AGRONOMY SERVICES AVAILABLE
FULL AGRONOMY SERVICE
Nutrition planning
A fertiliser program based on crop, soil and climatic potential, can be developed. Soil sample results will be used to monitor fertility status and to assist with recommendations. Long term paddock nutrient balances can be developed. This will prevent any long term decline in fertility or an excessive build up of nutrients. Soil mapping, identification of soil types and classification of paddocks into management units can also be developed.
Rotation planning
The best crop rotation program to optimise yields, reduce chemical carryover, prevent herbicide resistance developing and reduce disease can be developed in order to improve the health and profitability of the farming system.
Chemical program
The best chemical strategy for the paddock will be established, a long term herbicide program developed and the most cost effective mixes identified. The effectiveness of sprays applied can also be determined. The timing of applications will be optimized. A 3-5 year spray program to manage herbicide resistance can be developed for summer spraying, fence line spraying and in crop spraying.
Paddock analysis
To determine if yield potential is being realised, yield data will be used. Identifying constraints to production and working to overcome these constraints to optimise yield and profitability. Identifying yield variability and developing plans to manage and overcome the variability.
Crop monitoring
This includes monitoring the crop from establishment to harvest, (including insect and disease identification and management). Weekly crop monitoring will occur during the critical stages (emergence) and then fortnightly crop monitoring can occur during the development stage up to flag leaf emergence and flowering. A pre harvest paddock inspection will identify weed numbers in paddocks to assist with the next years herbicide planning. During crop monitoring the growth stages of the crop and weeds will be identified as well as crop establishment and vigor.
On-farm research
Trials can be conducted on farm to test new products or new ideas and to assist with optimising production, e.g. developing optimal phosphate and nitrogen rates for each paddock. Test strips can be used to see if products are working properly or not.
Information
A regular newsletter providing up to date information of what is happening in the area and what to look out for as well as useful tips and ideas will be sent out electronically. Yield potentials, based on local rainfall data, will be provided to assist with input planning. Useful data and ideas from local/interstate or international research will also be included.
GROWER GROUPS
There is a vast amount of knowledge and experience locked up growers. Growers learn more from other growers than from researchers or agronomist. The reason is that they talk the same language!
Join the grower groups to visit other growers and see how they operate. Learn from their experience and see practically how they operate. Visit trial sites and learn about what is working and what is not in your area.
RESEARCH
Growers are encouraged to undergo their own research trials on farm to assist with optimizing productivity. For example halving and doubling fertiliser inputs to see if current practices are optimal.
When spraying a trace element of fungicide leave a strip unsprayed to see what value you are adding with that practice.
For the past five years I have been doing trials for herbicide registration with the APVMA. I can undertake independent trials for companies at competative rates.
Spraying in done with a 4m boom sprayer mounted on a quad bike, while there is access to a six row plot seeder and a 1.2m plot harvester.
Click below to see an example of research trial.
TOUR GROUPS
From Farm to your plate!
Ever wondered where your food comes from? How do farmers produce the food? What are the challenges facing farmers?Now’s your chance to visit a farm and learn all about farming and it’s challenges in Australia.
The Tour Guide?
He has been working in agriculture for more than 25 years. After graduating from the University of Natal (South Africa) with a Master’s of Science in Agriculture followed by an Honors degree in Agricultural Extension, he worked as an agronomist gaining experience in all aspects of broad acre cropping. He is now a private consultant with over 50 clients assisting them in remaining competitive, profitable and sustainable.
Outcomes.
Learn about the “Food bowl of Australia.”
Visit a farm and see where your food comes from.
Learn about the challenges of producing food.
Cost
$33per adult. $12 per child. GST included. Duration approx. 3hr. Tours include an hour discussion on the challenges of farming in the region and the Murray Darling Basin, plus a visit to a farm. Depending on time of year you may see sowing, spraying or harvesting of crops.
NEWSLETTER
Timing is one of the critical factors affecting farming success. When do you sow? What variety to sow when? When do you apply nitrogen? By being proactive rather than reactive you can be ahead of diseases and insects that can devastate your crops.
The aim of the newsletter is to get information timely to growers. I am constantly monitoring crops and can let you know of any problems in the area that you need to be aware of.
The newsletter is sent out weekly during the critical periods and keeps you up to date with what is happening in your area. It also reminds you of when you should be doing your in crop spraying, nitrogen top ups or crop topping amoungst other things.
It is well worth investing in the newsletter.
Click below to see an example