Cropping and Tillage — February 2020

February 2020 16-page feature

Cropping and Tillage

Farmers looking to the skies As the winter cropping season approaches, farmers like John Bruce are closely monitoring the skies and hoping for rain that will help prepare their seed beds.

SEE PAGE 23

Rain no value yet PAGE 23

Mixed harvest for Victoria PAGE 27

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PAGE 22—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

Move quickly against weed eathertop Rhodes grass is quickly F becoming one of the biggest weed threats in Australian farming systems,

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demanding swift and decisive action, according to weed researcher Bhagirath Chauhan.

Dr Chauhan, who is from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, said the vast number of seeds produced per plant and the species’ ability to germinate and establish on very small rainfall events, gives this weed a real competitive advantage, particularly in a fallow situation. ‘‘Night temperature does affect seed production of feathertop Rhodes grass so it is important to concentrate efforts on preventing germination or controlling these weed populations in spring and early summer,’’ he said. ‘‘These early germinated populations are also more able to compete with summer crops and then set seed in-crop.’’

Being able to tolerate both knockdown and residual (pre-emergent) herbicides,

feathertop Rhodes grass can quickly gain a foothold in no-till farming systems. ‘‘We also found that FTR grass seed on the soil surface is not viable after 12 months,’’ Dr Chauhan said. ‘‘Burying the seed lengthens the period that the seed remains viable, so unless the seed bank is completely buried to a depth of 5 cm or more and left undisturbed for more than 18 months, cultivation on its own might not be a good control tactic.’’

Feathertop Rhodes grass is already widespread across Australia and it is easily transported to new areas on machinery and in hay.

Roadsides, water channels, head ditches and on-farm tracks are all sources of weed seed, which can then easily enter cropping areas. ‘‘If hay is brought in, it is wise to feed-out in defined areas so any FTR grass plants can be more readily seen and removed before they set seed,’’ Dr Chauhan said. ➤ For more information about feathertop Rhodes grass control, visit: www.weedsmart.org.au

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The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a neutral outlook for the months ahead.

Crystal ball gazing from weather gurus

he Bureau of Meteorology has T issued the following long-range forecast:

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➤ The likelihood of a wetter or drier than average autumn (March to May) is roughly equal for much of Australia.

However, parts of the northern MurrayDarling Basin have a slightly increased chance of being drier than average. ➤ Rainfall for the fortnight of February 10 to 23 is likely to be below average across north-west Australia, extending into much of central and interior Australia.

Northern Cape York Peninsula in Queensland is likely to have a wetter fortnight. ➤ Both daytime and overnight temperatures for autumn (March to May)

are likely to be above average across Australia. ➤ With major climate drivers neutral, local or short-term climate drivers — such as sea surface temperatures around Australia, and active or break periods of the monsoon — are likely to have a greater influence on Australian rainfall and temperature patterns. ➤ Recent rainfall has been beneficial for some drought and fire-affected areas.

However, several months of above average rainfall will be needed to see a recovery from current long-term rainfall deficiencies. ➤ April to June is also likely to see warmer than average days and nights for most of the country.

’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 23

cropping & tillage

Small falls not helping farmers

By Rodney Woods he recent rain across T Victoria’s north-east has done more bad than good,

according to Agriculture Victoria’s seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey.

Mr Grey said despite 50 mm falling across the region so far this year, it had not improved soil moisture. ‘‘So far for the year, 50 mm have fallen in most places but it’s been coming in smaller amounts,’’ he said. ‘‘It hasn’t been able to penetrate the soil profile very deep, which means the sun evaporates it very quickly. ‘‘Anyone that grew a crop right through to fruition has none or

next to no soil moisture left, and paddocks cut for hay have 25 per cent left. ‘‘You’d want a full profile by the end of August. ‘‘A normal winter rainfall will see that every year but if we get a particularly dry winter we won’t see that.’’

Mr Grey said the recent wet weather had the potential to harm livestock. ‘‘It’s been good for the garden, good to put water in the tank but it’s no great use at all,’’ he said. ‘‘It could grow weeds, which are toxic for livestock, and farmers have to spend money to spray them to get them out. ‘‘We might as well get none rather than small amounts of rain.’’

Cropping farmers will be wanting a good rainfall event near Anzac Day to kick start their winter crops and would need more rain to fall late spring to finish them off.

But Mr Grey said both rainfall events were impossible to predict this far out. ‘‘This time of year is a notorious time to make predictions of what’s coming up in three months, let alone in spring,’’ he said. ‘‘We wouldn’t have a clue. The majority of the models are sitting on the fence that anything could happen (for rainfall in the next three months) and that’s normal. ‘‘Most models are predicting average to warmer temperatures (as well).’’

Agriculture Victoria’s seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey says rain events now are detrimental rather than beneficial.

John Bruce is preparing for the upcoming cropping season. He hopes to sow canola, wheat, barley and pasture on his farm between Barooga and Mulwala

Hoping for more rain before sowing starts

By Jamie Salter

espite light rains, cropping and D sheep farmer John Bruce has an optimistic outlook on the upcoming

cropping season.

Mr Bruce’s farm is located between Barooga and Mulwala and has received between 20 mm and 30 mm of rain in the past two to three weeks. ‘‘The way the conditions have been, we would like some more rain; we have no soil

moisture,’’ he said. ‘‘If we go into cropping with a bit of moisture, we can handle the cropping season, otherwise you become reliant on rainfall.’’

Mr Bruce said if the soil moisture profile was full, the crop could get through the season without requiring much rainfall.

He plans to grow 200 ha of canola, 250 ha of wheat, 300 ha of pasture and a possible 200 ha of barley this season.

‘‘We generally start sowing canola from April 12 and generally we’re harvesting in the second week of November. ‘‘We’re still sitting on the fence on how much canola we will sow. ‘‘If we happen to get 50 to 60 mm of rain between now and when we start sowing, we would do the full amount, which is a couple hundred hectares.’’

Mr Bruce said pests were not an issue on his farm and he had begun to spray summer

weeds, to prevent the weeds from using moisture needed for future crops.

The crops harvested by Mr Bruce will be sold domestically to Kelly Grains/Emerald Grains in Tocumwal and McNaught’s Grain & Fertilisers in Berrigan.

Mr Bruce said it was good to see rain in northern Victoria and southern NSW but hoped to have some more come his way before sowing begins. ‘‘It’s usually pretty dry but it’s very humid here, it’s like we’re growing in tropics.’’

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PAGE 24—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

Making the right moves

Grains conference

aving time and saving money S are the driving forces behind any agricultural operation and South Australian farming family, the McCauleys, believe they’ve nailed both with an investment they’ve recently put to work in their business.

Alex McCauley, and parents Nick and Cherelyn, run Wonstrow Farming, a 1620 ha property on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula where they crop almost 1420 ha a year and run between 700 and 900 sheep annually.

They also have up to 1000 lambs through the summer to run on the crop stubble and for feedlotting.

The McCauleys finished harvesting just before Christmas, with crops of barley, canola, wheat and faba beans.

They were reasonably satisfied with the yields, despite limited rainfall through the season, but believe the potential of this year’s harvest was maximised with the introduction of a new member to their machinery fleet, a Case IH 9250 Axial-Flow combine harvester. ‘‘The wind had taken a bit of a toll on the barley, so it was laying down and not the easiest crop to harvest, but the header was up to the challenge,’’ Mr McCauley said.

The 250 Series Axial-Flow was launched with the promise of a new level of automation aimed at maximising the efficiency and performance of the combine,

he VFF Grains Group’s T annual conference will be held in Moama this month,

with the theme being future innovation in broadacre cropping.

The conference will showcase new innovation, practices and technologies that can further assist farmers advance their businesses.

Other key issues impacting producers, such as the Murray Basin Rail Project and short grain trader payment terms, will also be discussed.

University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus Professor Tim Reeves will officially open the conference and address attendees on the future sustainability of the grains industry.

Other speakers include Dr Mike Walsh, from the University of Sydney; Gary Gale, from Digital Agriculture Services; and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell.

A dinner cruise will be held on Sunday, February 23 from 6 pm, before the conference is officially opened at 8.30 am on Monday, February 24. It finishes at 5.30 pm, before a gala dinner is held at 6.30 pm.

The conference will be held at the Rich River Golf Club, Twenty Four Lane, Moama, NSW.

The 9250 Axial-Flow combine is new to the Case IH range. which in turn would optimise grain quality and grain savings.

It’s a guarantee the McCauleys endorse wholeheartedly. ‘‘We’re so impressed with what we’ve seen from it so far,’’ Mr McCauley said. ‘‘We started it off in some of our wheat to get an idea of its performance and the automation was fantastic — I mean straight out of the box it was reaping so well and doing a perfect sample.

‘‘One of our blocks is very sandy so it’s pretty hard reaping, but the 9250 was outstanding — we’ve never seen a wheat sample like that coming out of a header. ‘‘We even threw a heap of trays out trying to find grain out the back but there was barely anything on the ground which was really impressive out of a big machine like this.’’

The McCauleys traded their 10-year-old Case IH 7120 for the

9250, which they’ve paired with a 13.7 m front, going for the additional size after concerns it was taking too long to harvest the grain they had, which was then being downgraded because of the later finish. ‘‘Last year we took a bit of a hit through loss of grades — we dropped a few grades after rain and decided that with a bigger machine we could have got it in earlier,’’ Mr McCauley said.

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’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 25

cropping & tillage

Dookie trials reveal dry season t’s now official that the 2019 Irainfalls annual and growing season for Dookie and many

other regional locations, were both in decile one — that is in the bottom 10 per cent of all years recorded.

Unsurprisingly, this had an impact on productivity and profitability for both cropping and livestock farms.

Here on the University of Melbourne’s Dookie Campus farm we did, however, have a couple of pleasant surprises, with one RR canola crop on wheat stubble yielding 2 tonne/ha and also some reasonable yields from the cereal variety comparison blocks that we established with the collaboration of Baker Seeds, Rutherglen.

These blocks (about 2 ha each) were planted into a wheat stubble (cut for hay in 2018) on May 15, 2019.

Pre-sowing soil cores showed that there was little or no moisture in the top 90 cm of the profile at seeding and the growing season rainfall received was 221 mm.

The yields were: ➤ Trojan wheat 2.9 tonne/ha. ➤ Vixen wheat 3.0 tonne/ha. ➤ LPB 14-0392 wheat 2.1 tonne/ ha. ➤ Scepter wheat 2.7 tonne/ha. ➤ Planet barley 2.5 tonne/ha. ➤ Spartacus barley 3.5 tonne/ha.

These yields are near the

Spartacus barley on the right (lighter colour) and Vixen wheat on the left growing at Dookie. potential for the growing season rainfall and clearly Spartacus barley was the best performer in the tough conditions.

The comparisons attracted plenty of attention and were used by more than 200 students and viewed by a number of growers.

It’s also good to report that many of the local district yields

University of Melbourne Dookie Campus students in the 2 tonne/ha canola crop last yea.

were surprisingly good, with some growers achieving average wheat yields of 3-4 tonne/ha and canola yields from 2-3 tonne/ha — and a significant proportion of the best crops were planted into faba bean stubbles.

I am convinced that legumes should be a significant component of regional farming systems if

those systems are to be more sustainable, and it is critical that pulses are persisted with, as all of the research shows that the benefits arising from their use are usually gained over a six or seven year period.

A very experienced colleague who works with leading farmers in southern NSW has been a

proponent of using legumes (mainly vetch) as a ‘double break’ in ‘brown manure’ systems and he concluded: ‘‘A crop production system involving brown manure legumes, can be as profitable as continuous cropping, but even if slightly less profitable, has considerably less production and financial risk due to lower input and operating costs’’.

There have been outstanding results from these ‘brown manure’ systems.

Our modern farming systems and technologies have enabled growers to achieve yields that were generally much higher than would have been possible in the past, when similar seasonal conditions were experienced.

I can well recall decile one rainfall years in 1967, 1972, 1982 and a number during the millennium drought period, when successive dry years resulted in average crop yields of around 1 tonne/ha.

We have come a long way because of the successful partnerships between scientists and farmers, but more is needed as long experience has clearly shown that sustainability is a ‘moving target’ and we must keep moving towards more diverse and resilient farming systems.

— Professor Tim Reeves University of Melbourne

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PAGE 26—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

Hear the latest grain research will host a two-day event next Bendigo week, run by the Grains Research and

Development Corporation, to allow agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss new and relevant information with their peers.

The GRDC Grains Research Update will cover topics such as capitalising on barley market opportunities, understanding preemergent herbicide availability, selectivity and persistence and how we can use this knowledge to predict behaviour of new herbicides, hitting production targets in the United Kingdom in a highly regulated environment, and food and diet trends affecting the grains industry.

Speakers include Mary Raynes, from the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre; Sara Grafenauer, from the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council; and James Hunt, from La Trobe University.

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Sara Grafenauer, from the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council, will discuss food and diet trends affecting the grains industry at a GRDC update in Bendigo.

UK expert to speak he challenges of farming in a highly T regulated environment in the United Kingdom will be one of the broader

topics on the program at the 2020 Grains Research and Development Corporation Grains Research Update in Corowa on February 20.

Leading international agricultural consultant Keith Norman, from the UK, will discuss the topic as one of the keynote speakers at the update being held at Corowa RSL Club.

Mr Norman is an independent consultant who previously worked as farm management services provider Velcourt’s technical director.

He supported the leading farming company’s UK team of 45 farm managers in crop production technology, and managed their in-house research and development activity for 30 years.

GRDC northern grower relations manager Richard Holzknecht said Mr Norman would offer insights into how regulatory controls could impact growers’ freedom to operate in modern farming systems. ‘‘Keith will explain how UK growers have adapted and are operating in a practical way within that regulatory framework,’’ Mr Holzknecht said. ‘‘He will also discuss the expected impact of climate change on grain farming in the UK and in Europe, and changes growers are subsequently making to their strategies and farming systems.’’

Other topics to be discussed include the latest strategies in canola disease control and the legacy effects of nitrogen management options and the longer-term implications of choosing hay versus grain.

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Leading international agricultural consultant Keith Norman, from the UK, will talk about the challenges of farming in a highly regulated environment as one of the keynote speakers at the GRDC Update in Corowa this week.

Development Corporation Grains Research Update is on Thursday, February 20, from 9 am to 1.30 pm, at the Corowa RSL Club, 30 Betterment Parade, Corowa.

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’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 27

cropping & tillage

Drought hurts grain delivery t was a mixed year for Itakings GrainCorp harvest across Victoria,

with the impact of drought taking its toll on northern Victoria and some Mallee farmers.

In northern Victoria, Numurkah took in 10 351 tonnes of mostly canola, Dookie took in just under 48 000 tonne (majority canola, some wheat) and Yarrawonga recorded just under 27 000 tonne (canola and wheat).

GrainCorp corporate affairs manager Jess Simons said while northern Victoria struggled to produce yields, the Wimmera Mallee region fared far better. ‘‘It was a mixed bag across the state overall as we know,’’ she said. ‘‘The north-east corner and northern Mallee regions certainly faced more than their fair share of challenges in one of the worst droughts on record. ‘‘Whereas we had a record year in parts of the Wimmera Mallee. ‘‘We can only hope for a better season next year.’’

A truck delivers canola to a GrainCorp site in northern Victoria.

German machinery boss to visit region erman machinery brand Horsch is G synonymous with cutting-edge technology in soil cultivation and

seeding, and next month founder Michael Horsch will be in Yarrawonga and Horsham to share his expertise first-hand. ‘‘O’Connors is excited to be teaming up with Horsch distributor Muddy River Agricultural to provide an opportunity for customers to hear Mr Horsch speak in Horsham, or attend an in-paddock demonstration, presentation and lunch event in Yarrawonga,’’ O’Connors Shepparton and Corowa sales manager Tim Edgar said.

A farmer long before he became a manufacturer, Mr Horsch realised the key to successful equipment sales, no matter how innovative, was to educate the users first and foremost.

By supporting his solution-driven design process with regular, grass-roots interaction with growers, Mr Horsch is now a highly respected name in farming equipment around the world.

As a pioneer of no-till techniques, Mr Horsch’s early education methods were as simple as inviting customers to his family farm to show the customers how the soil structure changes when you don’t plough.

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Horsch founder Michael Horsch and Horsch head of marketing Cornelia Horsch will be visiting Yarrawonga and Horsham in March. world using the same forward-thinking approach. ‘‘In his upcoming events with O’Connors, Mr Horsch will be delivering his thoughts and insights into agriculture globally, and into topics as diverse as trends and future changes, consumer demand, herbicide resistance and farming in a changing climate,’’ Mr Edgar said.

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PAGE 28—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

Domestic demand to stay strong ore than half of Australia’s extra M grain production in 2030 will be consumed within Australia, according to

new Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre analysis.

AEGIC chief economist Ross Kingwell said Australian growers would be producing an additional 5.5 million metric tonnes of grain by 2030.

It would be an increase of more than 11 per cent compared to trend production in 2017.

Only about half of the additional grain will be available for export, with the rest going straight to the domestic market — mostly for animal feed. ‘‘In little over a decade, Australia’s population is projected to reach 30 million, a jump of almost five million people,’’ Professor Kingwell said. ‘‘This will cause a big increase in domestic grain demand for feed and food. ‘‘And with 75 per cent of Australia’s

consumers currently living in eastern Australia, almost all the extra grain produced in the eastern states will be consumed in those eastern states.’’

Prof Kingwell said by 2030, between 2.4 million and 2.8 million metric tonnes of extra grain would be available for export nationwide. ‘‘Most of this will come from the less populous states of Western Australia and South Australia,’’ he said.

‘‘Export demand in key international grain markets is projected to increase, so we expect the extra grain will find a home.’’

Prof Kingwell said Australia’s increased grain production in 2030 would stem from growers successfully increasing their crop yields in a volatile and changing climate. ‘‘The area planted to crops is not likely to increase towards 2030, so yield increases aided by the skill of farmers, researchers and advisers will be crucial,’’ he said.

New tine drills eeding and soil management S equipment company Aitchison now offers a range of

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Two Airpro drills have also been introduced that are fitted with the electric drive system — the 8124E having a 3 m sowing width and the larger 6 m hydraulic folding. ‘‘The electronic metering system offers pre-set modes so that you can store settings for particular seed and fertiliser combinations to reuse at a later date,’’ PFG Australia cultivation and seeding territory manager Tom Wilkinson said.

‘‘The touch screen controls the rate and shut-off of both boxes independently with a one-button calibration for easy set-up,’’ he said. ‘‘The rates can be changed on the go or bumped up or down by pre-set buttons. ‘‘It has the ability to store data on an unlimited number of jobs with details such as paddock name and sowing information. ‘‘With its USB port you can transfer this data to a desktop computer.’’

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’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 29

cropping & tillage

More harrow options for farmers FG Australia is P expanding harrow stock in Australia by

distributing the Maschio Veloce light disc harrow.

The Veloce is best used for shallow seedbed preparation (down to 10 cm) and the discs are arranged on two rows with opposing disc direction. ‘‘The individually mounted discs now have a redesigned arm that gives more clearance between the disc and arm,’’ PFG Australia cultivation and seeding territory manager Tom Wilkinson said. ‘‘This is combined with an increased rank distance of 800 mm between front and rear gangs to allow better trash flow and fewer blockages. ‘‘The concave of the disc has also been reduced to give better trash and soil throw at higher speeds, so most soil and residue goes under and through the rear roller.’’

Side deflectors are standard and also keep the soil in the machine, eliminating side ridges and troughs from outside discs. ‘‘This becomes very important if you are working laser-levelled ground and bays for water flow,’’ Mr Wilkinson said. ‘‘The Veloce comes

The Maschio Veloce is best used for shallow seedbed preparation (down to 10 cm) and the discs are arranged on two rows with opposing disc direction. standard with an open cage roller that helps mix soil and residue and breaks down clods that are pushed through to the back of the

machine. ‘‘Other rollers are available ex-factory. ‘‘After a pass with the Veloce, the worked ground

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is left flat, any residue is incorporated and you are ready to sow. ‘‘Mounting the optional APV seeder on the rear will

give you a one-pass machine for sowing a variety of crops.’’

PFG is also distributing the Maschio UFO disc

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harrow — the big brother of the Veloce.

It has larger 610 mm scalloped discs, larger bearings and substantially more weight so it is ideal for more challenging conditions and primary tillage.

The discs are individually mounted on simple spring system which allows a three dimensional breakout, both backwards and sideways. ‘‘This greatly reduces the risk of damaging the system on hidden structures under the soil,’’ Mr Wilkinson said. ‘‘The oil-filled maintenance-free bearing keeps everything turning pass after pass.’’

The Veloce and UFO are available from 2.5 m to 6 m in both linkage and trailing formats.

Demonstrations of various models are happening this season with a 2.5 m linkage and 6 m trailing UFO available.

PFG Australia distributes Maschio machinery to Shepparton’s Goulburn Valley Ag, John Sanderson Machinery at Nagambie and Cobram Farm Equipment. ➤ For more information, phone Tom Wilkinson on 0484 999 044.

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PAGE 30—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

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Their spare parts stock holding is the largest in northern Victoria and parts of any type can be sourced for all trucks and trailers. ➤ For more information on their existing stock as well as their MaxiTRANS trailer offerings, visit Graham Thomson Motors at 138-144 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton or phone 5821 3977.

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’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 31

cropping & tillage

NAB Agribusiness Rural Commodities Wrap says Australia now has some of the most expensive wheat in the world.

Yields are worst in past 12 years

hile final figures are yet to be W determined, NAB Agribusiness says the 2019-20 season will be the worst

winter cropping season for yields since 2007-08.

The February Rural Commodities Wrap said conditions in NSW and Queensland were particularly poor, while Victoria — and to a lesser extent South Australia — had decent yields.

The report said Australian grain continued to trade well above international benchmarks. ‘‘Arguably, Australia now has some of the

most expensive wheat in the world,’’ the report said. ‘‘That said, prices are below the late 2018 peak and at least this season, stock feed for NSW and Queensland could be bought from Victoria and South Australia rather than Western Australia (as occurred the previous season). ‘‘We see prices staying high for the next few months until the break becomes clearer, helped by a lower Australian dollar and elevated lot feeding.’’

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PAGE 32—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

Smaller spreaders offer options eading steelworks L company Coolamon Steelworks has released

a new spreader to the market.

Developed and tested during 2019, the Coolamon compact spreaders are based on the company’s range of premium spreaders but cater for the needs of all farmers other than broadacre.

Ranging in length from 2.8 m to 3.8 m, the hopper is designed with a low height to enable loading with smaller equipment and running on smaller wheel options.

Powder-coated with a zinc primer, the spreader has a 1 m wide cleated belt with polyurethane skirts, a heavy-duty roll over tarp, single axle adjustable out to 3 m and flotation tyres as standard.

The spreader features one-piece sidewalls and 6 mm ends with bevelled corners.

Growers can choose from three different size hoppers — from the CSC55 at 5500 litres to the CSC70 at 7000 litres and the largest in the range, the CSC85 at 8500 litres.

They can customise their machine with the extra options of weight scales, side delivery hydraulic

The range of single axle Coolamon CSC Compact Spreaders start with the 5500 litre unit and go up to an 8500 litre unit. conveyer, stainless steel hoppers, brakes, mudguards, orchard deflectors, light pack and camera pack.

Coolamon’s Western Australia and South

Australia state sales manager Preston Grigg said the machine had added to an expanding stable of field, chaser and mother bins, along with the bigger spreader range.

Mr Grigg said the compact spreader range was customer-driven and offered many of the benefits of its bigger brothers. ‘‘We have three trailing single axle units ranging

from 5500 to 8500 litre capacity,’’ he said. ‘‘Not everybody needs a broadacre spreader and these are ideal for horticulturalists, dairies and livestock operators.

‘‘It is fully hydraulic using the tractor remotes.’’

The spreader features the Hazelton patented variable sized cones with bolt-on spinner blades. ‘‘The variable sized cones combined with the spread pattern and width is what puts these spreaders apart from the rest,’’ Mr Grigg said. ‘‘Our spreaders are the only ones in the world with variable sized cones, vastly improving the timing of product as it leaves the machine.’’

The Coolamon compact spreader is ideal for granulated products such as lime, gypsum, potash, urea, poultry manure, feedlot waste and superphosphate.

The spreader range can carry from 6.9 to 10.6 tonnes of lime, and from 4.2 to 10.6 tonnes of urea.

Mr Grigg said the spreader boasted a selfcleaning hopper design. ‘‘We will have the Coolamon compact spreader at all national field days across Australia this year and there will also be demonstration days held.’’ ➤ For more information, visit: www.coolamonchaser bins.com.au or visit the Facebook page.

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’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 33

cropping & tillage

Moama’s Mick Barlow has been using the Massey Ferguson 9830NT air seeder for seven years.

Mick Barlow says depth adjustment is easy with a simple system of colour coded ram stops.

Air seeder makes light work

he Massey Ferguson 9830NT air T seeder is a piece of high speed machinery used for accurate seeding of

pasture and cereal crops in a direct drill environment.

Built with patented opposing single disc technology, the MF9830NT single disc drill is field-proven in no-till, minimum till and conventional till soil conditions.

Sales and branch manager Bruce Cobb from McKee’s Garage & Engineering in Elmore said productivity was the most important thing in a farming operation. ‘‘The wide-angled packer wheels shed

mud in wet conditions, and opposing single discs reduce weed germination by disturbing a narrow band of soil between the two discs,’’ he said.

The MF9830NT has a seeding speed of 12 to 14 km/h and Mr Cobb said it was the best choice for efficient seeding of pasture and all cereal crops. ‘‘The MF9830NT comes fully equipped with all row blockage monitors that lets you know if there’s been a blockage in the system. ‘‘There’s nothing worse than discovering after germination that you have hare tracks

through your crop,’’ Mr Cobb said.

A cropping farmer for 56 years, Mick Barlow, from Moama, has been using the 9830 system of seeding on crops such as canola and lucerne for seven years. ‘‘It’s designed for working in good conditions, it does a wonderful job in grass paddocks,’’ Mr Barlow said. ‘‘To get germination on small seeds it’s a great machine because it places the seed in a good position, you’ve got good depth control and row spacing of seven inches (17.78 cm) means it sows closer together.’’

Mr Barlow said the 9830NT system

required very little maintenance over the years. ‘‘I’ve done about 70 000 acres (28 000 ha) and there is still a lot more wear in the discs.’’

He said the machinery was best for lighter soils, which can sow at higher speeds and cover a lot of country.

The MF9830NT is built around simplicity of design, low maintenance costs and germination of a wide variety of crops. ➤ McKee’s Garage is at 43 Simmie St, Elmore. For more information, visit: www.mckeesgarage.com.au/ or phone 5432 6007.

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PAGE 34—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

cropping & tillage

Testing new technology esearchers at University R of South Australia’s Agricultural Machinery

Research and Design Centre are set to deliver farmers a boost in output and risk aversion as they near completion of a number of projects using cutting edge technology to improve crop establishment.

With Australia’s farm gross domestic product declining by 8.3 per cent over the past year, the projects could improve crop establishment by up to

400 per cent and significantly increase grain yield.

Key to the approach of researchers is the application of a computer simulation technique called discrete element method, which allows them to accurately model soil engaging tools, such as no-till crop seeders, deep rippers, inversion ploughs and rotary spaders.

The discrete element method has been used in different ways in other areas, but the centre is pioneering its use in the

agricultural field, leading to significant improvements in the efficacy and efficiency of cropping machinery, according to Dr Chris Saunders. ‘‘Unlike real-world testing, which can only occur at certain times of year, DEM modelling can be done year-round using high-power computer stations to optimise designs and settings, which are then ready to test and fine tune in the field when the seasons permit,’’ Dr Saunders said.

The Farmax rotary spader was used in tests in 2019 at Ouyen, Victoria.

The researchers used digital simulations in conjunction with field tests to refine mixing quality in topsoil.

Control disease in seed

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FOR GREAT PASTURE AND CROP YIELD. CHOOSE DUNCAN DISC OR TINE DRILLS.

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eed treatments are applied to seed to S control diseases such as smuts, bunts or rust, and insects.

When applying seed treatments, always read the chemical label and calibrate the applicator.

Seed treatments are best used in conjunction with other diseasemanagement options such as crop and paddock rotation, clean seed and resistant varieties, especially when managing diseases such as stripe rust.

There are risks associated with using seed treatments.

Research shows that some seed treatments can delay emergence by: ➤ slowing the rate of germination; and ➤ shortening the length of the coleoptile, the first leaf and the sub-crown internode.

If there is a delay in emergence due to decreased vigour, it increases exposure to pre-emergent attack by pests and pathogens, or to soil crusting; this may lead to a failure to emerge.

The risk of emergence failure increases when seed is sown too deeply or into a poor seedbed, especially in varieties with shorter coleoptiles.

As the amount of certain fungicides increases, the rate of germination slows.

Some seed treatments contain azole fungicides (triadimenol and triadimefon).

Research has found that these seed treatments can reduce coleoptile length, and that the reduction increases as the rate of application increases.

Product registrations change over time and may differ between states and between products containing the same active ingredient.

The registration status for the intended use pattern in your state must be checked on the current product label prior to use.

The principal reason for using a fungicide at sowing for wheat crops has been for the control of smuts, but with the increased incidence of stripe rust in recent years, fungicide is being applied both to the seed and in-furrow.

Jockey (fluquinconazole) seed dressing is being used for stripe rust mostly in lower rainfall areas or Impact (flutriafol) in-furrow is used for stripe rust in medium- and highrainfall areas where the risk is greater.

If growers think they may have a problem with seed-borne infection, it is recommended they have the seed tested by the Cereal Pathology Subprogram, Plant Health and Biosecurity at the South Australian Research and Development Institute.

— Grains Research and Development Corporation

’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020—PAGE 35

cropping & tillage WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? What is the fall armyworm? ➤ This exotic pest is a big brown moth, with a striped caterpillar larval stage. ➤ It’s a different type of armyworm to those commonly found in southern Australia.

Where is it from? ➤ It originated from tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. ➤ Since 2016 it has rapidly spread to other parts of the world.

Is it found in australia? ➤ It was detected last week on the northern Torres Strait islands of Saibai and Erub. ➤ This is the first time it’s been found anywhere in Australia.

Why is it a problem? ➤ Larvae can decimate crops overnight.

➤ They eat more than 350 plant species including wheat, sorghum, cotton, maize, fruit and vegetables. ➤ The R strain found in the Torres Strait prefers rice, millet and pasture grasses, but will still eat other crops. ➤ Adult moths can fly up to 100 km each night.

What is being done? ➤ Authorities are trying to assess how far it has spread. ➤ Traps will be set up in northern and central Queensland. These traps will be baited with pheromones to lure male moths. ➤ Authorities will also ramp up monitoring on the illegal importation or movement of infested plant material.

A fall armyworm larvae. This pest is threatening crops across the world and has been found in Australia for the first time.

Picture: Elaine Kurtenbach/AP

Pest find sparks biosecurity alert

n exotic pest with the potential to A decimate crops overnight has been detected in Australia for the first time.

Authorities last week located six fall armyworm moths on the northern Torres Strait islands of Saibai and Erub.

The pest — which is different to other types of armyworm commonly found in southern Australia — originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It has spread rapidly to other parts of the world since 2016.

The larvae is known to eat more than 350 plant species including maize, cotton, rice, sorghum, sugarcane, wheat and vegetable and fruit crops.

Without control measures it can destroy crops overnight when population levels are high.

Adult moths can travel 100 km in one night, meaning it can spread quickly.

The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is working with the Federal Government, and with industry groups and communities, to assess the distribution and threat of the pest, and develop a response strategy.

There is no suggestion it has spread yet to the mainland, however traps will be set in northern and central Queensland as a precaution.

Biosecurity Queensland said it would also work closely with traditional landowners in the region to control the movement of plant and soil between the islands and the mainland, and between Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands. ➤ Anyone should report signs of the pest to Biosecurity Queensland on 132 523.

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PAGE 36—’Cropping and Tillage’, February, 2020

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