Growers are getting on board with technology for managing protein levels, with Kaniva grower Jonathan Dyer using a protein monitor on his header during last year’s harvest.
Presenting at the BCG Future Farmers Expo on July 5, Mr Dyer said: “We are moving into the information age, where better data equals better decisions which equals more profit.”
Overlaying yield and protein map information from several years can allow growers to identify and manage problem areas.
The motivations behind Mr Dyer’s purchase of the CropScan 3000H On Combine Analyser was to be able to monitor grain quality in real time, segregate grain in on-farm storage, improve agronomic management and increase his understanding of the quality of grain he produces.
Mr Dyer demonstrated there were areas which performed above the rest in quality within one paddock.
“The paddock averaged 11.2 per cent protein with an average of 4.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha), but what I really had was 100 hectares of wheat with protein less than 11.5 per cent and 80 hectares with more than 11.5 per cent protein,” he said.
By blending these two areas of the paddock, Mr Dyer generated an extra $14,500. Instead of having 500 tonnes of ASW and only 250 tonnes of H2, he had 200 tonnes of ASW and 600 tonnes of APW with a return of $162,000.
“This works out to be a nine per cent increase in returns from just the one paddock,” he said. “When we supply to the receivals you can clearly see blending occurring, but the grower isn’t getting paid any more for it, so why not blend on-farm?”
Mr Dyer reiterated the figures were from one paddock during one exceptional season. The paddock was also very variable – a more uniform paddock would not be expected to generate the same returns. Other factors considered included the upfront cost of the of the protein monitor and the market spread at the time.
With the extra information, Mr Dyer hopes to continue to use the monitor to improve decision making.
