To help farmers with spring planning, farming systems group Riverine Plains Inc will host its annual In-Season Update next Wednesday.
“It’s certainly been an interesting winter cropping season to date,” said John Bruce, Riverine Plains chair and Barooga farmer.
“So far we have seen damage from pests that have previously been more or less benign, we’ve got new pressure from a rare canola disease and we’ve experienced a very wet start to the season, and these and other variables are acting together to complicate farm management in a way that we haven’t really experienced before,” Mr Bruce said.
“For this reason, we’ve set an update program that will give border-region growers the chance to hear about the season’s main challenges from people who have either spent many years researching the issues or from people who have had the most experience to date on the topic.”
Insects and other pests have been particularly problematic this year and Riverina Local Land Services cropping agronomist Lisa Castleman will speak about the factors leading to the build-up of this season’s main pests and will also address management options for their control.
DEPI Hamilton’s Rob Harris will also present on nitrogen management, including the best way to apply nitrogen in wetter years with waterlogging in crops being wide-spread.
Growers will also hear the most up-to-date information on the previously rare canola disease Beet Western Yellows Virus (BWYV) which has had a sudden and often devastating impact in canola in western Victoria this year.
“The disease has also been found locally, so it is very important we are informed about the implications of this disease on our farming systems,” Mr Bruce said.
Other speakers include DEPI’s senior seasonal variability agronomist Dale Grey Bendigo, who will update farmers on the anticipated seasonal conditions for spring, and 2012 Nuffield Scholar Ashley Fraser of Rutherglen. Mr Fraser researched seed coating technology and will share some of his scholarship travel experiences as well as how he is further developing this technology.
The Update will be held at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort on Wednesday, August 13 from 9am to 1.30pm with registrations starting at 8.30am. Cost is $25 for Riverine Plains members and $35 for non-members (payable on the day) and includes catering. To register, contact Fiona Hart at info@riverineplains.com.au or phone (03) 5744 1713.
