 Nelson Street, Nhill

UPDATE: From left, Keith Fischer, Greg Eagle, Peter Hill and Simon Severin discuss the 2018 cropping season at a Horsham East Ag Group update at Taylors Lake Hall.

CALL 03 5391 2106

BY CIARA CULLEN BIRCHIP CROPPING GROUP

A

BCG research program is well underway and aims to provide information for growers to progress their farm businesses and develop strategies for ongoing resilience.

Research trials sown in the Wimmera so far have included two sowing times of a GRDC-funded managing-early-sown wheat trial, with another two to be sown in coming weeks.

The purpose of this trial is to determine how long-season winter wheat varieties perform at different sowing times.

This trial, at Rupanyup, has had irrigation treatments applied at 10, 25 and 50-millimetre rates.

The irrigation treatments simulate the effect of an early break to see how these long-season winter wheat varieties perform and whether there is an opportunity to improve profitability by spreading the business risk and sowing early.

BCG research leader Claire Browne said the aim was to do several trials in the Wim-

RESEARCH: Established wheat plants from the GRDCfunded managing early sown wheat trial. mera investigating agronomy, disease, weed and pest management, crop nutrition and farming systems.

“BCG carries out a broad range of research trials to provide farmers with solutions and strategies to combat on-farm challenges and improve business decisions,” she said.

At a Longerenong research site a canola-fungicide-management trial and the first time of sowing for a canola phenology trial was sown on April 12.

The canola phenology trial aims to understand the growth

habits and development of canola varieties within the four herbicide groups, hence the importance to irrigate with 15mm to establish the crop close to the sowing date.

Previous research has found it imperative to match sowing date and varietal phenology so that flowering starts at the right time for the localised region.

Ms Browne emphasised the potential mice threat to the 2018 season and that it was still important to be vigilant and bait after sowing.

“Initial inspections in paddocks have shown a range of 0-1000 holes per hectare,” she said.

“Anything greater than 200 mice a hectare is where economical damage can occur or establishment can be reduced.

“These numbers would indicate we are in a high-risk scenario.”

A small and informal study

by BCG last week found in 12 commercial paddocks there was an average of 300 holes a hectare.

For more information on the BCG Wimmera research program, stay tuned to this column.

Alternatively, call the BCG office on 5492 2787.

Seasonal outlook shared over breakfast Wimmera grain growers have learnt about the upcoming season at a Horsham East Ag Group breakfast update at Taylors Lake Hall.

Over a cooked breakfast, the weekend’s rain totals were compared before Agriculture Victoria climate specialists had their say about the season ahead.

Delivering a ‘virtual’ presentation, seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey summarised recent climate model predictions for the next three months.

“My assessment of 12 climate models suggest most models are firmly sitting on the fence at average rainfall and temperature,” he said. “Pressure patterns over south-east Australia have been normal or better indicating that it could rain, we just need all the ducks to line up.”

On a positive note, Mr Grey said according to the Agriculture Victoria soil moisture-monitoring network, cropping paddocks where weeds had been controlled had retained a significant amount of moisture.

This message was reiterated by seasonal risk

agronomist Dale Boyd, who also presented at the Taylors Lake update.

He said soil cores taken recently to groundtruth data from the soil moisture probe at Taylors Lake indicated the presence of soil moisture at depth, 30 to 100 centimetres.

“However, the paddock where the Taylors Lake soil moisture probe is located was in fallow in 2017, so this would have influenced the data,” Mr Boyd said.

He reminded growers that a range of influences would affect soil moisture levels this season.

The morning concluded with participants discussing the merits of a proposed nutrition field trial and suggesting treatments that should be included.

Plans were also made for further meetings and workshops scheduled throughout the next 12 months, including a soil pit, which will be looked at later in the year.

People can call Heather Drendel on 0427 868 705 for more information about the Horsham East Ag Group.

Meet your Mogas Horsham team

Simon Stevenson 0418 504 211

Daryl Anders, manager 0459 101 064

Gary Smith 0475 940 488

Fuel and Lubricants Distributors supplying quality fuels to Horsham and surrounding areas – Stockist of Mobil and Shell Lubricants –

Page

26

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Proudly brought to you by: This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog

Farmers making most of ‘bone-dry’

$25.00 20kg Bag

“Like” Us On Facebook

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

V

BY DEAN LAWSON

ictoria’s peak farming body leader described a long stretch of dry weather across the Wimmera before a brief period of rain as an opportunity for growers to ready themselves for an autumn break.

Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said there had been little need to panic about a lack of rain, and in fact the ‘bone-dry’ conditions had been, for many, more beneficial than a mix between damp and dry.

“The small amount of rain we had did in fact give us some of that mix, but importantly, it also gave everyone confidence that conditions could suddenly turn and there was a potential for rain,” he said.

“What it also does is allow cropping to get into full swing and get everyone looking for the next downpour to get their crops in.

“But reality was, as far as the season was going for many growers, we weren’t absolutely desperate for rain right now, but we’re not knocking any back.

“We’re so late in the game that most people were looking for rain post Anzac Day. “We’ve been in this circumstance so many times before. Farmers are now well and truly used to dry sowing.

“We were far from panicking and dry sowing is okay in the Wimmera if we can get a decent drop after Anzac Day.” Mr Jochinke, who farms at Murra Warra, north of Horsham, said dry conditions had also

allowed many farmers to move considerable amounts of hay that had built up in the past couple of years.

“Personally, we’ve also been able to do a bit of fencing and there has been plenty of windrowing to do,” he said.

Mr Jochinke said the extended dry had, however, narrowed a window of opportunity for farmers to prepare paddocks for burn-off programs.

“Hopefully after the cool change goes through and the weather loses some of its sting farmers will get a chance to get some burning done.

There is a lot to be done,” he said.

Mr Jochinke reminded farmers, despite a cool change, that they had a major responsibility in managing burn-offs.

“Fire restrictions are still in force, which is a sign of how dry it is,” he said.

“We’ve had a few occasions with people burning off under permit, but at the same time not looking after their fires.

“We have to make sure that all fires are extinguished by the end of the day.

“People in the region should also expect to see some smoke across the region.”

A traditional Wimmera belief is that chances of a bumper harvest across the region comes after an autumn break with heavy rain by Anzac Day. But other theories suggest more reliable crops come after a May break Regional centres across the Wimmera during the April 14 and 15 weekend recorded between 5.2 millimetres of rain, Warracknabeal, and 15mm, Ararat.

BENEFITS: SARDI researcher Jessica Crettenden spoke about the long-term impact of livestock study at the GRDC Grains Research Update in Adelaide where she met up with Brendan Wallis, Rural Directions, Naracoorte.

FARMERS:

See us now for your machinery or hay shed and beat the price rise!

Don’t let your valuable machinery go to s#*%

✘

Don’t let your valuable hay go to s#*%

✘

✓

ya Protected b teel McDonald S hay shed

Be organised... get in early, and beat  5381 0992 the rush! www.mcdonaldsteelhorsham.com.

Vecteezy.com

Cnr Golf Course Road & Kendal Drive, Hor

For a smashing deal on a shed, with no thin s#*%!

SEE THE IRON MAN!

Livestock brings high gains

Vecteezy.com

A nine-year study of the impact of livestock on paddock health and farm productivity in a lowrain environment has revealed that grazing generates multiple benefits for mixed enterprises.

The study at Minnipa on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula demonstrated that many agronomic and financial advantages could be achieved by incorporating livestock into rotation.

Apart from improved gross margins, the benefits of integrating sheep included increased nitrogen cycling and water-use efficiency, reduced weed and pest pressures, and added value to stubble and pastures – without negatively impacting on cereal performance or soil health.

The South Australian Research and Development Institute, a division of Primary Industries and Regions SA, undertook the long-term study, which began in 2008 as part of Grains Research and Development Corporation’s Grain and Graze 3 research investment.

SARDI researcher Jessica Crettenden said the trial, based on a wheat-medic rotation, also tested whether productivity could be improved under a higher input system – higher fertiliser Thursday, April 26, 2018

✓

ya Protected b teel S McDonald shed machinery

and seeding rates, establishment of improved pasture – compared with a lower input and more traditional system – district practice seed and fertiliser inputs, volunteer pasture – and what effect this had on soil fertility.

Ms Crettenden said some growers on the Eyre Peninsula had been hesitant to increase grazing partly due to the perception that livestock could damage soil health, remove organic matter and induce weed germination.

“But with prices for livestock increasing over the past decade and the valuable nutrition and disease break effect that the pasture phase provides to subsequent cereal crops, interest in the productivity and profitability of medic pasture and livestock systems has increased,” she said.

“The trial showed that over a range of seasons, integrating livestock into a cropping system improved productivity and profitability, particularly in higher input farming systems.”

Ms Crettenden’s GRDC Grains Research Update paper is available online at grdc.com.au/ resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers.

15 Carine Street,Road Horsham in theDrive, BIG RED SHED Cnr Golf Course & Kendal Horsham

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

 5381 0992

www.mcdonaldsteelhorsham.com.au Page

27

Page

28

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Thursday, April 26, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

Wimmera Mallee Ag’s Glen Hobbs with brothers Leigh and Scott Somers from Warracknabeal with their new sprayer.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HARDI capacity and reliability a proven winner for Somers W

arracknabeal farmer Scott Somers has always been a HARDI customer, so when his sprayer was due for an upgrade, the decision was a no-brainer.

Mr Somers took delivery of his new HARDI RUBICON 9000 self-propelled sprayer last week and said he looked forward to seeing it in action.

“We’d been due for an upgrade for a couple of years and then HARDI announced a new model, which it released in July 2016,” he said.

“We did a deal to buy one of the first 12 about 18 months ago. Due to some personal reasons we delayed it and I think the one we ended up getting was the 13th in Australia.

“It’s a very new machine and we own the first one in Victoria.”

Mr Somers said width, tank capacity and reliability were among his primary concerns when shopping for a sprayer.

“We’ve always had HARDI sprayers,” he said.

“They are good, reliable machines and we’ve never had any trouble with them.

“We also know the guys at Wimmera Mallee Ag in Horsham and have a good relationship with them.

“We bought our last boom in Warracknabeal, but every other sprayer we’ve bought through Wimmera Mallee Ag.” Thursday, April 26, 2018

Wimmera Mallee Ag, Horsham

Mr Somers crops about 4000 hectares a year.

“We generally start about mid April and tick away but we’re starting a little later this year,” he said.

“It’s just gotten underway and I’ll be using the sprayer in the next couple of weeks.

“I spent last week getting the GPS hooked up, which took a while, and it’s ready to go now.”

The 9000 is the largest self-propelled sprayer on the Australian market. Its huge capacity – 9000-litre spray tank, 1000-litre fuel tank and 630-litre rinse tank – is matched in scale by an ultra-wide front-mounted HARDI aluminium boom, available from 36.5 metres to 48.5 metres, on-the-go adjustable axles of three to four metres and a

huge underframe clearance of 1.85 metres.

The rear-mounted 276kW Cummins engine has fully integrated electronic controls and supplies the power to a Danfoss four-wheeldrive hydrostatic transmission, which aims to deliver plenty of power with good fuel efficiency.

Mr Somers said he hoped the RUBICON 9000 would allow him more time at home with his family.

“I have a partner who wants me home more and we have a second baby on the way,” he said.

“The only way to get more time at home is to finish the work quicker, so you buy a machine that gets it done faster.”

Wimmera Mallee Ag sales manager Glen Hobbs said the RUBICON www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

9000 was named in reference to the Rubicon River, crossed by Julius Caesar.

“It represents a ‘point of no return’ in self-propelled sprayer efficiency and versatility, particularly in largescale farming,” he said.

“RUBICON 9000 was designed and built to cater to the specific requirements of properties like Scott’s.

“This machine will actually meet the needs of any large-scale Australian farmer and that’s why I had all the confidence we would have a fair few customers for the big HARDI unit here in Horsham.”

Mr Hobbs said HARDI had the operator at front of mind when designing the RUBICON 9000.

“The cab boasts superior comfort

and the best view in the business,” he said. “Improved ergonomics, unsurpassed visibility of the boom, clean air and minimal sound and vibration levels all contribute to driver comfort and productivity.

“An Instantaneous Spraying fluid system, OverRide suspension and adjustable track width are just a few of the many features that come standard on every HARDI RUBICON.” Mr Hobbs said each sprayer could be customised to meet individual requirements.

“That’s the beauty of working with HARDI – nothing is ever a problem,” he said.

“With that in mind we are sure to be seeing more RUBICONs in our neighbourhood.”

Page

29

Proudly brought to you by: This Weeks Special DogPro Working Dog

$25.00 20kg Bag

Insect management support “Like” Us On Facebook

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

G

rain growers and advisers have insect-management support to help them plan crop pest control in 2018 and beyond.

Grains Research and Development Corporation has released an updated version of I SPY, a comprehensive identification manual on insects of southern and western broadacre farming systems of Australia.

Now available online at grdc. com.au/I-SPY, the manual covers basic taxonomy, important insect groups and identification keys and descriptions of common species, as well as information on monitoring, integrated pest management, IPM, principles and biosecurity.

The updated manual includes the latest information on cultural,

biological and chemical control options for more than 40 pests.

This includes the addition of the African black beetle, as well as the Russian wheat aphid, which has become established in Australia.

The new edition also includes up-to-date information on emerging insecticide resistance issues and links to new resources regarding resistance management, IPM strategies and economic thresholds.

Manual co-author Dr Paul Umina, of cesar research organisation and the University of Melbourne, said I SPY highlighted the importance of insect identification in informing sound and sustainable pest management decision-making by growers and their advisers.

“Correct identification is im-

portant for effective control, preventing insecticide misuse and potential increases in incidences of resistance,” he said.

“Incorrect identification can lead to costly mistakes.”

The manual was designed and produced through the National Invertebrate Pest Initiative, with input from numerous state agricultural departments, cesar and The University of Melbourne.

It aims to increase awareness and knowledge of major broadacre pest and beneficial species; the ability of users to identify key invertebrates to order or family level; familiarity with invertebrate lifecycles and biology; familiarity with sampling and monitoring techniques; understanding of pest control principles; awareness of the role of biological and cultural pest con-

Wimmera Southern Mallee Ag Events May 6

trol; and awareness of biosecurity and surveillance.

With key cropping pests such as diamondback moth, redlegged earth mite, some aphids and several grain-storage pest insects developing resistance to various insecticides, the grains industry recognises the need to move towards strategic and alternative control options that better target the pests of concern.

Dr Pirtle said integrating a range of effective and sustainable pest-management strategies would remove reliance on any single method of control in the future.

“I SPY outlines management options that can be implemented to assist growers in reducing their reliance on broad-spectrum chemicals for pest control in their cropping systems,” she said.

KNOWLEDGE: Dr Elia Pirtle, a researcher at cesar, says a basic knowledge of the key invertebrate groups is of enormous value when taking those first steps towards correct identification. Picture: CESAR

SPIRAFLEX AIR SEEDER HOSE

Walk & Talk "Weed Management: Successes & Failures" and the establishment of the Kowree Private Conservancy Network Merrin' Benayeo. Sunday, 10am-2pm. Lunch provided RSVP.

6

Murtoa Stick Shed Open Day 10am-4pm. Wimmera Highway, Murtoa. Adult $10 Conc $9.

8

VFF State Election Information Session 12.30-1.30pm. Horsham RSL Club. McLachlan Street. RSVP Lunch

APPLY NOW! Applications are now open for the 2019 Nuffield Scholarships for Australian Primary Producers. Applications Close June 15, 2018. www.nuffield.com 9

Building a successful business case masterclass Horsham. $295. 10% discount for 2 or more

10 Building a successful business case masterclass Ballarat. $295. 10% discount for 2 or more 16 Leadership Wimmera Graduate Network Dinner

Goodyear Engineered Products Australia is very pleased to introduced our USA made Spiraflex Air Seeder Hose. It was developed exclusively for use on OEM air seeder applications in the North American market and is now available in Australia.

Horsham Golf Club. 6-10pm. Speakers - Kraig Grime & Ray McLean

Goodyear’s Spiraflex Air Seeder hose is designed for use in Air Seeding applications where there is a requirement to view the product being conveyed.

This hose is specially formulated with a Clear Thermosplastic Urethane Liner offering superior wear resistance in not only seeding applications, but many other dry bulk material delivery applications.

RSVP essential sboddi@wda.org.au

For full details www.wda.org.au/brif (03) 5381 6500 info@wda.org.au

14b Sloss St, Horsham ( 03 5381 0800 : sales@wimmerabearings.com

JAALA PULFORD – Member for Western Victoria

Please feel free to get in touch with my office anytime in relation to any state government issue you might have – Phone: 03 5332 2405 Email: jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au Website: jaalapulford.com.au

Jaala

Facebook: facebook.com/JaalaPulfordMP Twitter: twitter.com/JaalaPulford Instagram: instagram.com/JaalaPulford

This advertisement is paid for authorised by T Miller, 15 Main Road, Ballarat; and paid for using the Parliament of Victoria Electorate Office Communications Budget

Page

30

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Proudly brought to you by:

Th

D

Good start but jury still out

H

ands up if you’d heard of David Littleproud before the latest live-sheep export disaster.

Just as I thought. Unless you managed to catch a glimpse of or caught up with him while he was on a visit to Wimmera Machinery Field Days, most of you hadn’t.

If you still don’t know who he is, he’s the Federal Minister for Agriculture AND Water Resources.

The AND is because that’s just as important for Victorian agriculture because it means he’s the minister responsible for the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

I have to admit before he took over the portfolio from Barnaby Joyce, I’d never clapped eyes on him either.

Having had the pleasure of meeting the man, he seems determined if not a little bit ‘try hard’, amiable, up for a joke and not frightened to let go the odd swear word.

He reminds me of the boy at school that was destined to be a prefect: always well presented, always wanting to be a ‘mate’ even if that meant doing the odd thing that didn’t sit comfortably with him, always wanting to please.

So the report card so far?

His first big test was the Murray Darling Basin Plan in the new year.

His predecessor Mr Joyce had accused the ABC of being part of a plan for taking more water off irrigators

Country Today with Libby Price

when Four Corners exposed water theft in NSW and Queensland.

Shooting the messenger is never good politics.

Irrigators on the Murray lost respect for Mr Joyce, suspecting him of favouring his Queensland constituents and business mates.

Mr Littleproud’s approach from the start has been quite to the contrary: he said he’s hearing the pain the MDBP has brought to farmers – he’s had them cry on his shoulder – but he’s determined having got this far, to see it through with them. Well played methinks.

Then the bolt from the blue: another horrific expose of the live-animal trade by Animals Australia. Doesn’t come much tougher politically than that.

Within an instant, livestock farmers were collectively holding their breath.

Would he follow Labor’s example when the live-cattle cruelty in Indonesia was exposed five years ago and ban the trade?

Would he take Mr Joyce’s approach and shoot the messenger by perhaps

SPECIAL GUEST: Federal Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in March. accusing the media of bias and a beat up?

It was instead a calm, more considered approach. A short, sharp review to see how this terrible incident could be avoided.

And with just a dash of, ‘don’t mess with me’, when Mr Littleproud said what he saw was, ‘bulldust’.

It could be tempting to give him 10 out of 10 for trying, but then he just might get too big for his boots, and indeed arguably already has by put-

MAXIMISE YOUR FARMING PRACTICES – AND PROFITS! with

CROPOPTI SERVICES

CROPOPTI

ting his hand up to take over from Mr Joyce as leader of the Nationals.

Steady there little soldier! Way too green behind the ears having only been elected in 2016. So let’s play it safe and give him a 7 out of 10 shall we?

Here’s hoping his honeymoon period morphs into a long and happy political marriage. Oh hang on, he’s a Queenslander. He can’t help it but we’d better make that a 6.5 out of 10.

• Libby Price presents radio station 3WM’s Country Today segment.

Export review 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has announced terms of reference for a ‘short, sharp’ review into sheep exports to the Middle East during the northern summer.

Minister Littleproud said the review would consider information including scientific literature, outcomes of recent voyages and reports from observers.

“The footage I saw recently from voyages in 2017 shocked me,” he said.

“After meeting with the stakeholders I announced this review.

“The review will identify any improvements in how the current standards, known as the Australian Standards for Export of Livestock or ASEL, can be administered or executed.”

He said the review would be complete in time to make any recommended changes to the 2018 northern summer trade.

GRDC updates Grains Research and Development Corporation has announced dates and locations for its Victorian updates for the remainder of 2018.

Grains Research Updates will be at Walpeup on July 17, Nhill, August 14, and Rokewood, August 23.

A Farm Business Update will be at Birchip on July 4.

People can access more information online at grdc.com.au/events/list or by phoning 5441 6176 or emailing admin@orm.com.au.

Poly Welding On site and on time every time!

LEADERS IN AGRONOMY A fully-independent farm consultancy service that provides you with customised solutions to your farms’ specific challenges.

Tanks Boom Sprays Grain Hoppers

Cutting edge technology, innovative strategies and advice that’s right for you!

Get the extra edge with Crop Opti Travis Hair 0437 778 202 Matt Beddison 0429 007 810 Warwick Stone 0413 591 720 7 Golf Course Road, Horsham 3400 (03) 5382 0088 Thursday, April 26, 2018

FreyStar Logistics Pty Ltd www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Marty Colbert 0429 672 616

Page

31

Page

32

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Thursday, April 26, 2018