Wimmera farmers and advisers should mark their calendars for one of four hay workshops being delivered by Agriculture Victoria and Wimmera Farming Network in mid-September.
The events, to be held at Winiam, Wallup, Noradjuha and Navarre, will feature fodder expert Colin Peace of Jumbuk Consulting, along with Agriculture Victoria's seasonal risk agronomists, Dale Boyd and Dale Grey.
Mr Peace has over 20 years' experience in the Australian fodder industry, with expertise in grain and hay marketing and the use of straw for bioenergy feedstock.
He will discuss strategies for farmers to maximise the yield, quality and price of hay crops for domestic and export markets.
Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer, Heather Drendel, said the workshops will give farmers confidence to include hay as a planned enterprise in their crop rotations.
"Along with other benefits, cutting crops for hay provides an alternative source of income, and helps control herbicide-resistant weeds," she said.
Mr Boyd will discuss the latest soil moisture measurements for the region, while Mr Grey will provide an update on the spring climate forecast.
This activity is supported by the Wimmera Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator and Wimmera CMA through funding from the Australian government's National Landcare Program.
The workshops will be held at Winiam Hall from 2-5pm, Monday, September 16; Wallup Hall from 9am-12pm, Tuesday, September 17; Noradjuha Hall from 2.30-5pm, Tuesday, September 17; and Navarre Recreation Reserve from 9.30am-12pm, Wednesday, September 18.
Register at wimmerahaydays.eventbrite.com.au
Enquiries to tony.fay@agriculture.vic.gov.au
