Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Making the best of a situation
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
The benefits and processes in early weaning, feedlotting, nutrition, finance and the future of the market were outlined by speakers at a sold-out AWN Wimmera event.
AWN Wimmera area manager Michael Phelan said efficient feeding of livestock was front of mind, owing to the increased appetite for feedlotting lambs as another source of income for farming enterprises, as well as the early weaning of lambs to create better outcomes for both lambs and breeding ewes.
“Large parts of western Victoria have been operating in extremely suboptimal weather conditions and a very high-cost environment for quite some time now, which is really squeezing margins,” he said.
“Therefore, there is a huge uptick in interest in learning about the most efficient ways to feed stock and adopting strategies that will get lambs to a place where they are a marketable product as quickly as possible.
“The weather will do what the weather will do, however as we’ve seen of late, if you can still get a quality product to market in a timely fashion, the reward is there.”
Mr Phelan said events such as this
month’s gathering were infrequent, as the area’s mixed farmers were collectively busy year-round.
“It is quite rare for that many people to come together at the same time to expand their already-sound knowledge on feeding and livestock, so it was a great effort from our team to get everyone together,” he said.
“There was special interest in Maja Polkinghorne’s presentation around the early weaning of lambs, how early it can actually be done as well as the fact that when done correctly, in a large percentage of cases it is actually the best thing for the lamb.”
Mrs Polkinghorne, from CWS Prime Lamb Sires at Paradise, south of St Arnaud, spoke about the AIM Central program she and her husband have implemented at different times of the year.
“We’ve had two years of dry autumns, a lot of people have been in the situation of daily feeding ewes and lambs at foot, spring is such a long time away – you’re feeling absolutely helpless,” she said.
“We found there was an option – you don’t have to watch your ewes fade away.”
Mrs Polkinghorne said by drying up the ewe and feeding her and the lamb separately, feed could be reduced by 40 per cent.
supply and demand is the obvious driver of any market, there are limits to what is sustainable for both the grower and the processor,” he said.
“He spoke on the need for a consistent supply of quality product, and where the happy medium was with regards to price per kilo carcass weight, given a stable economy.
“Although we are a long way from anywhere, because we are an export market, global events, which have been uncertain at best of late, along with the Australian and American dollar currency has a huge bearing on what contract pricing is palatable for a processor as well as clients.”
Other speakers were Talbina Feedlot’s Tom Bouchier, who spoke about feedlotting, Rumenate Livestock Services’ Jess Revell on livestock nutrition and production advice, and AWN’s Tim Prior on utilising finance and deferred terms.
Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS
GUEST SPEAKER: AWN Lamb Feedlot and Nutrition Day guest speaker Dean McKenna, from Midfield Meats at Warrnambool, gave a meat outlook.
“It was regaining a little bit of control and not falling into the victim mentality of the dry season – there are actually things you can do to regain control and manage what you can manage,” she said.
Mr Phelan said AWN had no further events scheduled at this stage.
“I think it is important not to overwhelm our clients with too many days like today,” he said.
BRIGHT FUTURE: A new partnership between BCG and RB Sellars was announced at BCG’s Chair’s Breakfast last month. The event brought together growers, advisors and community members to hear from RB Sellars chief executive Jim Gall, whose message centred on the power of optimistic innovation, contagious positivity, and the belief in a bright future for agriculture and regional Australia. “Agriculture tells real stories – stories that matter. When we share them authentically, they give us brightness, hope, and a tangible vision for the future. That’s what we want to celebrate through this partnership with BCG,” he said.
Pictured, from left, are BCG chief executive Fiona Best, chairman John Ferrier, RB Sellars chief executive Jim Gall, and BCG board members Ian McClelland, Cameron Warne and Brett Hosking.
Mr Phelan said Midfield Meats’ Dean McKenna spoke about the current and future lamb markets.
“He gave great insights into the processing industry, and how although
“Just give up on the weather, we can’t manage it. The program is a tool, you don’t have to use it every year, but once you’ve learned it, it’s a tool in your toolbox.”
“However, when there is a pressing need and a lot to gain for everyone involved like today, then we will definitely look to do more, and when we do, do them as well as possible.”
Wimmera pulse field day
A pulse field day at Kewell will showcase research, trials and market opportunities to farmers, agronomists and industry representatives.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with Grains Research and Development Corporation, Horsham SmartFarm research agronomist Ash
Wallace said the annual event was an industry networking opportunity not to be missed.
“People can come and see our trials in lentil, field pea, chickpea and faba bean, and hear the latest in pulse research and emerging pulse protein market opportunities,” he said.
“Growers will be excited to see new large-seeded lentil variety releases from the National Lentil Breeding Program and Grains Innovation Australia, and learn how to manage problem weeds in pulse crops.
“Attendees will also get fresh updates on sowing times, faba bean and lentil nutrition and agronomy knowhow to support pulse performance and profitability.”
The program features updates from industry experts including the Agriculture Victoria crop pathology team and Frontier Farming Systems pulse agronomist Jason Brand.
BCG trial manager Kelly Angel and Faba Bean Australia breeder Sam Catt would also be present to share National Variety Trials results.
Seed distributors, marketing and export experts will also be on hand.
The free October 22 event opens at 8.30am, and will finish at 1pm, with complementary pulse-based morning tea and barbecue lunch available. People can learn more at www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.
Testing New Zealand footrot results
Sheep Genetics and neXtgen Agri representatives collaborated with sheep producers at a footrot breeding research session at Charam’s Curlew Merinos, discussing the latest research and progress on the development of a new footrot breeding value for merinos in Australia.
Sheep Genetics’ Marnie Hodge and neXtgen Agri’s Dr Mark Ferguson gave insights into how genetic tools can help producers reduce the impact of footrot, scald, and poor foot structure on flock health and productivity.
Curlew Merinos’ Elise Kealy said about 30 people attended the event and contributed to discussions with their own experiences with footrot and preventative strategies.
“I was blown away by the open, constructive conversation that people
were happy to have and share with the group that was there,” she said.
“People came from three different states – there was a lot of interest, and a lot of people were happy to contribute to the conversation.
“They asked questions and were happy to share their experiences with footrot and how sheep with different selection pressure have responded to different footrot strains.”
The development of a footrot breeding value is already delivering positive results in New Zealand, where breeders are using it to improve flock resistance.
A separate trial is now underway in Victoria to validate the NZ findings under Australian conditions.
“At the moment, there’s a collaborative project being undertaken by AWI, Murdoch University, neXtgen Agri and Animal Health Australia – Mark
Ferguson showed some of the preliminary trial results,” Ms Kealy said.
“Sheep Genetics representatives were also there, and they shared their timeline.
‘Ticking along pretty well’
Crops across the western district have drawn on soil moisture to sustain their growth following average to low rainfall into August.
Mininera farmer Lewis Keller said his crops were looking good, but he would be happy for more rain.
“It’s ticking along pretty well at the moment, but it can keep raining,” he said.
“Crops are up and about, they look really good at the moment, we just need the rain to finish them. There’s a bit of stored moisture underneath, so that helps us.”
Mr Keller said he expected to begin harvest in mid-to-late November.
“We’re flat-out putting fungicides out, and then we’ll roll into our desiccation sprays on our canolas, then windrowing after that,” he said. “Then we’re not far off harvesting, cutting hay and everything else.”
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a neutral outlook for September, with equal chance of above, below or near-average rainfall for most of Victoria, with a forecast for wetter weather until November.
“They expect that not only will we have a breeding value, but we’ll be able to do genomic predictions for footrot resistance, as well as incorporating it into a flock profile test.”
For the past six years, Curlew Merinos has supported the research by sending cull rams to a host farm for scoring of footrot resistance and scald, contributing valuable data to the national effort.
Curlew Merinos is one of few studs in Australia recording the footrot data and has also used sires that have performed well in New Zealand as a way to benchmark their own flock.
“We were able to share our experiences and selection strategies, and at the end of all of this trial work, sheep genetics will have a footrot breeding value available that people can use,” Ms Kealy said.
“If people want to be kept in the loop as we collect more information, we’re happy to keep sharing our results.”
People can contact Ms Kealy at info@curlewmerinos.com for more information on the trial and its results.
Increasing number of snake sightings
Snakes are emerging from a period of reduced activity during the colder months to seek food and mates.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action statewide wildlife advisory services manager Lachlan Clarke said most snake bites occurred when people tried to capture
or kill the reptiles. “The most effective way to stay safe is to simply leave them alone –this includes keeping pets on leads in areas where snakes are known to occur,” he said.
People can reduce the risk of snakes on their properties by keeping yards tidy, and clearing away clutter. If a snakebite is suspected, people should call triple zero immediately, or consult a veterinarian if an animal is suspected to have been bitten.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and capturing, harming, or killing them is illegal.
Horsham Autoglass
UNITED EFFORTS: Sheep Genetics’ Victoria Ledger and Marnie Hodge with Curlew Merinos’ Elise Kealy, right.
GUARD: A pair of wedge-tailed eagles at Mininera. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Vertical Feed -mixers
Options for better hay
Agriculture Victoria hosted West Gippsland retired dairy extension officer Frank Mickan for a series of workshops across the state to help producers make informed decisions around this season’s fodder production.
AgVic regional manager for meat and wool Brad Costin said well-known expert Mr Mickan gave advice on how to get the most out of pasture hay this spring.
“Frank Mickan, an industry-renowned specialist in fodder and pasture conservation, provided insights into producing high-quality hay,” he said.
The workshops covered: how to make the best quality hay and silage; fodder quality influence on livestock production; understanding the ensiling process; including additives; storage systems and minimising wastage; and feed testing.
Mr Mickan said the use of preservatives could give farmers better results.
“The whole idea was to try and give people a bit more information in terms of making good quality hay, largely, not so much silage,” he said.
“In terms of when to cut, how to speed up the drying and how to reduce losses.
“So importantly, how to think about using preservatives, so when the hay’s on the ground and it’s a little bit wet, or there’s rain coming, by using a preservative, you can have top quality hay and get it into the bale before, and reduce the risk of heating and losing quality.”
Mr Mickan said western Victoria tends to have rain throughout the hay season.
“This means hay might be going slightly wet, or if they’re cutting some of the cereals with the grain head still in the boot, and it’s very hard to get that dry,” he said.
“That’s where these preservatives can minimise the risk of spontaneous combustion.
“And we don’t get milk out of poor quality stuff, so we try and encourage farmers all the time to go for quality,
quality, quality. Whenever I talk, it’s always quality, quality, quality.
“In our world, weather will come along, or contractors won’t turn up and your quality won’t be so good, but we keep trying to aim for the top level.”
The events were delivered as part of the State Government’s statewide drought support package – people can find out more about drought support at www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or by calling 136 186.
OʼBrien & Smith Lawyers are pleased to announce they have acquired Derbyshire Legal, a respected institution in Stawell.
As Yvonne Derbyshire steps into a well-earned retirement, O’Brien & Smith Lawyers are excited to continue Derbyshire Legal’s tradition of exceptional legal service. O’Brien & Smith Lawyers extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Yvonne on her retirement and thank her for her continued trust and support.
The team at OʼBrien and Smith Lawyers look forward to assisting with your legal needs, and are happy to announce that Helen Thomson is back from maternity leave and now accepting appointments.
The team O’Brien & Smith Lawyers will be available to assist you with your legal needs from the same familiar location at 178 Main Street, Stawell from 1 March 2025.
Please note that consultations will be conducted by appointment only to ensure the highest level of service. To arrange your appointment, kindly contact O’Brien Smith Lawyers’ reception by calling 5381 2222 or visit www.obsl.com.au.
Janmac raising the bar
A ram sale at Goroke next month will give sheep producers the opportunity to invest in a secure lambing future, with proven results despite challenging seasons.
Janmac Studs’ Grant Hausler said this year was a good year to invest.
“The team of rams you buy this year will hopefully take you into a good season and good prices,” he said.
Mr Hausler said Janmac had come through its second consecutive ‘very tight’ rainfall year, but remained firmly focused on what lay ahead, with conditions beginning to change.
“We are really positive about the future. Lamb prices are as good as we’ve seen in recent memory and it won’t just be a one-year blip, it’s likely going out four or five years. The stock are getting better, the genetics are getting better, so when the season plays the game, it will be game on,” he said.
Janmac will host its 21st annual on-property ram sale on October 1 from 1pm, offering 200 Poll Dorset and White Suffolk stud and flock rams.
Mr Hausler said his sale rams had been tested by tough seasonal conditions, but he was pleased by how they would present in October.
“We are breeding animals that have the capacity to recover, whether that be our commercial lambs or our rams,” he said.
“Our commercial lambs were battling, but have turned into really good prime lambs, a good indication that what we breed works.”
Last spring, the Hausler family achieved a stud record for a Poll Dorset at $13,000, averaging $1549 for the 136 rams sold. They also sold 34 White Suffolk rams, averaging $1260 and topping at $2300.
This year, the catalogue will feature standout sons of Warburn 220470, a sire Janmac purchased in partnership with Mallee Park and Sunnybanks studs in 2023 for $16,000 with Australian Sheep Breeding Values in the top 20 per cent for all eye muscle and yield indicators.
“Bloodlines we’ve used in the past have worked for us, so we continue to do what we’ve always done, lines of even sheep that work. If you stick with what you know, you get predictability in the product,” Mr Hausler said.
The Hausler family welcomes visitors to Janmac, at Edenhope Road, Goroke to see the current team of rams for themselves.
For the latest sale updates, people can visit www.janmac. com.au.
Lauren
Patrick Smith
Helen Thomson
KNOWLEDGE: From left, Jim Delahunty, Mick Leeming and Craig Altmann with fodder expert Frank Mickan at a Wimmera fodder workshop at Grains Innovation Park, Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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How do we compare?
Fasten your tractor seatbelts folks. The feeding frenzy over the Albanese government’s revised emissions target reduction of between 62 and 70 per cent by 2035 may have been last week’s news, but it’s not over yet.
The government has landed the target in the centre of expectations and the response has been predictable.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley said after a meeting of Shadow Cabinet, that: “We are dead against Labor’s 2035 interim emission reduction targets cost and credibility is key …. we will interrogate and test this announcement for cost credibility. It fails on both counts.”
She is under enormous pressure on this issue with The Nationals wanting to follow the United States example by dumping targets altogether.
Meanwhile, Shadow Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Dan Tehan is apparently on a study tour of nuclear power facilities in the United States.
He has the unenviable task of assessing if nuclear is an option in Australia, while many claim we’ve missed the nuclear boat.
Not so the media-mad Nationals Leader David Littleproud, who can sniff a microphone from a mile away and would go to the opening of a lunch box. Seemingly not caring what feathers he ruffles in the Coalition, Mr Littleproud comes out all guns blazing at his media conference.
“Let me give the Prime Minister some fun facts. He talked about China’s transition into renewables and wind and solar. Let me tell you, they’re still building coal-fired power stations. In fact, on average, nearly two a week. And in fact, they have 28 nuclear power plants under
Country Today
with Libby Price
construction as we speak.” So how do we compare with other like nations? Canada’s current target is just 40 to 45 per cent by 2030, New Zealand 51 to 55 per cent. Topping the global target is the United Kingdom with a target of 81 per cent by 2035. So how can they set such a high target without tearing themselves apart politically?
ANU Emeritus Professor Mark Howden is the former director of the Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster solutions and is a vicechair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. He explained how the UK has done it on Country Today last week.
“Basically in the UK, they’ve got bipartisan agreement. So you don’t have the apologising in the flip-flopping in policy terms that Australia has to contend with and so that allows them to be progressive,” Professor Howden said.
According to the BBC’s reporting of our new target, we’re still the bad guys.
“Australia, one of the world’s biggest polluters per capita, will aim to cut its carbon emissions by at least 62 per cent compared to 2005 levels over the next decade. The nation – which has faced global criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels – had previously pledged to reduce greenhouse gases by 43 per cent by 2030.”
College shines at Merino challenge
Murtoa College achieved outstanding results as a firsttime entrant in the Victorian Schools Merino Wether Challenge last month, placing in all four sections.
Ten Murtoa students competed against students from 15 other Victorian schools, each bringing a team of six wethers, split into an A and B team of three.
Murtoa College A placed first in the fleece value ahead of Greater Shepparton Secondary College A and Goroke P-12
College B, second in grand champion, and third in carcass value and best-presented.
Each team of sheep was weighed and scanned to determine carcass value, presented to the judges by students, tested for wool micron through a mid-section sample, and shorn so the fleece could be assessed for quality and value.
From the results of the wool testing, students also had to select the best fleece from their six sheep – a skill that challenged their eye for detail and
decision-making. Throughout the day, students had the chance to participate in a variety of hands-on workshops, run by industry experts from Longerenong College, University of Melbourne Dookie Campus, Fox and Lillie Wool Brokers, and Australian Wool Innovation.
The sessions gave students valuable insight into the sheep and wool industry and possible career and educational pathways.
TOP ACHIEVERS: Murtoa College students, from left, Oliver Barker, Malachi Pickering, Holley Eagles, Jack Fischer, Ryder Hudson and Charlie Maher.
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Hunt family honoured
The Hunt family’s extraordinary contribution to Birchip Cropping Group was recognised at its Main Field Day, with Professor James Hunt receiving the prestigious Harm van Rees Award, and his parents, Geoff and Bronwyn Hunt, awarded life memberships.
Together, the honours recognise more than three decades of commitment, innovation and leadership by the Hunt family in advancing farmerled research and strengthening agricultural communities across northwest Victoria.
The Harm van Rees Award is reserved for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to BCG and the farming community through clear, practical and inspiring communication.
Professor Hunt, now a leader in agricultural science at the University of Melbourne, has built a career dedicated to bridging the gap between research and practice.
Early in his career at BCG, he played a pivotal role in the development and extension of ‘Yield Prophet’, a decision-support tool that has transformed how growers assess risk and make cropping decisions.
He also pioneered ‘N Banking’, a practical nitrogen management strategy now widely used across farming systems.
BCG chairman John Ferrier said
Professor Hunt’s contribution embodied the spirit of the award.
“James has a unique ability to translate complex science into practical, real-world applications for farmers,” he said.
“His impact is felt not only through his research, but also in his teaching and his commitment to guiding the next generation of agronomists.
“He has stayed true to his roots, always keeping farmers at the centre of the conversation.”
Professor Hunt has also given back to BCG, serving on the board and research committee, where his leader-
ship has helped shape the organisation’s direction with both scientific rigour and on-farm relevance.
BCG’s life membership is the highest honour the organisation can bestow, reserved for individuals whose service has been outstanding and enduring.
For more than 30 years, Mr and Mrs Hunt have exemplified the qualities, helping to lay the foundation for BCG’s success.
Among their many achievements, they were: founding members of the Normanville FM500 farming group and early farmer members of BCG;
founding members of the BCG Research Committee, embedding scientific discipline into farmer-driven research; hosts of numerous BCG trials and visitors, generously opening their farm at Normanville to share knowledge and ideas; active participants at BCG events, always ready to initiate and contribute to critical agronomic discussions; representatives of BCG on the international stage at the Farming Design Conference in Lanzhou, China; and champions of farmer voices, with Mr Hunt serving on the GRDC Southern Panel to ensure local priorities were represented.
BCG chief executive Fiona Best said the Hunts’ contribution had left an enduring legacy.
“Geoff and Bronwyn have been pillars of BCG since its inception,” she said.
“Their generosity, insight, and lead-
ership have strengthened this organisation and supported countless farmers to make better-informed decisions.
“Recognising them as life members is a fitting tribute to their extraordinary service.”
Though now retired from farming, Mr and Mrs Hunt’s passion for agriculture and farmer-led innovation remains strong, and their influence continues to shape BCG.
Mr Ferrier said the Hunt family had given so much to BCG.
“From Geoff and Bronwyn’s leadership in our formative years, to James’ contribution as both a researcher and communicator,” he said.
“Together, they embody the values that have made BCG what it is today: curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving farming for all.”
LIFE MEMBERS: Geoff and Bronwyn Hunt, centre, were awarded BCG Life Memberships. They are pictured with BCG chairman John Ferrier, left, and Ian McClelland.
RECOGNITION: Professor James Hunt, centre, received the Harm van Rees award from Mr van Rees, left, and BCG chief executive Fiona Best.
Invitation to Otways tour
ALivestock
and Landscape
Farm Tour to the Otways next month will take Wimmera farmers to a grazing property where 30 years of improvements have transformed productivity and the landscape.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, CMA, is inviting farmers and Landcare groups to jump on a bus on October 20 to visit the Stewart’s Yan Yan Gurt West Farm.
The bus will leave from Horsham and stop at Stawell, Ararat, Skipton and Beeac. Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins CMAs are co-hosting the tour.
Wimmera sustainable agriculture facilitator Bronwyn Bant said the tour was a great opportunity to visit a successful working farm that’s gained productivity benefits through revegetation and strategic farm planning.
“We’re pleased to be able to take Wimmera farmers outside of the region to see how the Stewarts have changed their landscape and farming system over the past three decades,” she said.
“While the Wimmera doesn’t have the same soil types, climatic condi-
tions or annual rainfall experienced in the Otways, Yan Yan Gurt West Farm provides a working example of the productivity benefits that can be gained through the integration of biodiversity.
“With a land area of around 230 hectares it is also a great case study of successful farm diversification.”
Fourth-generation farmer Andrew Stewart, along with his wife Jill and daughters Kristy, Hannah and Michelle and their families, manage their family-owned grazing and agroforestry property.
Since completing a whole farm plan in 1991, they have planted more than 55,000 trees and shrubs across 42 hectares, to cover 18 per cent of the farm area.
They also plant deep-rooted, multispecies pastures to improve soil health, and continually trial to discover the benefits of other multi-species including chicory and plantain.
Mr Stewart said increasing vegetation cover on the farm had not reduced their agricultural production.
They run 1300 breeding ewes, producing 1600-1800 lambs annually. They are reducing the emissions
WORKING EXAMPLE: The Stewart’s Yan Yan Gurt West Farm provides a working example of the productivity benefits that can be gained through the integration of biodiversity.
intensity of their livestock through sheep genetics, optimising feed and live-weight monitoring.
They have been able to generate new income streams and have a commercially successful banksia and wildflower foliage business that supplies florists, restaurants and function centres.
“The goal is to make our farm sustainable for the long-term and to improve the wellbeing of livestock, native animals and people living in this landscape,” Mr Stewart said.
He said they have a strong focus on production efficiency through using pregnancy scanning and maximising lamb survival, which ranges from 85 to 95 per cent for twins and singles, respectively.
“Sheep genetics, drench efficacy testing, rotational grazing, autumn saving and set stocking at lambing are also important,” he said.
The carbon account – all emissions
and sequestration within the operational boundary – showed the farm enterprise was carbon neutral in 20222023.
“Our target is 20 per cent tree cover and through this and other tools in our farming system’s toolbox, we aim to achieve a zero carbon footprint into the future,” Mr Stewart said.
He won the 2021 Bob Hawke National Landcare Award and is a founding member of the Otway Agroforestry Network and member of the East Otway Landcare Group.
Mr Stewart has also been on the Australian Landcare Council, is a recipient of a Norman Wettenhall Foundation Landscape Restoration Fellowship and a former chair of the Victorian Farmers Federation Farm Tree and Landcare Association.
“Over the past 30 years we’ve been part of a community that have collaborated strongly,” he said.
“By joining forces to share ideas and
be part of a community of ‘doers’ we have all built up our knowledge about good landscape functionality.
“At the same time we’ve had a good social time and the general sense of wellbeing that’s resulted continues to inspire us.”
To register for the free tour, including meals, people can visit https:// forms.office.com/r/GmUGp1Reer. Places are limited, and people need to register before October 15.
If people prefer to make their own way to Yan Yan Gurt West, they can contact Bronwyn Bant for times and directions at Bronwyn.bant@wcma. vic.gov.au or phone 0427 529 232.
The tour is in partnership with Agriculture Victoria and Landcare Victoria, as part of the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Supporting region’s farmers
BCG’s
Main Field Day attracted more than 500 farmers to hear the latest research, and connect with their peers and broader industry, with decision-making on farm at the heart of the program.
Leading researchers – including University of Melbourne Professor James Hunt, University of Adelaide Professor Chris Preston, BCG’s James Nuttall, CSIRO’s Andrew Fletcher and Greg Rebetzke, and Astute Ag’s Grant Hollaway – covered topics from variety performance and nitrogen strategies through to alternative chemistries to paraquat and using tools such as BioScout to detect disease spikes.
Among the standout sessions was Dr Nuttall’s exploration of crop-soil interactions in a 20-metre soil pit, offering farmers a tangible view of how roots of wheat, barley, canola and pulses access water and nutrients; and ‘Farming without paraquat’, preparing growers for a future with restricted herbicide use.
Beyond the formal presentations, networking and peer-to-peer conversations provided invaluable opportunities to share insights and experiences.
BCG chief executive Fiona Best officially opened the event, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities of the season.
“Farmers are continually making
DAY: A 20-metre-long soil pit was a feature at BCG’s Main Field Day earlier this month, showing producers what lies beneath their crops and how it impacts production. BCG senior scientist James
decisions in complex environments,” she said.
“Our aim is to ensure every decision point is supported by the right information at the right time, and that farmers feel connected to their peers and the wider research community.”
Chairman John Ferrier said the day reflected the strength of BCG’s partnerships.
“Collaboration is central to what BCG does,” he said.
“Bringing together world-class researchers, local knowledge, students
constraints,
and industry partners ensures our region is well placed to tackle challenges and embrace new opportunities.”
This year’s event also featured more than 60 students from regional schools taking part in a dedicated stream facilitated by BCG’s Joe Collins and North Central LLEN’s Claudia Cox. Students explored career pathways in agriculture and engaged in an interactive trial, pulling plants from the ground to learn about crop growth stages.
Ms Best said the event showcased
and crop
the strength of the farming community.
“This season has presented its challenges, particularly with a dry start, but seeing farmers share knowledge, learn from researchers, and connect with peers reinforces the strength of our community,” she said.
“Together, we’re navigating rising costs, making informed decisions, and finding ways to achieve strong yields and healthy, resilient farm businesses.”
Payments rolling out
The State Government’s Primary Producer Support Payments program is rolling out, giving eligible farmers the equivalent of a 40 per cent reduction on their property rates.
Ararat, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians and West Wimmera are among the 12 councils administering the program, which is one of a suite of programs and services in the government’s $144-million Drought Support Package.
More than 2800 farmers have accessed the Farm Drought Support Grants and more than 490 farmers have utilised the free one-on-one technical decision-making consultations.
In addition, more than 120 Look Over the Farm Gate community events have been approved to support mental health and wellbeing across the state.
The Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce met to discuss current seasonal, economic, and social conditions facing farmers and rural communities.
The taskforce will continue to monitor conditions over the coming months.
For more information on the government’s Drought Support Package for drought-impacted farmers, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/ drought or call 136 186.
FIELD
Nuttall led the discussion, drawing on his extensive research into subsoil
water movement
responses in Mallee farming systems.
