TIMELY rain combined with progressive management practices, a focus on looking after soils and well-researched variety choices to create some solid soybean crop results across the North Coast this season.
The North Coast Oilseed Growers Association has announced the winners of its 2014 crop competition and judge Bede Clarke said the top three had those factors in common.
Mark and Karen Carter’s Manta crop at Cedar Point, near Kyogle, took out first place, with Geoff and Vicki Pye’s Richmond crop at Coraki second and Shane Causley’s A6785 crop at Chastworth Island third.
Senior Entomologist with the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Hugh Brier was presented the Max Award, which recognises significant contributions to improving the soybean industry. Mr Brier’s work in insect pest management and promoting the role of beneficial insects had been invaluable, NCOGA competition organisers said.
North Coast soybean growers were now leaders in the field of applying integrated pest management programs, they said.
Harvesting of the bulk of NSW’s soybean crop will kick off in earnest next week across the region.
Storms in November set most crops up nicely but the exceptionally dry run up until March took the shine off what could have been a bumper year.
However, the 2014 crop will be an improved result on the last few flood-plagued seasons.
Full report and profiles on winners in upcoming editions of The Land.
Shan Goodwin
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
