Bordertown forum to promote farm advances and profitability

The update on August 22 will feature several industry experts who will speak on topics of relevance to the region’s grain growers.

GRDC Southern Regional Panel member John Bennett says the program for the Bordertown forum should generate significant interest among the local farming community.

“The topics up for discussion will address here and now seasonal issues as well as outcomes from research that have the potential to advance farm enterprises and grower profitability into the future,” said Mr Bennett, a graingrower at Lawloit, Vic.

“With a large percentage of farmers in the region running mixed operations, the program has been tailored to their needs and interests.”

Key messages from the extensive Grain and Graze program, a GRDC investment, will be delivered by project leader Cam Nicholson, of Nicon Rural Services.

Mr Nicholson, who is also a livestock producer, will outline strategies for smarter grazing of crops and stubbles, better management of crops and pastures within a rotation and decision-making and risk.

CSIRO’s Rick Llewellyn will bring growers up to date on progress being made in the concept of virtual fencing and how this could assist the integration of livestock and grain enterprises.

SARDI entomologist Maarten van Helden will provide the latest insights from research into Russian wheat aphid biology, as well as advice on spray thresholds, integrated pest management and control options.

Stabilising organic matter is a topic to be addressed by Jayne Gentry from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. She will look at the impacts of land use and crop management on organic carbon.

Advances in inoculation to increase the amount of nitrogen fixed by legumes will be detailed by Maarten Ryder from The University of Adelaide. This includes research evaluating rhizobia with improved acid tolerance aimed at increasing nodulation and biological N fixation on low pH soils.

Ashley Wallace, from Agriculture Vic, will discuss positive outcomes from first-year trials of mid-row banding of nitrogen fertiliser in-season.

To be held in partnership with MacKillop Farm Management Group, the update will be at the Bordertown Civic Centre from 9am to 1pm, with lunch to follow.