PULSE growers in the Coomandook-Coonalpyn region interested in receiving the latest regional research results and seasonal information are encouraged to become part of a new group to optimise profitability.
The South East Pulse Check Group has relocated to the zone this year, to further expand grower connection and increase regional knowledge on sustainable pulse production and improved farming systems.
Pulse Check Group co-ordinator and Rural Directions consultant Brendan Wallis encourages all local growers to become engaged in the hands-on meetings and field walks into the future.
"The South East has a great opportunity to supply high quality pulses, in particular faba beans, to the global market," he said.
"The advantage for growers and advisers in attending these meetings is the ability to increase the regional benefit from this market, through improved knowledge on farms, minimised risk and optimised crop potential.
"The Pulse Check Group is a great way to collaborate and gather new information and also share past experiences.
"The group is open to all, with no prerequisites required. We are all there to learn about pulses and how we can get the most out of them in our rotations."
The GRDC Southern Region Pulse Extension Project, titled 'Building capacity, skills and knowledge for the pulse industry in the southern region: supporting expansion of high value pulses into new areas and ensuring sustained profitability of all key pulse crops', began in 2017.
Delivered by a consortium of organisations involved in the pulse industry across the GRDC's southern region, the initiative aims to increase the knowledge of growers and advisers on sustainable pulse production, leading to improved farming systems and grower profitability.
The 12 Pulse Check groups in the Southern Pulse Extension Project have been set up in pulse crop expansion zones and are attached to farming systems groups to fill a perceived regional extension void.
Previously located in the Keith region, the South East Pulse Check Group has delivered six meetings to-date, covering a range of topics including post-harvest review of the previous season, paddock selection and other sowing considerations, different types of pulse crops and different varieties, pests, weeds, diseases, pulse markets and more.
The next meeting will be held at 9am on Tuesday, June 18, at 1154 Werrimbrook Road, Coomandook.
This post-seeding meeting will include:
- Looking at establishment of pulse species by variety trial;
- Calculating plant density and discussing its importance;
- Measuring seeding depth;
- Herbicide resistant radish in pulses - use of alternative chemistries post emergence;
- Review of pre-emergence chemistry;
- Post-emergent grass-selective herbicides - the differences between clethodim and butroxydim; and
- Discussion on market developments and opportunities.
- Details: Brendan Wallis 0427 017 858 or bwallis@ruraldirections.com
