Key points:

• South-western Victorian growers urged to attend GRDC Update at Skipton
• Focus on management and technology for profitable grain production

As costs of production continue to rise, grain growers are increasingly looking for ways and means of generating greater returns from their farming systems.

The adoption of new technologies and strategic farm management systems is seen by many growers as a practical path to increased profitability.

Developments in farming practices, and their potential bottom-line impact, will be examined and discussed at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update at Skipton on Thursday, July 23.

GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said the Update would be of immense interest and value to south-western Victorian growers keen to improve their margins.

“The Update will feature a number of speakers who will provide growers with useful insights into the latest technologies and practices,” Mr Shannon said.

“Growers are faced with ever-increasing cost pressures so it is important that we explore all avenues that offer the potential for improved profitability.”

The Update will begin with a grain marketing overview from independent market analyst Ron Storey, of Crop Forecasters Australia.

Mr Storey will outline the trends for harvest 2009, impacts and outcomes from deregulation of the market, and the key influences on current prices.

Machinery expert Andrew Whitlock, from FARMpos, will bring growers up to date on developments in precision agriculture. He will focus on the value of converting yield, topography and other data into cost effective management strategies including the costs and tricks associated with moving from the “light bar” to controlled traffic.  He will provide advice on setting up on-farm trials.

Local growers Rowan Peel and David Langley will offer first-hand accounts of their experiences with the adoption of new technology, including precision farming and controlled traffic. They will outline the benefits derived, problems overcome and emerging challenges.

Strategic control of insect pests will also come under the microscope at the Skipton Update which will feature a presentation by John Roberts from the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research.

Mr Roberts will provide advice on how growers can protect beneficial insects while being effective in reducing insect pests in crops.

Future drivers for the canola industry will be the subject of a presentation by Oilseeds Industry Development Officer Felicity Pritchard, while Phil Hawker from Western Ag will discuss nitrogen nutrition, including strategies for this season.

The Update will conclude with a seasonal disease overview from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) pathologist Dr Grant Holloway, and disease control strategies will be discussed by Rohan Wardle of Southern Farming Systems.

The GRDC Update will be held from 9am at the Skipton Golf/Bowling Club on July 23. Registration will be from 8.15am. Growers seeking more information about the Update can visit www.grdc.com.au/updatedates.

 For more information contact Jon Lamb Communications on (08) 8362 5417 or Sharon Watt on (08) 8407 0000.

Key points:

• Wimmera growers urged to attend GRDC Update at Nhill
• Focus on adapting technology for profitable grain production

The potential for Wimmera growers to generate increased profits through adoption of new technologies will be explored in detail at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update at Nhill on July 29.

Developments in strategic farming practices, and their potential bottom-line impact, will also be examined and discussed at the Update.

GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said the Update would be of immense interest and value to Wimmera growers keen to improve their margins.

“The Update will feature a number of speakers who will provide growers with useful insights into the latest technologies and practices,” Mr Shannon said.

“Growers are faced with ever-increasing cost pressures so it is important that we explore all avenues that offer the potential for improved profitability.”

The Update will begin with a presentation by Dr Mike McLaughlin from the CSIRO in Adelaide who will provide growers with information on how they can “get more bang for their phosphorus buck”. He will look at how much locked phosphorus can be freed up from the soil, how liquid phosphorus efficiency compares to granular, and new and emerging trace element technology.

Dr Michael Walsh from the Birchip Cropping Group will provide an update on weed resistance relevant to Wimmera farming systems and will supply information on sustaining glyphosate effectiveness for the future.

Moree (NSW) grain grower Hugh Ball will discuss the adoption of controlled traffic systems, his experience with weed sensing technology and achieving business efficiencies.

Advances in pulses – including developments which aid early sowing, new tillage practices which reduce risk, and increasing opportunities to control foliar disease – will be the subject of a presentation by Jason Brand from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Horsham.

A seasonal outlook by DPI Grains Team’s Chris Sounness will conclude the morning program.

Following the Update, a Birchip Cropping Group field trial inspection will be conducted.

The GRDC Update will be held from 9am at the Nhill Uniting Church Hall on July 29. Registration will be from 8.15am. Growers seeking more information about the Update can visit www.grdc.com.au/updatedates.

For more information contact Jon Lamb Communications on (08) 8362 5417 or Sharon Watt on (08) 8407 0000.

Key points:

• Black beetles in canola crops identified as beneficials
• Correct identification of beetles critical for selection of best management and control methods.

 Growers are reminded that not all invertebrates found in crops are pests, and some may actually be helping to reduce pest pressure.

 The National Invertebrate Pest Initiative (NIPI) PestFacts South Australia and Western Victoria email advisory service has received several reports of small black beetles from growers and agronomists in the Naracoorte (South-East of South Australia), Harrow and Vasey (Western Victoria) areas.

 The beetles were found in emerging canola crops that were showing evidence of feeding damage.

 However, the beetles sent to the Pest Facts identification service, which is supported by growers and the Australian Government through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), were not responsible for the crop damage as they were identified as beneficial beetles (Hypharpax sp.) belonging to the family Carabidae.

 Researcher and PestFacts SA and Western Victoria co-ordinator, Kym Perry (South Australian Research and Development Institute Entomology), says both the adults and larvae are highly active ground-dwelling predators that feed on a wide range of crop and pasture pests such as caterpillars, wireworms, earwigs and slugs.

 “Adult carabids are generally shiny black in colour, have a characteristic flattened ‘hot-water-bottle’ shaped body and large bulging eyes on the sides of the head,” Mr Perry said.

 “They can be confused with some pest species in the tenebrionid family (such as vegetable beetles and bronzed field beetles) but can usually be distinguished by the prominent eyes and forward-protruding mouthparts.

 “Carabid larvae have a hardened (sclerotised) head capsule and a relatively long cylindrical-shaped body.

 “They are often confused with true and false wireworm larvae, but can be distinguished by prominent mouthparts that are directed forward and the presence of well-developed legs. They also have two very long processes projecting from the end of the body (last abdominal segment).”

 Mr Perry said correct identification of crop insects was critical to avoid unnecessary treatment and disruption of beneficial insects such as carabid beetles.

 A free identification service is available to those growers and advisers who subscribe to PestFacts.

 To subscribe to the free service, contact SARDI Entomology researchers Kym Perry on (08) 8303 9370 or 0439 822 134 or Ken Henry on (08) 8303 9540 or visit www.grdc.com.au/pestlinks

 For identification of invertebrates, growers and advisers are asked to send at least two undamaged specimens in a non-crushable container along with some food (host material). Details regarding collection date, location, host-plant, description of damage caused and contact details should also be included.

 Specimens can be forwarded to: Kym Perry, Entomology Unit SARDI, GPO Box 397, Adelaide 5001.

 For more information contact Kym Perry on (08) 8303 9370 or 0439 822 134.

Key points:

• Tasmanian growers urged to attend GRDC Update at Hadspen
• Focus on production of profitable stockfeed

The potential for Tasmania to support a profitable stockfeed industry will be explored in detail at a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update on July 24.

Organised by the GRDC in conjunction with Southern Farming Systems and Dairy Australia, the Update will provide growers with valuable information relating to viable stockfeed production.

GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said the Update would be of immense interest to Tasmanian growers keen to enhance their stockfeed enterprises.

“The Update will feature a number of speakers who will provide growers with useful insights into the latest industry developments,” Mr Shannon said.

“There will be a particular focus on the supply of feed to the dairy industry and other end users and how growers can produce feed specifically suited to their needs.”

The Update will begin with a presentation from Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) cereal and seeds committee chair, Michael Chilvers, who will provide a grower’s perspective on the potential for a profitable stockfeed industry in Tasmania.

Dairy Australia program co-ordinator Ray King will discuss the availability of feed grains suitable for production in Tasmania and their use for the dairy industry and other industries.

Results from local independent dairy feeding trials comparing red wheats and white wheats will be outlined by Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research (TIAR) dairy nutritionist David McNeill, while a panel will address various industry issues.

Supply chains and the establishment of links between growers and end-users will be discussed, along with pooling and pricing and setting acceptable industry standards.

TIAR agronomist Geoff Dean and barley breeder Meixui Zhou will speak on the subject of keeping grains in the crop rotation. They will present results from the latest TIAR trials involving wheat, barley, legumes, oilseeds and canopy management.

Dr Mark Peoples, CSIRO Plant Industry deputy chief, will provide growers with an overview of the real value of grain legumes in a crop rotation. He will look at how much nitrogen can be ‘grown’, how long soil nitrogen reserves last, and putting a value on disease control and weed management.

New fungicides, the cost efficiency of seed dressings and insect and weed control will also be addressed during the Update.

The Update will be held from 9am at Rutherglen Holiday Village at Hadspen on July 24. Growers seeking more information about the Update can visit www.grdc.com.au/updatedates.

Key points:

• Mallee growers urged to attend GRDC Update at Swan Hill
• Focus on adapting technology for profitable grain production

Developments in technology and farming practices, and their potential bottom-line impact in Mallee farming systems, will be examined and discussed at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update at Swan Hill on Thursday, July 30.

GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said the Update would be of immense interest and value to Mallee growers keen to improve their margins.

“The Update will feature a number of speakers who will provide growers with useful insights into the latest technologies and practices,” Mr Shannon said.

“Growers are faced with ever-increasing cost pressures so it is important that we explore all avenues that offer the potential for improved profitability.”

The Update will begin with a presentation by Moree (NSW) grain grower Hugh Ball who will discuss the adoption of controlled traffic systems, his experience with weed sensing technology and achieving business efficiencies.

Dr Mike McLaughlin from the CSIRO in Adelaide will provide growers with information on how they can “get more bang for their phosphorus buck”. He will look at how much locked phosphorus can be freed up from the soil, how liquid phosphorus efficiency compares to granular, and new and emerging trace element technology.

Dr Jack Desbiolles from the University of South Australia will discuss the performance of disc seeders, focusing on their benefits and limitations, grower experiences and herbicide effects.

Advances in pulses – including developments which aid early sowing, new tillage practices which reduce risk, and increasing opportunities to control foliar disease – will be the subject of a presentation by Jason Brand from the Department of Primary Industries in Horsham.

Strategic control of insect pests will also come under the microscope at the Swan Hill Update, which will feature a presentation by John Roberts from the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research.

Mr Roberts will provide advice on how growers can protect beneficial insects while being effective in reducing insect pests in crops.

The Update will conclude with a seasonal disease and rust overview from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) pathologist Dr Grant Holloway, and a panel discussion featuring local agronomists.

The GRDC Update will be held from 9am at the Tyntynder Football Clubrooms at Swan Hill on July 30. Registration will be from 8.15am. Growers seeking more information about the Update can visit www.grdc.com.au/updatedates.

For more information contact Jon Lamb Communications on (08) 8362 5417 or Sharon Watt on (08) 8407 0000.

A new free guide for travellers has been launched with the aim of helping holidaymakers avoid fines for carrying restricted produce through fruit fly protected areas.

The new guide, called Fruit Fly FAQ, aims to provide travellers visiting New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria with an”at a glance” guide, according to Tri-State Fruit Fly Community Awareness Program spokesperson John Tesoriero.

The guide includes a quick checklist of major transport routes and a map showing the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone and Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (where restrictions and fines of up to $20,000 may apply) plus a game for the kids and a full list of visitors centres in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.

Mr Tesoriero said visitor centres throughout the region are a vital part of the fruit fly awareness initiative.

“These centres are where travellers and holidaymakers go for information about the area and we know they do their best to help make everyone aware of the risk fruit fly poses to our primary producers as part of their daily information provision services,” he said.

“They are a very important part of the community awareness network,” he said.

The FAQ has been developed by the Tri-State Fruit Fly Awareness Program with support from industry bodies and government agencies and will be available free from visitor information centres or can be downloaded from the fruit fly website at www.fruitfly.net.au .

Mr Tesoriero said the FAQ resource forms part of a series of resources for people needing to know what they can, and can’t, bring into the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone and across state borders.

“We want to make it as simple as we can,” he said.

“The website is also enabled for mobile phones at www.fruitfly.mobi and there’s a hotline for anyone who has found maggots or flies and isn’t sure what to do (1800 084 881) and now we have this quick reference list to keep in your glovebox.

“An outbreak of fruit fly can cost growers thousands, and that means it also threatens those local communities travellers love to visit. So all we ask is that travellers help the growers and, through them, help our regional economy. Just don’t bring any fruit or vegetables with you when you travel into or through the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone.”

For more information contact John Tesoriero at Murray Valley Citrus Board, 0428 283 348.

Innovators have just four weeks left for their chance to win up to $50,000 to advance Australia’s grains and other rural industries.

Applications for the 2009 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry close on 3 July 2009 and are open to Australians aged 18 to 35 who work or study in rural industries.

“These awards are a great opportunity for young scientists and innovators to boost our rural industries by helping them convert their ideas into reality,” Bureau of Rural Sciences Executive Director Karen Schneider said.

“There are 14 awards available, one of which is sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation for innovative grains industry projects.”

Other award categories range from meat and livestock through to fisheries, sugar, wine and more.

Since 2001, more than 130 young Australians have received awards, including 2008 Grains Research and Development Corporation award winner, Therese McBeath.

“Therese is looking to identify fertilisers that deliver phosphorous more efficiently and increase the nutritional content of the crop,” Ms Schneider said.

“These fertilisers will have enormous benefits such as less run off into creeks and dams and reduced chances of contaminating drinking sources for cattle and wildlife.”

The 2009 award winners can use their funding for a range of activities such as conducting research projects, visiting industry or attending conferences.

The awards also allow winners to build their networks and gain skills in media liaison to help promote their research.

Application forms are available at www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards

For further information email scienceawards@brs.gov.au or phone (02) 6272 5039.

The 2009 awards are coordinated by the Bureau of Rural Sciences and sponsored by the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, Australian Egg Corporation Limited, Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Australian Pork Limited, Dairy Australia, Forest and Wood Products Australia, Horticulture Australia Limited, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Research and Development Corporations of Fisheries, Grains, Grape and Wine, Rural Industries and Sugar.

MORE INFORMATION: Jenny Bibo, BRS Communications Manager, 0434 735 465

  

Key points:

• Growers urged to check for Mandalotus weevil in germinating crops
• Late-sown crops in Mallee district particularly susceptible

Growers are being advised to check for Mandalotus weevils in germinating crops, particularly those sown later on rubbly or lighter calcareous soil types.

This follows the identification of Mandalotus weevils in seedling canola crops at Rupanyup and Sea Lake in Victoria and at Minlaton and in the Mallee in South Australia.

At Rupanyup in the Victorian Wimmera district, about one-third of a 40 hectare paddock was affected and about 5-10 per cent was destroyed, according to the PestFacts electronic newsletter services which are supported by growers and the Australian Government through the National Invertebrate Pest Initiative (NIPI), a project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Researcher and PestFacts SA and Western Victoria co-ordinator, Kym Perry (South Australian Research and Development Institute Entomology), said adult Mandalotus weevils were 3-5 millimetres long, round and dull brown in appearance, resembling small clods of dirt.

“They are known to attack canola, cereals, beans and medic pasture,” Mr Perry said.

“Adults actively feed during the night, while during they day they can be found hiding under clods of dirt and trash.

“In severe cases, seedlings can be ring barked just above ground level, causing them to fall to the ground where the weevils continue feeding on the leaves.”
 
Mr Perry said it was possible that healthy plants may be able to outgrow damage caused by weevils.

Currently there are no registered insecticides for control of Mandalotus weevils. The GRDC is currently investing in a number of projects investigating a range of control measures and possible chemical controls for this pest. 

The distribution and host range of Mandalotus appears to have widened in southern Australia in the past few years and population increases are probably a direct result of minimum tillage practises where stubble creates a more favourable weevil habitat.

Mr Perry said little was known about the biology of Mandalotus weevils, so grower observations and information were extremely valuable to the PestFacts service.

“We would appreciate any specimens being sent to us, along with estimates of economic damage, for research purposes,” he said.

SARDI’s Entomology Unit and CESAR Consultants offer a free insect diagnostic service for PestFacts subscribers.

To report Mandalotus weevil sightings or to subscribe to PestFacts, contact SA and Western Victoria co-ordinators Kym Perry on (08) 8303 9370 or email perry.kym@saugov.sa.gov.au, or Ken Henry on (08) 8303 9540 or email henry.ken@saugov.sa.gov.au, or PestFacts South-Eastern co-ordinator Stuart McColl on (03) 9329 8816 or email stuart@cesarconsultants.com.au. 

Growers can find more information about pests and their management by visiting www.grdc.com.au/pestlinks.

 

Key points:

• Growers advised to monitor for cutworm activity
• Damage reported in lupin and cereal crops

Growers on the upper Eyre Peninsula are advised to be on the lookout for cutworm activity in emerging crops and pastures, particularly in areas adjacent to stubble paddocks or areas with high weed populations.
 
Numerous reports of cutworm activity in the Penong, Minnipa and Wudinna regions have been received by the PestFacts invertebrate pest information service, which is supported by growers and the Australian Government through the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) National Invertebrate Pest Initiative (NIPI).

Researcher and PestFacts co-ordinator, Kym Perry (SARDI Entomology), said consultants and growers had reported occurrences of cutworm (Agrotis species) and a number of larval specimens have been confirmed as pink cutworm (Agrotis munda).

“Larvae have been reported damaging lupin crops, some cereals, and feeding on medic pastures in cereal stubble, with densities of up to 30 larvae per square metre,” Mr Perry said.

He said the presence of cutworms in this area may be the result of moth flights seen around the Minnipa Research Centre in March following good summer rains.

Cutworm larvae vary in body colour, have dark heads and subtle longitudinal lines on their backs. They are relatively hairless and greasy in appearance.

Larvae burrow into the soil during the day and emerge at night to feed near ground level on leaves or stems. Larger larvae are able to cut through the stems of young seedlings, hence the name cutworm. At maturity (40-50 mm long) they pupate in the soil.

Mr Perry said monitoring for cutworm activity was best done at night when larvae were actively feeding, however, scratching the soil around damaged plants may reveal larvae during the day.

“Growers should monitor the levels of damage to determine whether treatment is needed. Some crops may be able to outgrow moderate levels of damage,” he said.

Cutworms are a sporadic pest of a range of crops and pastures. They can have several generations per year and adults (which feed on nectar) usually emerge in late spring/early summer and also in autumn under favourable conditions.

Crop areas attacked by cutworms tend to be patchy and may be concentrated around crop edges, as they migrate from adjacent areas when food becomes scarce.

Often spot or border spraying can provide good control or prevent cutworms moving into crop edges from adjacent weeds or pastures. Growers should refer to the new insecticide spray chart for registered products and rates.

Mr Perry said correct identification of cutworms was important and that growers and advisers were encouraged to collect and submit specimens for identification. SARDI’s Entomology Unit offers a free insect diagnostic service for PestFacts subscribers.

For more information on cutworms, growers can also refer to Crop Insects: the Ute Guide Southern Grain Belt Edition (pp 23-24), available from Ground Cover Direct on free phone 1800 11 00 44 or email ground-cover-direct@canprint.com.au.

To report cutworm sightings or to subscribe to PestFacts, contact co-ordinators Kym Perry on (08) 8303 9370 or email perry.kym@saugov.sa.gov.au, or Ken Henry on (08) 8303 9540 or email henry.ken@saugov.sa.gov.au.

Growers can find more information about pests and their management by visiting www.grdc.com.au/pestlinks.

 

Key points:

• Growers and advisers encouraged to monitor crops and report insect activity
• PestFacts provides up to date information on emerging pest issues
• Service also provides free pest identification for subscribers

Growers in South Australia and western Victoria are being encouraged to monitor crops and report any insect pest occurrences for the benefit of their own farming enterprises and the wider grains industry.

Agronomists and consultants are also urged to report pest incidences to enable the issuing of warnings, information and timely advice.

The call for input comes from PestFacts, a free electronic newsletter service, designed to keep growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pest-related issues as they emerge during the growing season.

Supported by growers and the Australian Government through the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) National Invertebrate Pest Initiative (NIPI), PestFacts issues warnings and reminders for a range of invertebrate pests of all broadacre crops including pulses, oilseeds, cereals and fodder crops.
 
PestFacts co-ordinator, Ken Henry (South Australian Research and Development Institute Entomology Unit), said changes in farming practices, such as minimum till, stubble retention and direct drilling, had resulted in changing insect behaviour and patterns.

“That’s why it’s important for growers to be observant, to report any pest occurrences and to ensure correct identification of insects,” Mr Henry said.

“We can then advise them and other growers as to whether a pest problem is imminent.”

Growers and advisers are encouraged to collect and submit specimens for identification. SARDI’s Entomology Unit offers a free insect diagnostic service for PestFacts subscribers.

Subscribers should inform PestFacts co-ordinators that they intend submitting specimens for identification. At least five undamaged specimens should be sent in a non-crushable container along with some host material and details regarding collection date, district, host plant, description of damage caused and contact details.

Hard-bodied invertebrates such as beetles can be frozen but soft-bodied specimens should be submitted live along with some food. Delivery prior to weekends is advisable to ensure specimens are received in good condition by entomologists.

Specimens for identification can be forwarded to Kym Perry, Entomology Unit SARDI, GPO Box 397, Adelaide 5001.

Mr Henry said growers should now begin monitoring paddocks for signs of establishment pests, which were emerging from summer hibernation and hatching from eggs in some regions.

To report invertebrate pest sightings or to subscribe to PestFacts, contact coordinators Kym Perry on (08) 8303 9370 or email perry.kym@saugov.sa.gov.au, or Ken Henry on (08) 8303 9540 or email henry.ken@saugov.sa.gov.au.

PestFacts relies on valuable field observations of pest occurrences. This information can be submitted online via the NIPI observational reporting form found at http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/pestsdiseases/publications/pestfacts2/nipi_observational_reporting_proforma.

Growers can find more information about pests and their management by visiting www.grdc.com.au/pestlinks.