Season wind-down
Viterra received 281,000 tonnes of grower deliveries in the past week, taking total SA receivals to more than six million tonnes. With harvest winding down, Viterra continues to work with growers to receive any remaining grain yet to be harvested or stored on-farm. Growers are encouraged to deliver while most sites and segregations are still available. Deliveries continue to slow down on the Eyre Peninsula with 49,000t received in the past week. Port Lincoln and Tumby Bay are receiving most of the region's grower deliveries, with wheat the main commodity. Shipping is taking place out of the western region with a vessel of new-season wheat loaded at Thevenard last week. The central region received 160,000t last week, with Port Giles receiving the bulk. Wheat remains the main commodity delivered. Tailem Bend continues to receive most of the eastern region's receivals, with wheat the main commodity. Last week, the Outer Harbor terminal completed loading a barley vessel which will move grain through Viterra's system, creating additional storage for grower receivals.
Details: ezigrain.com.au
Quality issues
In a week when ABARES estimated 2014-15 Australian wheat production would be 14 per cent lower year-on-year, crop quality is also emerging as an issue. ProFarmer chief analyst Nathan Cattle said 20-30 millimetres more over southern parts of the WA grain belt had increased the risk of wheat being downgraded to feed.
Clay testing: Research is highlighting the importance of testing clay before applying it to paddocks, as its properties can vary significantly and affect nutrient availability and uptake by grain crops. The work is funded by the GRDC under its More Profit from Crop Nutrition program and is being conducted by Department of Agriculture and Food WA and Murdoch University researchers. DAFWA researcher David Hall said spreading clay or delving sub-soil clay boosted production.
Details: www.grdc.com.au/HT-ClayingToAmeliorateNonWettingSoils
Weed agenda
A national plan to combat weeds of national significance has been finalised. Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce commended the plan to minimise the impact of Australia's worst invasive plants. "A nationally agreed strategic plan for each of the 32 Weeds of National Significance will prioritise actions, investment and management of these weeds, allowing for consistent and multi-state activities on high-priority species," he said.
