Local farming systems group Riverine Plains Inc will host its annual In-Season Update at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort on Thursday August 11, 2016.
The program covers aspects of pest, disease and nutrition management for this season, as well applications for Precision Agriculture, canola agronomy and the outlook for spring.
Riverine Plains Extension Officer, Dr Cassandra Schefe, said the update aims to present the latest technical information for grain growers to help prepare for the critical spring growth period.
“Waterlogging is currently affecting many crops and is creating challenges in the context of nutrition and pest management,” Dr Schefe said.
We have put together a program covering topics of interest to grain growers while also addressing the wet conditions and the specific challenges facing farmers as a result.
“Canola can be a difficult crop to grow, particularly under wet conditions, and Clint Rogers from Pioneer will speak to us about hybrid canola phenology and it’s relationship to time of sowing, disease and yield.”
Other speakers include Kurt Kindbeck from NSW DPI will also address canola disease, particularly the pathology of sclerotinia and backleg.
“Russian Wheat Aphid has recently been detected in Victoria and has the potential to cause significant yield loss in our winter crops,” she said.
Dr Garry McDonald from CESAR will discuss the implications of this discovery and will cover identification and the latest management strategies for the control of Russian Wheat Aphid, along with other pests.
Dr Schefe said Riverine Plains Inc has been involved in investigating the place of Precision Agriculture in local farming systems and Tocumwal farmer Nathan Pate, will provide us with his practical perspective.
“Nathan will discuss yield analysis, permanent tracks, pH mapping and lime application, as well as the potential cost savings, which will be of particular interest to farmers,” she said.
Dr Cassandra Schefe, Darcy Warren (Agriculture Victoria) and Michael Straight (FAR Australia), will also provide an update of Riverine Plains Inc research into the effects of different stubble management techniques and the latest frost data from this project.
Michael Straight will also discuss results from the nitrous oxide project, which is researching ways to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from crop production systems.
Dale Grey from Agriculture Victoria will also speak on the outlook for spring and updated yield potential figures.
“In the afternoon, we are partnering with the Birchip Cropping Group to deliver a series of presentations centred around making more profit from crop nutrition. This is an excellent opportunity for growers to hear renowned speakers cover aspects of soil testing, root response to fertiliser and micro-nutrient responses as well as nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser use strategies for this season,” Dr Schefe said.
- www.riverineplains.com.au
- The in-season update will be held from 9:00am – 3:30 pm at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club resort. Pre-registrations close on the 8 th August. Cost is $25 for Riverine Plains Inc members and $35 for non-members (payable on the day), which includes catering. To register, contact Fiona Hart at info@riverineplains.com.au or phone 03 5744 1713 or visit www.riverineplains.com.au.