Riverine Plains Inc PO Box 214 NSW 2647 4/97-103 St Mulwala Phone: (03) 5744 1713 Email: [email protected] Web: www.riverineplains.com.au

Hours: 9am—3pm Monday—Thursday November 2016 Newsletter 9am—2.30pm Fridays A word from the (new) chair For those that I have not yet met, I’d like to I have been watching the “Man Up” series on ABC TV introduce myself as Ian Trevethan. I work with my where Gus Worland challenges the idea of the father Paul, brother Tim and employee Kate to Aussie male being ‘strong’, ‘stoic’ and ‘tough as manage about 2400 ha of land (leased, share- nails’. When something goes wrong we think we’re farmed and our own land) which is spread from just supposed to have a ‘cup full of cement and harden north of to just East of . We run a up!’ mixed farming business which includes livestock We know that in regional we are especially and a fish farm for added complexity. vulnerable to depression and we also know that I studied Ag Science at Dookie and worked for a challenges like the ones thrown at us this season brief period as an agronomist at Landmark in can trigger this disease. The good news is that we before returning to the farm. My wife Mel works full- also now have a lot of information on how to prevent time as a teacher in Howlong and we have three it. It helps to try and remain connected to your kids aged 13, 10 and 4 years old. community through sporting groups, grower groups, schools etc. It also helps to be physically active, to Our business has been a member of Riverine Plains try and get a good night’s sleep and to put some Inc since its inception. I joined the committee about time aside to spend away from the farm, even if it’s 4 years ago and have been chairing the research only a weekend. subcommittee for most of that time. There are many ways to manage a financial loss, but It has been interesting to watch the group evolve remember what is really important in life… your from a group of passionate volunteers to an family and friends. Put time aside to spend with organisation with 4 staff, our own office and a them, talk over your problems and don’t be afraid to dedicated research centre. A lot of this change has shed a tear. It is also important to check in on happened in the last two or three years and I’d like friends and neighbours and ask if they’re OK. Don’t to take this opportunity to thank the staff and the bottle things up! previous committee, especially the immediate past chair, John Bruce, for their time and dedication As we enter our busiest time of year (with through this period of change. haymaking/carting and windrowing/harvest likely to overlap) we need to recognise that harvest could be The 2016 season has been a challenging one for challenging. Preparation will be the key, so make most of our members. For some this challenge has sure you’ve got your snatchem straps and crop been confined to the frustrations associated with lifters on stand-by and for mixed farmers get your trying to perform paddock operations in waterlogged preventative fly treatment on! paddocks (with lots of bogged gear, poor weed control and bloody mozzies!). However for others, Have a very safe harvest and I look forward to the challenges of this season are a lot more catching up or meeting you at one of our events next devastating and could take years to recover from. year. For some, the level of crop loss is on an unprecedented scale. Ian Trevethan Riverine Plains Inc Chair The mental anguish associated with losing such Riverine Plains Inc Chair large areas of good crop so late in the season can be immense.

MAJOR SPONSORS

Rainfall Deciles 2016 Dale Grey, Agriculture Bendigo September was extremely wet, with most sites The probe is in a paddock of oats and (as at mid receiving decile 10 or highest on record (HOR) totals October) has not shown any water use below 30cm. for the month. This means that all sites have received This is either because the crop root system has only decile 9 or 10 growing season rainfall to the end of grown to 30cm, the plants around the probe have September and have also received decile 9-10 year to died (not visually confirmed) or because the water in date totals (as to the end of September). the top 30cm has been sufficient for plant needs thus far. The Youanmite soil profile as measured by the DEDJTR capacitance probe showed that the soil has been saturated since mid June.

Euroa dec RRI dec Dookie AC dec Yarrawonga AP dec DPI dec 82016 82039 81013 81124 80109 Jan 2016 72 9 66 9 71 9 88 10 57 9 Feb 2016 24 4 17 4 18 6 18 5 19 6 Mar 2016 39 2 24 5 26 5 20 5 12 4 Apr 2016 27 4 10 2 3 1 24 5 12 3 May 2016 99 8 112 10 88 8 126 10 92 10 June 2016 97 8 66 7 66 8 92 10 86 10 July 2016 125 10 41 4 79 9 93 10 54 7 Aug 2016 55 4 79 8 94 10 75 9 76 9 Sept 2016 123 10 125 10 104 10 138 HOR 137 HOR Year 661 10 539 9 549 9 674 10 546 10 GSR 526 9 433 9 434 9 548 10 457 10 Jan -Mar 135 5 106 6 115 7 125 8 88 6

Albury AP dec Henty PO dec Corowa AP dec Lockhart BC dec PO dec 72160 74053 74034 74064 74110 Jan 2016 68 8 87 9 42 8 74 10 73 9 Feb 2016 29 5 25 5 15 4 12 4 29 6 Mar 2016 30 5 34 6 24 5 17 4 32 6 Apr 2016 16 2 6 1 13 3 15 3 25 6 May 2016 108 9 139 10 110 10 104 10 99 10 June 2016 86 7 84 9 95 10 79 9 85 10 July 2016 117 9 90 9 90 9 76 9 64 9 Aug 2016 74 6 72 7 70 8 64 8 57 8 Sept 2016 142 10 165 HOR 127 HOR 162 HOR 125 HOR Year 671 9 702 10 586 10 604 10 590 10 GSR 543 9 556 10 506 10 500 10 455 10 Jan -Mar 128 6 146 7 80 4 103 6 135 8

SPONSORS CONTRIBUTORS

• Agrifac Australia • Advanced Ag • Hunter Rural • Australian Grain Technologies • Advanta Seeds • Hutcheon & Pearce • Baker Seed Co • AWB • IK Caldwell • Burando Hill • Bayer Crop Science • Kilara Group • CBH Group • Belmores • Market Check • Dupont Pioneer • Cobram Farm Equipment • NAB Agribusiness • Fertgrain • Elders Insurance/Michael Middleton • Nufarm • Incitec Pivot Fertilisers • Elders Yarrawonga • Onley Consulting • O’Connors Farm Machinery • Emerald Grain • Prime Super • Precision Agriculture • Farmanco • RSM • Rabobank • Harberger Farm Supplies • Syngenta • Seed Force • Wiesners

Riverine Research Centre Spring Field Day and Launch

The Spring Field Day, held on 13th September, was Attendees were also shown trials of new winter wheat the inaugural event at the Riverine Research Centre germplasm, fungicides, plant growth regulators, (RRC), which is a new collaboration between Riverine liquid fertiliser compatibility and row spacing for early Plains Inc and FAR Australia. sown wheat and barley. A crowd of around 90 farmers, sponsors, advisors and At the conclusion of the site tour, John Bruce, industry representatives attended the day and heard Riverine Plains Inc Chairman and Nick Poole, about the trials being hosted at the RRC trials, as well Managing Director of FAR Australia officially opened as discussions on nitrogen management and wet the Riverine Research Centre. Nick Poole highlighted season agronomy. the quality of the national and local research The RRC is host to a trial investigating nitrous oxide activities being undertaken at the centre and emissions (a potent greenhouse gas) in cropping discussed the collaborative opportunities the systems, which is funded by the Australian Research Centre offered. Government Department of Agriculture as part of it’s The launch was followed by a group photo, BBQ and Action on the Ground Program. In introducing the informal catch up with members, sponsors and project, Dr Clemens Scheer (Queensland University of industry. Technology) spoke on nitrogen losses from grain farming systems. He explained that in some soils, a Thank you to all those that attended or assisted on significant proportion of applied nitrogen fertiliser can the day and especially to Riverine Research Centre hosts, Telewonga Pty Ltd. be lost to the atmosphere as nitrous oxide and that soils prone to waterlogging may be more susceptible to high nitrous oxide emissions. Under saturated soil Clemens Scheer conditions, more nitrogen is lost as gas, which speaking about reduces the efficiency with which applied nitrogen is nitrous oxide used by the plant. To reduce nitrogen losses, growers emissions in should apply nitrogen only when the plant is able to grain farming take it up (ie not under stess). systems. Nick Poole (FAR Australia) then facilitated a discussion on the optimal timing of nitrogen fertiliser to reduce nitrous oxide emissions. If crops are given large amounts of nitrogen upfront, then a high Cassandra Schefe proportion of that nitrogen (up to 80-90% in extreme speaking about cases) may be lost. The best approach is therefore to nitrogen at the apply some nitrogen upfront, with the remainder Spring Field Day applied as small amounts throughout the season as trafficability, time constraints and other practicalities allow. This allows for good early crop establishment, meets the needs of the growing plants and allows farmers to tailor nitrogen applications in response to the season. Nick Poole and Cassandra Schefe (Riverine Plains Inc Extension John Bruce after the official launch. Officer), Nick Poole and Michael Straight (FAR Australia) then led farmers around the various trials. This included nitrogen timing trials, nitrogen source trials, and trials evaluating NDVI technology as a method for determining crop nitrogen requirements.

Canola Petal Test Survey—project background The “National Canola Pathology Project” is a nationally Riverine Plains Inc members located in the Murray co-ordinated research project which is jointly funded by region (including , Corowa and Rutherglen) GRDC and various research agencies (including NSW provided weekly petal samples from each site, which DPI) which conduct research into the impact of disease were then sent to NSW DPI for analysis on canola production, in particular the diseases to determine if sclerotinia was present. Analysed blackleg and sclerotinia. results have been sent back every week, indicating The most serious disease affecting canola in Australia the level of background inoculum present in the crop. is blackleg. In this project, current NVT varieties and Stem infection incidence and severity for each site will breeding lines are assessed and classified into be assessed at the end of the growing season to resistance groups based on their seedling and adult determine if the levels of background inoculum on plant resistance. The severity of blackleg across canola petals provide any correlation with the level of growing regions in NSW is being monitored to provide sclerotinia infection in the crop. Weather conditions information on the risk of breakdown of specific and crop histories will also be considered. varieties caused by the blackleg pathogen population which is dynamically evolving. The petal survey offers a snapshot of this year’s petal infestation levels within and among different This information, along with blackleg disease geographical districts with the aim of identifying key management strategies, is presented in the “Blackleg points important for disease development. Management Guide” annually to assist growers in reducing blackleg disease severity. Acknowledgement NSW DPI would like to thank Riverine Plains for their collaboration in organising the The other important disease of canola in Australia is petal test survey. We would also like to thank Tim sclerotinia stem rot. Information on the behaviour of Trevethan, Brad Stillard and Caitlyn Hiskins for sclerotinia stem rot is being collected to improve the collecting petal samples in their respective districts. understanding on the biology and impact of the disease in Australia. For more information please contactcontact: Kurt Lindbeck Sclerotinia stem rot is unique in that the development NSW Department of Primary Industries, of the disease relies on flower petals to carry the fungus into the crop canopy to initiate stem lesions. 02 6938 1608, [email protected] Ascospores of the sclerotinia fungus become stuck on Audrey Leo flower petals, which in turn senesce and fall into the NSW Department of Primary Industries, crop canopy, potentially becoming lodged against 02 6938 1902, [email protected] canola stems. In wet conditions, the fungus grows out of the petal and causes a stem lesion, causing Support for growers planning premature plant or branch death. to store grain on-farm As sclerotinia stem rot is driven predominantly by weather conditions during flowering, information about To support growers with their on-farm grain storage environmental factors in commercial crops (located in preparations, the GRDC has released a new Stored different geographical districts) is being collected and Grain app for iPhones and iPads. It can be assessed. This will help determine the impact on downloaded for free from the iTunes store, or via disease incidence and severity. https://grdc.com.au/Resources/Apps . Simultaneously, a targeted petal testing survey is being The app offers two main features. The first is a series conducted to detect and evaluate levels of sclerotinia of ‘how to’ guides and videos on silo buying, present on flowers, both within and between districts, fumigation, hygiene and structural treatments, over the flowering period. aeration cooling and aeration drying, as well as pest identification. Growers and advisers can also use the When assessed alongside environmental factors and app to send experts photos of pests for help with crop histories, the petal survey can assist in identification. understanding the factors that drive disease development. This knowledge is crucial in assisting The second feature is a log for storage and growers with future disease management decisions, monitoring records, which can be used even when out such as the most economical timing for foliar fungicide of mobile range (it can synchronise with other devices applications. when back in range). Details such as grain type, variety, grade, quantity, paddock/source, date filled/ This season, petal samples have been collected from emptied and who it was sold to can all be recorded, 30 sites located within three geographically different making for easy quality assurance tracking. The app locations in NSW, the , South West Slopes, also allows users to record the date, temperature, Central West Slopes and Plains, and north eastern moisture content, pests identified, treatment details Victoria. and other notes taken while monitoring the storage.

RPI Project Update - Managing weed seeds at harvest time Harvest is stressful at the best of times. This year The Riverine Plains project component involves a farmers will have the added difficulty of managing small plot trial site (managed by FAR Australia) which wet areas, lodged crops and potentially high weed was located at Baker Seed Co (Rutherglen) in 2015 populations. and on the Inchbold family farm in 2016. With harvest rapidly approaching, now is the time to The key results from last year (2015) were: check paddock weed numbers in order to assess • Of the three times of sowing for wheat and barley the potential for harvest weed seed control. (16 April, 25 April and 25 May), the 25 th April For paddocks with high weed densities, some form sowing had the lowest ryegrass numbers. This of harvest weed control could be considered in order was because the knockdown spray prior to the to capture and destroy weed seeds before they add 25 th April sowing gave better ryegrass control at to the weed seed bank. sowing compared to the earlier sowing. There were no crop herbicides applied after sowing. The GRDC funded project, “ Harvest Weed Seed Control for the southern high rainfall zone”, is • Rain delayed harvest at the site, which caused currently investigating the impact of harvest more seeds to be shed and less to be collected in management techniques on weed seed populations. the chaff. This shows that timing of harvest is critical if weed seeds are to be collected and While much of the historical work on weed seed removed or destroyed. control has been done in the low rainfall zone, this project is being conducted across the high rainfall • Even when header heights were set low, there zone. were still significant numbers of ryegrass seeds not captured by the header. This was due to The project is investigating a number of options some plants being too short to be removed by the available for managing weeds at harvest. These header, even at the low harvest height. include; • Cutting the affected areas for hay or silage before More results will be shortly available from the 2016 weeds have set seed. small plot trial site, with additional information coming from an on-farm demonstration at the • Harvesting low, forming a narrow windrow with Trevethan family farm this harvest. Demonstration the chaff and burning the windrow. treatments will compare traditional burning to • Harvesting low and removing the chaff and weed narrow windrow burning at high and low harvest seeds in a chaff cart. heights. • Spray topping crops before the weed set seed Riverine Plains would like to thank our farmer co- (timing according to product labels). operators, Baker Seed Co, the Inchbold family and • Harvesting low and destroying the small seeds the Trevethan family for their support. with a weed seed destructor “Harvest Weed Seed Control for the Southern Some of the options described above require the Region” is funded by GRDC. This collaborative crop to be harvested at a low height - this ensures project is being led by Southern Farming Systems, that a greater proportion of weeds go through the with project partners, Riverine Plains Inc, MacKillop header to be collected and destroyed using various Farm Management Group and Farmlink. techniques.

Evan Moll NVT & Agronomy Day

The “Evan Moll Gerogery Field Day” was held on The field day also featured two soil pits which were Thursday 3 rd November, with a crowd of around 70 used to demonstrate how the wet conditions have farmers, advisers and industry representatives affected plant root development and how root growth attending the event. can be affected by different subsoil constraints. Attendees were shown through the wheat and canola The field day was supported by Murray Local Land GRDC National Variety Trials (NVT) by Don McCaffery Services (LLS) through funding from the Australian and Peter Matthews (NSW DPI). Government’s National Landcare Programme. Options for direct heading and wet season Thank you also to the Moll Family, who have been dessication, grain marketing, summer crop options hosting trials and field days at “Elderslie”, for over 80 and other agronomic issues were also discussed. years.

EDITORIALS

Conserve Plus Offers Robust and Flexible Grain Management Conserve™ Plus offers grain growers Rice weevil causes damage to grain by boring into unprecedented flexibility to store cereal grains on the kernel. It is not controlled by Conserve™ Plus, farm, whilst delivering robust grain protection. making it essential to add an organophosate (OP) grain protectant to ensure complete insect control. It is a next generation grain protectant, enabling Reldan™ Grain Protector will be the product of growers to control insect pests, including the choice in most circumstances. When used on malt resistant lesser grain borer, in on-farm storages for barley and maize, fenitrothion is the only OP mixing up to 9 months. partner approved for use. Conserve™ Plus contains the active ingredients For this coming harvest, Conserve™ Plus will be spinosad and s-methoprene, which provide available in a 500 mL bottle treating 50 tonnes. flexibility to treat all cereal grains, including malt Conserve On-Farm is also available, suiting large barley, maize and rice. scale storers, in its final season of sale. With a nil withholding period, Conserve™ Plus To access Conserve™ Plus growers must be treating maximises on-farm storage flexibility and marketing their own grain, provide their NGR number, and sign opportunities. an end user declaration from accredited agents. Conserve™ Plus controls four out of the five stored Talk with your agronomist today about how you can grain pests, including resistant strains of: securely store your grain on farm. • Lesser grain borer • Rust-red flour beetle • Saw-toothed grain beetle • Flat grain beetle

Getting the balance right on lime with Precision Agriculture At Precision Agriculture, our studies have shown At Precision Agriculture, we have been leading the that traditional lime programs based on paddock application of variable rate lime throughout Australia level soil testing delivers sub-optimal lime rates to since 2010, and are a global leader in grid soil pH 25 percent of the paddock, increasing the risk for mapping. soil acidity to limit plant growth. We have a unique ability to streamline any And what’s more, in a study earlier this year of combination of soil pH, phosphorous and potassium 7,500 hectares in Southern NSW and Victoria we measurements on your property into one process. found that twenty-nine percent of land did not We collect eight cores every two hectares, following require lime at all. Under a traditional farming a diagonal transect (across multiple airseeder approach that would mean an enormous amount of passes to mitigate bias effects of uneven stubble overuse of lime and expense that is not necessary. and fertiliser spreading) to compile an accurate This highlights how a traditional blanket approach representative soil sample. You will not find a more to applying lime can be hit and miss, as pH levels accurate method of developing soil pH, phosphorus vary quite significantly within and between and/or potassium maps across a paddock. paddocks. Getting the balance right between the In addition to our soil testing we also analyse lime requirements of the land and lime application rates and gypsum pits throughout the region. This helps is a complex task without the right information. our customers select the most cost-effective Grid soil pH mapping has become one of the most product, taking into consideration quality, cost and effective methods in determining variable rate lime freight. applications. The basic principle is “use what is For more information contact our Riverina Advisor needed and where” and involves systematic measuring of your soil profile in GPS-referenced Eva Moffitt on 0476 666 020. locations to match lime rates with soil pH levels. There’s no guess work and the cost saving can be significant.

EDITORIALS

Grain Growers News

Young Farmers Encouraged to Apply for 2017 To apply, visit http://www.graingrowers.com.au/ Australian Grain Farm Leaders Program education-events/australian-grain-farm-leaders- Nominations are now open for GrainGrowers' program Australian Grain Farm Leaders Program. Applications close Monday 19 December, 2016. it is open to farmers under 40 year of age. Southern NSW, VIC & TAS farmers urged to Tom Hewitt is from Areegra in, Victoria and nominate for grains policy group participated in the AGFLP in 2016. The National Policy Group (NPG) is made up of Tom followed his heart and returned to the 15 people, five from each region: Western family farm a couple of years ago after working Region (WA and SA), Southern Region (southern in the building and construction industry. Since NSW, Victoria and Tasmania) and Northern being home, he has supported the family Region (northern NSW and Queensland). enterprise to expand by leasing and share The NPG meets face-to-face up to four times a farming an additional 3500 acres to ensure year and via teleconference when required. commercial viability. In 2013 he undertook a Guest speakers are regularly invited to address mentoring program with the Victorian No Till the NPG to inform their thinking on relevant Association and as a result is continuing to grain policy matters. NPG members are also implement improved farming practises. Tom invited to represent GrainGrowers on a number has been key in the decision to manage climatic of industry committees and working groups. risk by expanding their farming operations to include grain production on sandy loam soils 80 So if you feel like you would be interested in kms away from their home enterprise where applying for the NPG, please contact Clayton they have predominantly clay with high boron Thomas, Southern Regional CoCo----OrdinatorOrdinator for and salt sub soils. Grain Growers on 0418 263 039. So if you would be interested in applying for the Please visit http://www.graingrowers.com.au/ program, please contact Clayton Thomas policy/national-policy-group-elections to see how Southern Regional CoCo----OrdinatorOrdinator for Grain to nominate for the up and coming Southern Growers on 0418 263 039. region NPG Election, after you have spoken with your Southern Regional Co-Ordinator.

Seed Force Grows Product

Over the past 12 months, Seed Force has For farmers looking for high yielding, dual celebrated its 10 th anniversary, become a purpose wheat varieties, they will find it hard to Riverine Plains Sponsor and also expanded the go past RGT Accroc. product range to include spring Canola’s and two RGT Accroc originates from Seed Forces’ parent new Sub Clovers; SF Tamin and SF Rouse. company RAGT Semences and is a red winter Growers looking for a strong performing early- wheat that can be planted from February until mid Triazine Tolerant canola should take a close the middle of April. It is suitable for both grazing look at SF Turbine TT. SF Turbine TT has a and grain. Its yield is hard to beat, topping the blackleg resistance rating of MR on bare seed, Rutherglen Early Wheat NVT trial at 7.49 T/ha in and R on Jockey® treated seed, with the added 2015. benefit of a BF Blackleg grouping. This means For more information visit www.seedforce.com that SF Turbine TT is an ideal rotational variety for the Group A varieties. It is also no slouch on yield, topping the Yarrawonga and Wunghnu NVT trials in 2015.

EDITORIAL

Regional Australia Institute and Rural Bank to define and champion ‘21 st Century Farmers’

The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) has joined valuable opportunity for Australia’s farmers to have forces with Rural Bank and Rural Finance to launch their say on the future direction of their industry and ‘21 st Century Farmers’, a nationwide study into how policy makers can assist in its growth. Australian agriculture. “The future for Australian agriculture is bright and we The research project will raise awareness of the are calling on all our farmers to help create a picture challenges and opportunities farmers face on a daily of that future by actively participating in the ‘21 st basis, while capturing the social and economic Century Farmer’ research project. contribution the industry makes to local communities “Taking just 20 minutes out of your day to complete across the country. the short online survey could help make a difference The information gathered in the survey will provide to Australian agriculture for years to come. policy makers with unique and invaluable insights All responses to the ‘21 st Century Farmer’ survey are into Australia’s farmers, the Australian agriculture strictly confidential and will be de-identified and sector and its future requirements. aggregated prior to reporting. The study will also allow the RAI, Rural Bank and To participate in the research project, visit Rural Finance to create a detailed snapshot of the www.ruralbank.com.au/21stcenturyfarmer . industry in 2016, which will in turn form the bedrock of future agriculture policy development across all All participants who complete the survey by Friday 18 three institutions well into the next decade. November will go into a draw to WIN one of two $500 grants to go towards their nominated community Andrew Smith, General Manager Agribusiness for group or activity. Rural Bank and Rural Finance, said the new study is a

GrowNotes Alert: new early warning app

The Grains Research and Development Corporation The macro lens can be attached to a phone or tablet (GRDC) recently released its free, digital disease, pest and helps users take clear and close up pictures of and weed early warning and surveillance system crops disease symptoms, weeds and pests for called GrowNotes Alert . identification. GrowNotes Alert has been used to notify subscribers The free Apple (iOS) app is also available to download about the Russian wheat aphid (RWA) biosecurity now, with an Android version almost store-ready. alert, as well as blackleg and sclerotinia in canola, To subscribe visit www.grdc.com.au/grownotesalert ascochyta of chickpea, and foliar rust pressure on and follow the prompts to personalise your private wheat and barley. These early warnings have resulted subscription. Twitter users can also follow the handles in growers actively looking for these diseases and @GNAlertNorth @GNAlertSouth and @GNAlertWest. pests in their crops, enabling them to act quickly to contain their spread. Subscribe and upload a surveillance photo for your chance to win one of 6 DronesDrones. GrowNotes Alerts can be delivered via App, SMS, voice, email, social media or web portal (or a The Grains Industry Market Access Forum (GIMAF) in combination of preferred methods). GrowNotes Alert conjunction with the GRDC, Agriculture Victoria, Plant also directs users to up-to-date information about an Health Australia and Grain Producers Australia are identified issue. giving away six drones. Subscribers can choose to receive information as To go into the draw, simply register for GrowNotes push notifications to their smart phones, tablets or Alert and upload your surveillance photo using computers as an SMS and/or email, or by logging into GrowNotes Alert before December 31. (Note: entrants the GrowNotes Alert subscriber website portal. must be registered with a grower group to be eligible). The system is two-way, and allows growers to upload Growers are also encouraged to submit healthy crop photos on the spot and then feeds relevant and photos as these help to further promote and secure immediate information back to an extensive range of market access. experts across Australia. GroweNotes Alert is jointly funded by the GRDC and Growers that sign up now will also receive a free Agriculture Victoria. super macro lens.

New web page to help manage expanding 2,4-D resistance Resistance to the ‘keystone’ herbicide group that Internationally, 32 species are resistant to one or includes 2,4-D has recently been confirmed in more Group I herbicides, including 24 broadleaf sowthistle ( Sonchus oleraceus ) from Victoria and species, 5 grasses and 3 non-grass monocots. and capeweed ( Arctotheca calendula ) If decreasing levels of control with 2,4-D, MCPA or from South Australia. related herbicides is suspected, growers are advised This brings the number of 2,4-D resistant species in to collect seed for testing across the Group I classes. Australia to four, joining wild radish and Indian hedge Early control of Group I resistant weeds is an mustard. essential component of the management strategy According to Andrew Storrie, Executive Officer of the along with full rates of herbicide, often followed by a Australian Glyphosate Sustainability Working Group, second knock with a different mode of action. the two new species have evolved in Victoria and Broadening the rotation to allow the economic South Australia following long histories of 2,4-D use. inclusion of non-herbicide management strategies “The Group I mode of action is the third leg of the such as manuring, hay and competitive pastures is weed control tripod of modern farming systems along also advised. with glyphosate and paraquat. It is particularly The AGSWG is supported by the Grains Research and concerning that one of the sowthistle populations is Development Corporation (GRDC) and key research resistant to three Group I herbicides – 2,4-D, dicamba and development-based crop protection companies and clopyralid” he said. with an interest in the sustainability of glyphosate, Clopyralid is now widely used for the control of paraquat and Group I herbicides. sowthistle, fleabane, and capeweed in winter cereals Information on herbicide sustainability is available at and canola and needs to be managed to prevent the WeedSmart information hub at more resistance developing. www.weedsmart.org.au or at the GRDC Integrated The Australian Glyphosate Sustainability Working Weed Management Hub at www.grdc.com.au/ Group (AGSWG) has developed a page on its website Resources/IWMhub . dedicated to the management of Group I resistance, www.glyphosateresistance.org.au/group_I_resistance.html .

Dual purpose crops– what to consider in 2017 Sue Briggs, Murray Local Land Services Dual purpose crops have been around for a long time • Stock should be introduced to a dual purpose crop now and a large body of research has focused on how slowly (especially canola), to reduce the risk of mixed farming systems can capitalise on their use. ruminal acidosis and nitrate toxicity. Sheep can Research has shown that dual purpose crops have take up to 10 days to get used to a new feed many advantages, including minimising risks, source and achieve full intake. Low initial feed capitalising on early rainfall events, flexibility in intakes may trigger pregnancy toxaemia in enterprise mix and improved cash flow. pregnant ewes. With decisions soon to be made around seed • Dual purpose crops (especially canola), can selection for next season, now is an ideal time to accumulate high forage nitrate levels, which can consider the potential for a dual purpose crop. lead to nitrate/nitrite poisoning. Application of However, there are first a few management nitrogen fertiliser may elevate nitrate levels in considerations that need to be taken into account; plants. The industry recommendation is to avoid pre-grazing application of nitrogen to minimise the • Dual purpose crops can provide a solution to the risk of nitrate toxicity in grazing livestock. autumn/winter feed gap. However, the amount of dry matter produced is dependent on time of Dual purpose crops have proven to be more sowing, so a quick feed budget (calculated at economical in dry seasons. In a “good” season the critical times of the season) will determine if the economic advantage will be lower. With waterlogging feed available will meet stock demands. one of the key issues for 2016, there will be mixed results for many dual purpose wheat and canola • Wheat and canola feed quality is adequate to meet growers. the nutritive value for ewes in late pregnancy, as well as during lambing and lactation. However, it is With harvest fast approaching, take the time to note important to provide a supplement mix of calcium, what worked this year and what lessons can be taken magnesium and sodium to reduce the risk of into 2017. metabolic diseases, especially in pregnant ewes.

Prioritising safety this harvest The Grains Research and Development Corporation • Making everyone aware of electrical hazards and (GRDC) is backing calls by the Australian Centre for where they exist on the property. Consider having no‐ Agricultural Health and Safety for the prioritisation of go areas, if practical. Look up and live; the welfare of all those involved in harvesting this Fire is always a risk at harvest. Check that the water year’s crops. trailer is full, regularly clean down headers to keep Dr Tony Lower, Director of the Australian Centre for trash and straw away from pulleys, belts and Agricultural Health and Safety, says now is the time to bearings, and fit a fire extinguisher on headers, make sure that growers and their most important tractors and fuel trailers. resource – the people who work with and for them – Dr Lower says the mix of people, machinery, extended are safe and up to the tasks ahead. working hours and fatigue, makes for a potent “Growers experience intense pressure and fatigue cocktail increasing the risk of injury and downtime during harvest, and there is usually a higher number of during harvest. inexperienced seasonal workers employed – all factors “It is in everyone’s interest to manage fatigue and that expose the industry to a heightened risk of while there is no one ‐size fits all solution, there are danger,” said Dr Lower, whose work is supported things that you can do. Talking with all workers and through the Primary Industries Health and Safety family members about fatigue and how you will Partnership, of which the GRDC is a partner. manage fatigue during the harvest as part of the Dr Lower says risks can be reduced by growers induction is vital.” employing key strategies, such as: To help start this discussion with workers and • Making sure all guards on machinery and contractors, a self ‐assessment fatigue checklist equipment (harvesters, tractors, chaser bins, silos, poster has been developed and can be downloaded field bins and auger), are in place; from the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and • Ensuring all people working during harvest Safety website’s Resources for Farmers (Fatigue (whether employees, contractors or family members) Management) at http://sydney.edu.au/medicine/ are inducted into the way safety will be managed aghealth/ . during the harvest, including fatigue. Expectations for “One error made in tiredness can have tragic safety should be made very clear to everyone; consequences for individuals or others working on • Having a standard policy where all harvester/ the harvest. Let’s make this harvest a productive and machinery engines are stopped and keys removed injury-free one,” Dr Lower said. from the ignition during maintenance. Before working Further information on harvest safety is available by under raised hydraulics, header fronts and combs, phoning the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health ensure hydraulic and ram locks have been fitted and and Safety on 02 6752 8210. that the comb is chocked and supported. Replace all guards after servicing/repairs;

Dessication & crop-topping: Risks in Pulse and Canola Crops Nick Goddard, Pulse Australia With the majority of pulses and canola destined for key The publication, Desiccation and CropCrop----topping:topping: Risks export markets, ensuring harvested grain complies in Pulse and Canola Crops, describes the correct and with prescribed Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) is permitted pulse and canola desiccation and crop- paramount to ensuring ongoing access to these topping chemicals and use-pattern for use at harvest. markets. See http://www.australianoilseeds.com/__data/ assets/pdf_file/0018/10872/20161005_-_PA- While all members of the value chain have an AOF_desiccant.pdf obligation to ensure MRL compliance, pulse and oilseed producers have a lead responsibility to ensure Vendor declarations are another core responsibility that grain leaving their farms meets the MRL of growers so that buyers can be fully informed of the requirements. chemicals and use-patterns employed through the season. The high weed pressure this season, combined with additional biomass in many areas, makes the Correct chemical usage on farm, and accurate appropriate use of desiccation and crop-topping vendor declarations are a key component of the chemicals critical as we head into harvest. value chain. These ensure that access to key markets is maintained, and the high reputation of Australian grain is protected.

The short straw

By Lisa Castleman Riverina Local Land Services, Wagga Wagga P: 0427 201 963 E: [email protected]

First Russian Wheat Aphid, now Lupin Anthracnose …. The Anthracnose fungus spreads on infected seed and then by rain-splash of spores between plants in a The 2016 season held all the promise of crops and paddock. A wet winter followed by a drier spring (as in pastures growing under clouds that just kept on 2015) can allow for the development of the disease delivering. However, a wet year has meant a greater from infected seed, with the drier conditions helping to risk of disease expression in many crops, along with mask it’s expression. As such, the disease may have looming weed burdens thanks to poor trafficability and been present in NSW in 2015, but it wasn’t visible, nor wet days that have made spraying nearly impossible. was it even suspected. 2016 has also seen an unprecedented number of Anthracnose was only recently detected in NSW, exotic pest incursions. Detections of the plant pest following a wet winter and wet spring which created Russian Wheat Aphid occurred firstly in South Australia, ideal conditions for the development and full followed by Victoria and then in southern NSW. In mid expression of the disease at late podding. Diseased October, the exotic disease Anthracnose was detected paddocks are showing bending and twisting of stems in in four Albus lupin crops in the Riverina. the upper canopy and lesions on stems and pods in Storm events and high winds can bring aphids in on the hotspots. Small, diseased patches can occur in wing, and were most likely responsible for introducing otherwise robust and high yielding crops. Unfortunately the Russian Wheat Aphid into our farming systems. The fungal infections often start on a very small scale, and Russian Wheat Aphid has a notorious reputation and is initially spread by stealth, making it easy for them to go definitely not one to be under-estimated due to the unnoticed. economic damage it can cause. How exactly this exotic Harvesting any infected lupin crops to use as next aphid arrived in Australia will remain a mystery, season’s sowing seed would be a grave risk. Now that however, now that this it is present, we need to the risk of Anthracnose in lupins is real, taking respond by being more vigilant, diagnosing the pest protective steps is important, although there are no quickly and then being very discerning with the choice guarantees that using a registered seed treatment in of insecticide. This will help manage pest populations future would lead to zero disease in your paddock. and prevent crop yield losses in years to come. If you suspect that patches in your lupin crop may be Biosecurity threats to the safety and profitability of our AnthracnoseAnthracnose, please contact Rachel Taylor-Hukins, production system are very real. It is common sense Grains Biosecurity Officer with NSW DPI on 0409 945 that if eradication is possible, it should be implemented 069 (email: [email protected] ) or call the for the long-term good of many stake-holders. But Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. timeliness is the key to success. Local Land Services staff are providing support and can Early surveillance of Russian Wheat Aphid helped receive plant samples for diagnostic testing by NSW gauge the true extent of the incursion. Unfortunately, DPI. Download the lupin anthracnose sample insect pests such as Russian Wheat Aphid can fly submission form at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/ across farm boundaries and regions: surveillance content/biosecurity/plant/lupin-anthracnose showed that the new threat had already spread and could be controlled, but not contained. Sampling suspect areas and receiving a negative result also assists in measuring the extent of the disease. If The latest news however is the recent occurrence of sampling, prevent further spread by changing and the fungal disease Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lupini) washing clothing (including hats) and disinfect footwear in Albus lupins and Narrowleaf lupins in NSW, which and vehicles before entering another paddock. was completely unexpected. As with any new pest or disease, we need to take stock While this disease is known to be a risk in ornamental of the situation before we consider future management Russell lupins, it has not been an issue for broadacre decisions about crop and cultivar choice, the suitability lupin cultivars grown in NSW. This disease has been of seed treatments and pesticide or fungicide use. known to lupin-growers in Western Australia since 1996, after which it spread to South Australia. In WA, On the positive note, a growing network of agronomists, the disease has had a significant impact on the Albus consultants and observant landholders, along with our lupin industry — the risks of economic loss in high ability to communicate across boundaries, should help rainfall zones are so great that Albus are not us manage other emerging threats (where possible) considered a viable option. quickly and thoroughly.

News—RPI AGM Membership approves Tax

Ian Trevethan of Howlong was recently elected the Deductable status at AGM new chair of Riverine Plains Inc at the AGM held on A special resolution was passed at the AGM on October 10, 2016 at Mulwala. Ian replaces John Bruce Monday 10 October 2016 to allow Riverine of Barooga, who has chaired the group for the past Plains Inc to seek charitable, tax deductable two and a half years. status. This will enable us to set up a scholarship Ian runs a diverse farming enterprise with his family, fund, to assist local tertiary students in their based at Howlong in Southern NSW. He has been studies. The tax deductable status will also allow chair of RPI’s Research sub-committee for the past 2 Riverine Plains Inc to attract a wider range of years and was on the general committee before that. funds for the research program. With his farming expertise and knowledge of the The constitution has now been updated to reflect group, Ian is well qualified for the role of chair and will the changes that were passed. be working to ensure that Riverine Plains Inc keeps on meeting the needs of members and the expectations of our sponsors and research partners. Fleabane sites wanted Ian will be supported by the Executive, General PhD student and former committee member Committees and staff, who will continue to coordinate Charlotte Aves is studying herbicide resistance in Riverine Plains Inc activities, publications and provide flaxleaf fleabane and its management in mixed the direction for the group’s research. farming systems. She is currently seeking At the AGM, outgoing Chair, John Bruce, thanked paddocks in fallow or lucerne, on channel banks retiring committee members Charlotte Aves (Dookie), and in uncropped areas to conduct management Damien McKinley (Dookie), Michelle Pardy (Barooga) trials (to be approx. 900m 2 for fallow/lucerne and Nick Ennis (Balldale) for their individual sites and approx. 540m 2 for channel banks). If contributions over a collective 20 year period. you, or someone you know, can provide a suitable site for this research, please contact 0416 400 Incoming Chair, Ian Trevethan welcomed new 979 or email [email protected] committee member Eric Nankivell (Albury). Ian also congratulated outgoing Chair, John Bruce, on his Diary Dates—2017 steady leadership through a significant period of change for the group. John remains on the committee Thursday 2 February Sykesy’s Buraja Meeting as the Immediate Past Chair and Public Officer. Thursday 16 February GRDC Grains Research The following office bearers were elected. Update, Corowa Chair: Ian Trevethan (Howlong), Deputy Chair: Adrian Clancy (Splitters Creek), Immediate Past ChairChair: John Bruce (Barooga), Treasurer: Barry Membrey (Albury), Research Subcommittee Chair: Peter Campbell (Henty), Committee Contacts Extensions Subcommittee Chair: Adrian Clancy (Splitters Chairman Ian Trevethan 0428 265 015 Creek), Public Officer: John Bruce (Barooga). Deputy Chair Adrian Clancy 0417 690 117 Committee: Lisa Castleman (Wagga Wagga), Paul Gontier Immediate Past Chair and (Shepparton), Adam Inchbold (Yarrawonga), Fiona Public Officer John Bruce 0428 315 814 Marshall (Mulwala), Eric Nankivell (Albury), Clare Treasurer Barry Membrey 0400 872 799 Robinson (Thurgoona), Andrew Russell (Browns Plains), Research Peter Campbell 0427 293 715 Curt Severin (Brocklesby), Jo Slattery (Chiltern), Brad Extension Adrian Clancy 0417 690 117 Stillard (Barooga). Committee Lisa Castleman 0427 201 963 Executive Support: Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria. Paul Gontier 0429 388 563 Adam Inchbold 0418 442 910 Fiona Marshall 0427 324 123 Eric Nankivell 0428 914 263 Clare Robinson 0428 339 821 Andrew Russell 0417 401 004 Curt Severin 0427 294 261 Jo Slattery 0427 261 530 Brad Stillard 0427 733 052 Committee: L-R. John Bruce, Jo Slattery, Curt Severin, Barry Membrey, Executive Support Brad Stillard, Ian Trevethan (Chairman), Paul Gontier, Adrian Clancy Dale Grey 0409 213 335 Lisa Castleman, Peter Campbell. Absent: Adam Inchbold, Fiona Marshall, Eric Nankivell, Clare Robinson, Andrew Russell and Dale Grey.