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

Hours: 9am—3pm Monday—Thursday May 2018 Newsletter 9am—2.30pm Fridays A word from the Chair I am writing this in late April and am hoping that People who have been sitting on hay for a while between now and when you’re reading this that are now seeing it start to move in a big way the weather has changed to something particularly into central and northern NSW and you resembling autumn, maybe even with a bit of rain. would expect hay to be in demand right through Last week we had two of the hottest April days winter now, which is good news for people trying to recorded and a day that was off the scale in terms sell. of a fire rating index for April. In early March, we held an Agribusiness Dinner The number of out of control fires that were a which included the launch of the John Hanrahan direct result of escaped stubble burns on that day Scholarship and a presentation from Rural Bank reflected badly on our industry. We can be CEO and Managing Director, Alexandra Gartmann. thankful that there was no loss of life, but there The evening was also an opportunity for Riverine were certainly injuries sustained and significant Plains Inc to acknowledge and thank those livestock and infrastructures losses. The agribusinesses in the community who sponsor our resources deployed in terms of fire crews, water group. bombing aircraft and man hours spent The evening was also about celebrating two of extinguishing the fires we started were also John Hanrahan’s passions; agriculture and significant. community, and it was great to see so many How and when we burn plays a big part on how people enjoying each other’s company. much we impact the broader community and we An enormous amount of work went into the need to move away from thinking that burning off organisation of the Agribusiness dinner and the is our right. Burning is a valuable tool to have in establishment of the Scholarship Fund. On behalf the toolbox, but I think as an industry we need to of the committee, I thank Barry Membrey, Meri be more responsible in how we use that tool to Long, Fiona Hart and Kate Coffey for their efforts, prevent it being taken away from us. the Hanrahan Family for their support, and to all There have been some positives to a dry start. those that helped out in some way. I’d also like to Sowing into stubble has been a lot easier, while thank all of our members, sponsors and members stubbles that need to be burnt have burnt easily. of the community who supported our fundraising The harvesting of irrigated summer crop has also efforts and those who have generously made been a breeze. donations. Thank you also to the businesses that donated produce for our display and sale (see The biggest challenge however, has been for page 4). mixed farmers. Autumn is often the peak time for supplementary feeding but this year that seems to I wish you all good luck for the remainder of sowing and I look forward to catching up at one of have stepped up a notch or two and is soaking up considerable time. our events this year. Ian Trevethan Chair

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Rainfall deciles in the Riverine Plains March 2018 summary Dale Grey and Rachel Coombes, Agriculture Victoria Bendigo January rainfall was stormy and patchy, with greater Overall it has been a drier to average start to the year rainfall in the north of the Riverine Plains region, across the Riverine Plains area. with some areas receiving decile 10 rainfall. The The moisture probe is still showing 68% southern area received closer to average January full from 30-100cm. Dookie Land Management Group rainfall (deciles 6-7). probes show more variable moisture levels from 30- February was dry, with most areas receiving little to 87%, with an average of around 58%. no rainfall. The exception was at Corowa and Albury The Riverine Plains Inc probe at Rand shows a nearly which received average rainfall. full profile of 92% from 30-100cm. March was another dry to average month with deciles between 3 and 6, while April was a decile 1 month across the board. Euroa dec RRI dec Dookie AC dec Yarrawonga AP dec DPI dec 82016 82039 81013 81124 80109 Jan 2018 33.2 6 36.0 6 38.8 7 33.0 7 58.6 9 Feb 2018 9.8 3 13.4 4 0.0 LOR* 0.0 LOR* 0.0 1 Mar 2018 30.6 5 13.8 3 11.4 3 13.8 4 9.4 4 Apr 2018 N/A N/A 5.4 1 N/A N/A 3.0 1 1.6 1 Year 74 69 2 50 50 1 70 2

Albury AP dec Henty PO dec Corowa AP dec Lockhart BC dec Urana PO dec 72160 74053 74034 74064 74110 Jan 2018 30.6 6 122.6 10 28.6 6 81.4 10 87.4 10 Feb 2018 23.4 5 12.8 3 12.5 4 6.6 3 4.0 2 Mar 2018 21.0 4 11.0 3 12.0 3 7.8 3 6.8 3 Apr 2018 7.8 1 2.0 1 4.0 1 2.8 1 2. 1 Year 83 1 148 57 1 99 4 100 5 *LOR = Lowest on record Closing date nears for Federation Business Awards 2018 The entry date for the Federation Business Awards, • Excellence in Sustainability presented by Corowa Business Chamber in affiliation • Excellence in Small Business (1-10 employees with the NSW Business Chamber has been extended • Excellence in Small Business (11-20 employees) to 25 May 2018 . • Excellence in Business (20+ employees) • Excellence in Sport Business Award Categories include: • Outstanding Young Employee (aged 18-35) To enter: • Outstanding Young Entrepreneur (under 35) https://www.corowachamber.net/how-to-enter • Outstanding Business Leader • Excellence in Social Enterprise Winning applicants can also enter the NSW Business • Excellence in Innovation Chamber Regional and State Awards.

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• Australian Grain Technologies • Advanced Ag • Heritage Seeds • Baker Seed Co • Advanta Seeds • Hunter Rural • GrainGrowers • AvantAgri Australia • Hutcheon & Pearce • Incitec Pivot Fertilisers • AWB • IK Caldwell • Nufarm • Bayer • Kelvin Baxter Transport • O’Connors • Belmores • Market Check • Pioneer Seeds • Burando Hill • NAB Agribusiness • Precision Agriculture • Cobram Farm Equipment • Onley Consulting • Seed Force • Elders Insurance/Michael Middleton • Rabobank • The Silo Construction Company • Elders Yarrawonga • RSM • Wiesners • Farmanco • Riverina Oils & Bioenergy

Latest canola blackleg ratings Advanced spray training—SNSW The latest blackleg ratings for canola cultivars are A series of hands-on spray training workshops that now available through the GRDC Blackleg include farm visits to fine-tune individual spray Management Guide autumn 2018 edition, available equipment will start in late May for southern New a t https://grdc.com.au/GRDC - FS- South Wales grain and cotton growers. BlacklegManagementGuide The Advanced Chemical Spray Application Training Blackleg ratings can change if the fungus course is being offered by Tocal College through the (Leptosphaeria maculans) overcomes cultivar AgSkilled strategy, funded by the NSW Government, resistance, so it is important growers refer to the and led by industry partners GRDC and Cotton latest ratings when planning their programs. Australia. The guide can be used by growers to determine The next round of courses start in May, with the first whether they are in a high-risk situation and what being held at Deniliquin (May 22), followed by Finley practices they can change to reduce or prevent yield (May 29), Jerilderie (June 5) and Oaklands (June loss from blackleg. These include: 19). • Never sowing your canola crop into last year’s The sessions will be run by Craig Day, an canola stubble; experienced spray specialist from Spray Safe and • Avoid sowing your canola crop next to last year’s Save. canola stubble; The courses consist of two parts: a one-day • Choosing a cultivar with adequate blackleg workshop and an on-farm visit later the same week. resistance for your region; Spray drift is still a serious issue for the grains and • Only using fungicides if there is a high probability cotton industries and the course covers topics to of yield loss. Relying only on fungicides to control help growers build on their knowledge and in turn blackleg poses a risk of fungicide resistance; ensure more informed decisions are made on-farm. • If monitoring has identified yield loss and you have grown the same cultivar for 3 years or more, • Deniliquin – workshop, May 22; workplace visits, choose a cultivar from a different resistance group; May 23-25 • Monitor your crops in spring to determine yield • Finley – workshop, May 29; workplace visits, April losses in the current crop. 30 – June 1 The new BlacklegCM blackleg management app has • Jerilderie – workshop, June 5; workplace visits also been updated with the latest disease ratings. June 6-8 The app, available for tablets via the App Store and • Holbrook – workshop, June 12; workplace visits, Play Store, is an extension of the Blackleg May 13–15 Management Guide which is updated twice yearly to reflect any changes in the resistance status of • Oaklands – workshop, June 19; workplace visits, individual cultivars. The app can account for some June 20-22 of the major factors relating to blackleg yield loss To register your interest contact Cath on 02 6345 5818 and allows comparison of the likely profitability of or 0437 455 818 or email [email protected]. different management strategies, i.e. paddock selection, varietal choice, seed dressing, banded fungicide and sprayed fungicide.

Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program 2018-2019

Do you want to make a difference in your This program covers Northeast Victoria and the New community? South Wales border regions, comprising the Local Would you like to be connected to the people that Government Areas of Alpine Shire, Albury City, lead our northeast Victorian communities? Benalla Rural City, Indigo Shire, Mansfield Shire, Are you interested in meeting like-minded people Moira Shire, Rural City of Wangaratta, Towong Shire and making rewarding new friendships? and the City of Wodonga. Are you looking for a new learning opportunity? Applications for our 2018-2019 program close on Then the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership June 12, 2018. For further information, including Program is for you! how to apply, visit: http://avclp.org.au/programs- and-courses/annual-program/ .

Agribusiness Dinner & launch of the John Hanrahan Scholarship On Friday 2 March, Riverine Plains Inc hosted an Riverine Plains Inc would like to thank the following Agribusiness Dinner at Corowa, attended by 165 businesses for their generous donations to the food people. The dinner celebrated the families, and wine display; communities and businesses involved in agriculture • AWB across the region, as well as being the official • Billabong Produce launch of the John Hanrahan Scholarship. • Cofield Winery The Scholarship is named in honour of John • Gapsted Wines Hanrahan, a successful and experienced farmer and • Greta Vale Orchard respected community member from Coreen, who • Holbrook Paddock passed away unexpectedly in 2014. Eggs • John Doyle Potatoes Through a generous donation made by the • Jones Winery & Hanrahan family, Riverine Plains Inc has been able Vineyard to establish a Scholarship in John’s name to honour • Junee Abattoirs his passion for farming, his thirst for knowledge and • Garlic his sense of community. • Lambtastic The scholarship, awarded annually, will recognise • Lupins for Life and encourage agricultural excellence in the • Malt Shed Brewery Riverine Plains region through the support of a local • Murray Estate Wines second year student in their agriculture/ • Murray River Produce agribusiness bachelor or diploma degree studies. • Murray Valley Pork • Mt Pilot Estate Applications for the John Hanrahan Scholarship will • Rennylea Angus open on 1 July and close on 31 August, 2018, with • Rich Glen Olive Estate details available from www.riverineplains.org.au • Riverina Dairy closer to the date. • Riverina Oilseeds & Bioenergy • RMB Stillard Nominees - Tomatoes The evening also featured Alexandra Gartmann, • Ross Tomatoes Managing Director and CEO of Rural Bank, who • Rutherglen Estates Winery spoke about her own leadership journey as well as • The Wicked Virgin Rural Bank’s Scholarship Program, which has been • Uncle Toby’s supporting students since 1992. • Willowbank and Alexandra described how scholarships can open • Winemakers of Rutherglen doors for a career in agriculture and commended Riverine Plains Inc sincerely thank everyone who Riverine Plains Inc and the Hanrahan family on the attended and supported the launch and are pleased establishment of the John Hanrahan Scholarship. to report that $7,518 was raised during the evening. The evening also included a food and wine display, Riverine Plains Inc are aiming to raise additional which showcased the diverse range of produce funds so that the Scholarship can continue in originating from north east Victoria and southern perpetuity. We invite you to consider making a tax- NSW. Produce featured in the display was donated deductible donation to the Fund in the period leading by a number of local businesses, before being sold up to 30 June 2018. Details of how to donate are in hampers. presented below.

DONATION: I would like to provide a tax deductible donation to The John Hanrahan Scholarship Fund. NAME …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. TRADING NAME ………………………….……………………………………………………………………………….. ADDRESS: …………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………. PHONE: ………..……………………..………….... EMAIL: …………...... …………...………..…………………… Payment can be made via: • Cheques made payable to: Riverine Plains Scholarship Fund, PO Box 214, Mulwala NSW 2647 • EFT: Riverine Plains Scholarship Fund BSB: 033 260 Account No: 383678 (please include name in reference and email information above to [email protected]) A tax invoice/receipt will be issued upon receipt of payment.

Agribusiness Dinner & launch of the John Hanrahan Scholarship

Left: Riverine Plains Inc Left: Scholarship Fund Chairman Ian Trevethan Trustees (L to R) Gerard welcomes dinner guests O’Brien, Andrew Russell, Barry Membrey

Right: (L to R) Charlotte Aves, Fiona Hart and Jan Stillard

Above: Alexandra Gartmann, CEO and Managing Director of Left: (L to R) Pam Rural Bank and (left) Fraser, Caitlyn with Riverine Plains Hiskins, Cate Wright Inc Executive Officer, and Sue Russell Fiona Hart

Right: (L to R) Ian Trevethan, Greg Right: (L to R) Packer and Adam John Bruce, Inchbold Peter White and Lyndon Hart

Left: Barry Membrey officially launches the Left: Bethany Seidel John Hanrahan with Barry Membrey Scholarship

Above: Geoff and Jan Davis Above: Murray Wallace with Faye Swann

Above: (L to R) Sean Hanrahan, Barry Membrey, Above: Guests during Jen Hanrahan, Bethany Seidel, Sarah Hanrahan, Alexandra Gartmann’s Mark Hanrahan and Peter Hanrahan address

EDITORIAL Farmland values remain strong in 2017 This year's Australian Farmland Values report has All regions of Victoria recorded large increases in been released, showing that Australian farmland the median price of farmland ranging from 6.4 to values continued to rise in 2017. The median price 21.6 per cent. In Northern Victoria, the median of Australian farmland increased by 7.1 per cent in price increased by 6.4 per cent in 2017, driven by 2017, contributing to an average annual growth a larger percentage of high value sales in the rate of more than 6.6 per cent since 1998. municipalities of Loddon, Benalla and Strathbogie. The volume of transactions in At a state level, large year-on-year increases were Northern Victoria increased by 1.7 per cent in recorded in New South Wales and Victoria, growing 2017. The small rise in transaction volume was 8.8 per cent and 9.5 per cent respectively. due to increases in the municipalities of Loddon and Wangaratta. In New South Wales, farmland values were driven up across all but one region of the state – Western The report underlines the inherent value of New South Wales – primarily due to a surplus of Australian farmland, while reinforcing the buyers and a lack of supply. In the Southern importance of taking a long-term view of the region, values increased by 24.3 per cent in 2017 performance of Australian farmland values. while transaction volume decreased by 1.2 per cent. The municipalities of Murray River, Carrathool Download the full report at and Murrumbidgee led the growth in median price. www.ruralbank.com.au/australian-farmland-

Introducing….Rachel Coombes

Rachel is the new face in the Riverine Plains Inc office.

She is part of the 2018 intake of graduates in the GRDC Agriculture Victoria regional agronomist development program and is supervised by Dale Grey at DEDJTR Bendigo. Rachel recently graduated from the University of Melbourne, spending two years of her degree based at the Dookie College campus. Rachel will be based in Mulwala for the next nine months. Whilst here she will be also working with FAR Australia and a private agronomy firm.

Through the Agronomist Development Program Rachel Coombes on her first day of Rachel hopes to further her knowledge and skills in placement all areas of agronomy from research to extension to advisory, particularly in her preferred fields of pests and diseases. Project Funding update With a number of significant projects coming to an We are currently awaiting the outcomes of these end on June 30 this year, the Riverine Plains Inc tender submissions and will keep you updated on Research team, led by Dr Cassandra Schefe, have the progress of any successful applications. been working hard to secure ongoing research and See page 8 of this newsletter for a rundown on extension project funding. our current and concluding projects. Since last December we have submitted a number of funding applications to a variety of organisations.

Canola yield response from applied sulphur variable in 2017 GRDC and Riverine Plains Inc are investigating the Howlong combined effect of sulphur (S) and nitrogen (N) Soil nitrogen levels at the Howlong site were 70kg/ nutrition in canola crops through the Optimising ha higher than at Yarrawonga, whereas sulphur crop nutrition in canola project. levels were lower in comparison (Tables 1 and 3). A two year nitrogen by sulphur interaction trial The movement of nitrogen to depth at this site is commenced in 2017 on continuously cropped likely due to saturated soil conditions during 2016 sites at Howlong and Yarrawonga. which increased the movement of nitrogen to depth. The 2017 small plot results showed that canola at The site was sown with canola cv Bonito on 24 April both sites was high yielding, however the fertiliser 2017. responses were mixed. The canola at Yarrawonga At this site, applied nitrogen gave a yield and dry responded to applied sulphur and nitrogen while matter response, however there was no sulphur canola at Howlong had a yield and dry matter response (Table 4). The treatment receiving 80kg response to applied nitrogen only. N/ha and 20kg S/ha (equivalent to 100kg of urea Yarrawonga and 83kg of sulphate of ammonia) was the highest yielding (3.04t/ha) and had the highest gross Soil testing at the Yarrawonga site showed low levels of nitrogen at depth, suggesting efficient margin ($1,271/ha), as highlighted in Table 4. The extraction by previous crops (Table 1). The total second highest gross margin treatment (80kg N/ha, amount of mineral nitrogen (N) in the soil was Okg S/ha) was only $27/ha less and may not have about half that of the Howlong site (Table 3). been statistically different from the highest gross There were high sulphur values through the margin treatment. Sensitivity analysis showed that profile, likely due to accumulation of sulphur from decreasing canola price by 10% or increasing previous additions. fertiliser price by 10% did not change the most economic treatment. The site was sown to canola cv Roundup Ready 44Y25 on 24 April 2017. Summary Both the Yarrawonga and Howlong sites had There was a clear yield response to applied maximum yields of over 3 t/ha. However, the nitrogen (N) and applied sulphur (S) at this site Howlong site required 80kg/ha less nitrogen to (Table 2). The optimum level of applied sulphur at achieve this yield. The Howlong site had 70kg N/ha this site was 20kg/ha, with yield penalties above more than the Yarrawonga site when tested in June, and below this level. meaning that the in-crop nitrogen requirement was Even though there were reasonable levels of soil lower. This demonstrates how deep nitrogen testing mineral sulphur down to 90cm, either the plant and a knowledge of paddock history can be used to roots were unable to access it, or the amount of inform nitrogen decisions, in this example saving available sulphur in 0-30cm was insufficient for $167/ha. the season. Growing season rainfall was close to average for The plots receiving 160kg N/ha and 20kg S/ha both sites in 2017. The absence of heat stress (equivalent of 200kg/ha of urea and 83kg/ha of during pod fill and the use of stored moisture from sulphate of ammonia) yielded the highest (3.11 t/ the 2016 season allowed canola to yield well at ha) and also produced the highest gross margin both the Yarrawonga and Howlong trial sites. ($1,020/ha), as highlighted in Table 2. All As the response to sulphur was not consistent, the treatments at Yarrawonga were more economic trial will be repeated at two sites in 2018. than the untreated control which had a gross margin of $462/ha. Table 1. Soil nitrogen and sulphur contents at the Sensitivity analysis showed that when the canola Yarrawonga site, Victoria, sampled 5 June 2017. price decreased by 10% ($164.50/ha) or the Mineral N Mineral S fertiliser price increased by 10% ($14/ha), the Depth (kg/ha) (kg/ha) 160kg N/ha and 20kg S/ha treatment was still 0-30cm 57.14 42.74 the most economic application. 30-60cm 8.93 66.15 The cost of fertiliser in the highest gross margin 60-90cm 3.68 31.71 treatment accounted for a significant cost of Total (0-90cm) 69.75 140.6 production (13.8% of gross canola income) and therefore needs to be managed efficiently. Continued over page...

Canola yield response from RPI—Project Update applied sulphur in 2017 Riverine Plains Inc is continuing with several research ….Continued from previous page and extension projects in 2018, though a number of projects are coming to an end on June 30. Table 2. Canola Yield, Oil and Gross Margin, Yarrawonga site 2017, Victoria New projects include; • Soil moisture information for greater seasonal *Gross Margin *Gross Margin Gross Yield Oil Canola price Fertiliser price confidence in cropping. This project is supported by Treatment Margin (t/ha) (%) less 10% + 10% Goulburn Broken CMA through funding from the ($/ha) ($/ha) ($/ha) Australian Government’s Landcare Program. Untreated 1.51 47.4 462 386 Continuing projects include: 80N:0S 2.45 45.5 818 697 811 • Innovative approaches to managing subsoil acidity 80N:20S 2.58 45.9 856 728 846 in the southern grain region. This project is funded 160N:0S 2.42 42.9 690 575 676 by NSW Department of Primary Industries with 160N:20S 3.11 43.4 1,020 870 1,005 financial support from GRDC. 240N:0S 2.96 41.9 851 712 830 240N:20S 2.97 41.7 878 739 860 • Optimising crop nutrition in canola in the southern LSD P=.05 0.23 1.5 region of NSW, a GRDC Investment. *Gross margins not statistically analysed • GRDC Southern Pulse Extension Project, a GRDC investment led by BCG. Table 3. Soil nitrogen and sulphur contents at the Howlong, NSW site, sampled 5 June 2017 June 30, 2018, sees the conclusion of a number of Mineral N Mineral S short and long term projects including; Depth (kg/ha) (kg/ha) • Maintaining profitable farming systems with 0-30cm 83.85 37.28 retained stubble in the Riverine Plains region, a 30-60cm 34.94 14.91 GRDC investment. 60-90cm 28.02 14.70 • Harvest Weed Seed Control in the Southern Region Total (0-90cm) 146.81 66.89 Investment, a GRDC investment.

Table 4. Canola Yield, Oil and Gross Margin, • The Sustainable Agriculture Victoria: Fast-tracking Howlong site 2017 Ag Innovation initiative project which has been made possible with the support of the Foundation *Gross Margin *Gross Margin Gross for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) together Yield Oil Canola price Fertilser price Margin (t/ha) (%) less 10% plus 10% with the William Buckland Foundation. ($/ha) Treatment ($/ha) ($/ha) • Improving fertiliser and chemical use through local, Untreated 2.54 48.1 1,110 970 real time weather and soil information for farmers 80N:0S 2.91 48.0 1,237 1,072 1,230 of the productive plains, supported by Goulburn 80N:20S 3.04 47.8 1,271 1,099 1,261 Broken CMA, through funding from the Australian 160N:0S 2.83 47.5 1,112 953 1,098 Government's National Landcare Program. 160N:20S 2.82 47.7 1,108 949 1,094 • Refining deep soil nitrogen testing to reduce 240N:0S 2.77 47.3 1,005 850 984 environmental losses, supported by Goulburn Broken CMA, through funding from the Australian 240N:20S 2.99 47.1 1,147 980 1,129 Government's National Landcare Program. LSD P=.05 0.27 n.s • Connecting fertiliser requirements with soil water *Gross margins not statistically analysed. The difference storage and soil type in cropping systems, between the gross margins of 80N:20S and 80N:0S is therefore likely to be minimal as the yields of these supported by North East CMA through funding from treatments were not statistically different. the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Riverine Plains Inc acknowledges the investment made by GRDC to the Optimising crop nutrition in • Linking nutrient movement to soil moisture at weather stations in the Murray Region, supported canola project. We also thank trial contractors FAR by Murray Local Land Services through funding from Australia and our farmer co-operators, the Cummins the Australian Government’s National Landcare family, Yarrawonga and the Trevethan family, Program. Howlong. • Linking nutrient movement to soil moisture at Note: More detailed information on results from this weather stations in the Riverina Region, supported trial will be available shortly from the 2018 Riverine by Local Land Services through funding from the Plains Trial book. Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Reducing cereal stubble height promotes early growth The Riverine Plains Inc and GRDC investment into Results show that plant establishment was slightly the Maintaining Profitable Farming Systems with varied across treatments, however there were only Retained Stubble project (Stubble Project) has small differences in final yield across the stubble shown that shortening the length of stubble allows treatments. This indicates that in 2017 wheat stubble more early growth and faster development in the height had little impact on canola yield. following crop. The Davis family, who used a tyned seeder, found the To evaluate the practical implications of lowering “harvest and bale straw” the best option for ease of wheat stubble height, the Davis Family of Rennie seeding canola. Other treatments, such as hosted a Fast-Tracking Ag Innovation project at their harvesting lower and spreading straw, created an farm during 2017 which was made possible with the uneven distribution of straw across the paddock, support of the Foundation for Rural and Regional causing seeder blockages during sowing. Renewal (FRRR) together with the William Buckland Replicated research into light interception was Foundation. conducted within this paddock as part of the Stubble Three low stubble height treatments and one high Project in 2017. This research showed that when stubble treatment (45cm) was applied to standing canola was sown into wheat stubble in an east-west cereal stubble. The treatments were: direction, light interception (measured at 9am on 6 • Harvest at normal height (45cm), June, 12pm & 3pm on 19 June 2017) was reduced windrow after harvest & bale by around 50% in long stubble (42cm) compared to straw, short stubble (12cm). This difference remained • Harvest at normal height (45cm), constant, regardless of when measurements were taken. Up until mid-winter, the crop sown into short • Harvest at 30cm, header spreads stubble had also developed at least one extra true straw, leaf compared to crop established in long stubble. • Harvest at 15cm, header spreads straw. Short stubble treatment Even when crops are sown in a north-south direction there can be delays in crop growth and development. Canola (cv Bonito) was sown into standing wheat This was evident in a 2017 Stubble Project wheat stubble. The trial was sown in an east-westerly trial sown north-south at Yarrawonga, which showed a direction on 2 May 2017, with demonstration strips delay in crop development and a lag in dry matter being 36m wide x 150m long. As this was a production with long stubble compared to short demonstration trial, no statistical analysis of results stubble. was possible. Dry matter production and crop development were Yield was measured using a yield monitor with 600 not measured in this demonstration trial. However, data points averaged to determine the final yield of results from replicated research conducted within each treatment (Table 1). this paddock in 2017 showed no difference in dry Table 1 Canola establishment 14 June 2017, yield matter production between short and long stubble and additional cost of treatment for stubble height treatments when sown east-west. Results from treatments replicated trials sown north-south at Dookie during Wheat Canola 2017 showed that long wheat stubble significantly Yield Stubble establishment Additional cost of reduced dry matter production at the canola (t/ha) Treatment (plants/m2) treatment greenbud stage (GS3.3) compared to short stubble. *Cost neutral: returns At Dookie, long cereal stubble also delayed flowering Harvest then 27 2.49 from straw covered onset in canola, however there was no difference in bale straw cost of windrowing final yield due to stubble height, suggesting the crop Harvest at was able to compensate. NB Full results of this 45cm height 21 2.40 None research will be published in the 2018 Trial Book. (control) Extra fuel use 2-3L/ha In order to allow more dry matter production and Harvest at (fuel cost $2.40/ha). faster development in the canola crop following a 25 2.37 30cm height No loss of harvest cereal, growers should consider one of: ground speed • Lowering cutting height of cereal stubble at harvest, 20% slower harvest • Mulching cereal stubble after harvest, or Harvest at speed and use extra 4 22 2.39 • Windrowing and baling cereal straw after harvest. 15cm height - 5L/ha fuel (fuel cost $4/ha) The Sustainable Agriculture Victoria: Fast-tracking Innovation *Note: These costs have not taken into account the costs of Initiative has been made possible with the support of the nutrient removal in straw, which could be significant over time. Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) together with the William Buckland Foundation.

DSN, nutrient movement results from & Yundool Demonstration sites at Burramine and Yundool While high nitrogen concentrations were observed in (near Devenish) were sampled as part of the the surface (0-10cm depth) in the high EM zone at Refining deep soil nitrogen testing to reduce Burramine due to fertiliser input (Figure 1), there was environmental losses project, supported by more nitrogen movement to depth in the low EM Goulburn Broken CMA, through funding from the zone, especially in August/September 2017. This Australian Government's National Landcare was due to the low EM zone having lighter soil with Program. more capacity for nutrient transfer (Figure 2). The sampling looked at deep soil nitrogen, nutrient While total N levels were similar between zones, it movement to depth as well as soil spatial variation. was more evenly distributed through the low EM Field work was conducted from February 2017 to zone soil profile. January 2018. Post-harvest sampling showed that similar amounts The project demonstrated that while there was of nitrogen were mineralized over summer, with some movement of nitrogen to depth (60-100cm), surface soil (0-10cm) nitrogen values of around 20 concentrations were very low, and likely to be kg N/ha. While levels at depth were slightly higher in accessed by plant roots in subsequent seasons. the low EM zone, this was still a relatively low value The risk of nitrate leaching to groundwater in these of nitrate movement. Based on related sampling in soils would be considered to be low under current other projects, it is highly likely that this nitrogen in agronomy practice. the 60-100cm depth zone will be accessed by roots in the following season. This project also demonstrated that while pre- sowing sampling would give an idea of ‘what is in The Yundool site (near St James) showed lower the bank’ at the start of the season, a late June nitrogen values than the Burramine site due to sampling would include applied sowing fertiliser differences in fertiliser management (Figure 3, Figure and more precisely determine how much more 4). The trend for more accumulation of nitrogen at nitrogen would be needed to achieve a target yield. depth at the Yundool site, particularly in the low EM zone, suggests that nitrogen can move a bit more The project also demonstrated that nutrient freely in this profile, likely due to a higher sand sampling in zones (as per EM surveys) may provide content in this zone (Figure 4). Similarly to the a more accurate understanding of nutrient Burramine site, the levels of nitrogen measured in requirements as variation in soil type also equates the 60-100cm zone are not high and are likely to be to variation in nutrient storage and movement. utilised by the following crop.

Figure 1 Mineral nitrogen across the season at incremented Figure 3 Mineral nitrogen across the season at incremented depth from the Burramine site, in the High EM zone. depth from the Yundool/St James site, in the High EM zone.

Figure 2 Mineral nitrogen across the season at incremented Figure 4 Mineral nitrogen across the season at incremented depth from the Burramine site, in the Low EM zone. depth from the Yundool/St James site, in the High EM zone.

Innovation Generation 2018—Registrations now open Registrations for Innovation Generation, the leading Over two and a half days, the conference will bring event for 18-35 year-olds in the grain growing together growers, agribusiness professionals, industry, are now open. industry pioneers and innovators to explore a diverse range of issues, ideas and opportunities. This year the event will be held at Wagga Wagga’s Civic Theatre from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 July, Don’t miss the opportunity to explore topics such as: 2018. • The dos & don’ts of succession planning The 2018 conference theme is ‘BUILDING BLOCKS • Financing options for your business FOR SUCCESS’. • Marketing and branding strategies A diverse and dynamic topic, the program will include success stories from industry pioneers and • Value adding on and off farm will explore intergenerational and industry For futher information visit: communication skills, financing options and value www.innovationgeneration.com.au adding in the workplace.

Nuffield Scholarship Applications Now Open A new campaign to unearth the best and brightest Nuffield scholarships encourage farmers to take the talent in Australian agriculture has been launched next leap in their career, whether that be an end by Nuffield Australia. goal of farm expansion, diversification or ‘Produce Change’ is designed to get Australia’s professional development – the scholarships are a agricultural community excited about the Nuffield key to unlock change. This year, there are up to 25 Scholarship program, and to encourage 28 – 45 scholarships on offer, each valued at $30,000. year old farmers and farm managers to apply for the Each scholarship runs for 18 months and enables unique experience. The application period runs from farmers to travel overseas for 16 weeks, to discover 4 April to 15 June 2018. and learn from some of the best operators in the ‘Produce Change’ was inspired and encouraged by business, who are making a meaningful impact on both the successes of existing Scholars and the their industry, and to share those learnings back next wave of farmers, who are redefining agriculture home. in an age of unprecedented technological advances For more information on how to apply visit: and globalisation. http://nuffield.com.au/ Pulse Check Lentil & Chickpea Pre-sowing Meeting Riverine Plains Inc hosted a pre-sowing Pulse Check Seed size can be variable between years, so Discussion Group meeting at Dookie on Wednesday growers were encouraged to calculate sowing rates 7 March, attended by 14 growers and advisors. based on actual seed size and to test seed germination and vigour prior to planting. Phil Bowden, Pulse Australia, spoke on markets and pricing, describing how the Australian export market is driven by seasonal conditions in India and the The Riverine Plains Inc Pulse Middle East. He also explained factors contributing Check Discussion Group is to higher world supply and how this has affected being expanded to cover all lentil and chickpea markets, with prices down pulse types. If you would like to considerably from their peak a few years ago. be involved, please contact: [email protected] India is a major producer and consumer of pulse products, and is currently experiencing good growing conditions. The Indian government’s recent Right: Phil Bowden, Pulse Australia imposition of significant import tariffs on pulses speaks at the pre-sowing Pulse Check Discussion Group meeting. such as chickpeas, lentils and field peas, reflects their desire to protect and support their farmers. The Riverine Plains Inc Pulse Check Discussion group has Other topics included paddock selection, with soil been established as part of GRDC’s Southern Pulse acidity, weed competition and herbicide residues Extension Project. potentially affecting performance.

Fast Track Ag project review NSW DPI Winter Crop Guide

To celebrate 50 years of philanthropy, the William The NSW DPI 2018 Winter Crop Variety Sowing Buckland foundation, together with the Foundation Guide is now available on the web. The Guide can for Rural & Regional Renewal, granted Fast Track Ag be accessed via the following link: program funding for agricultural innovation projects. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre- Project recipients included Riverine Plains Inc, crops/guides/publications/winter-crop-variety- Up2Us Landcare Alliance (Mansfield), Australian sowing-guide Table Grape Association and Gipps Dairy. All recipients met in Bendigo on 9—10 April to review Hard copies are available at designated delivery the program, which is now in its third and final year. points. All projects were extension based and included field days, training sessions and communications, including media articles on a particular focus issue. The Riverine Plains Inc project included: • Production and promotion of the Soil carbon in cropping systems booklet to extend results from the Increased soil carbon by accelerated humus formation from crop residues project (2012-2015) Diary Dates—2018 • Improved understanding of nitrogen processes Tuesday 19 June Craig Day Advanced Spray • Promotion of stubble management options (see Course, Oaklands article on page 9 of this newsletter and YouTube Thursday 21 June Stubble project paddock walk video on stubble management: https:// at the Riverine Research Centre, Yarrawonga youtu.be/6xZpWl8aveo and • Improving media and print communications. Wednesday 27 June GRDC Business Update, Mulwala Funding allocated to the Riverine Plains region was used for nitrogen field days, articles and assisted Thursday 9 August Riverine Plains Inc In-season the establishment of a farmer group at Rutherglen. Update, Mulwala Nitrogen measurements demonstrated that by Thursday 27 September Spring Field Day at the splitting deep nitrogen soil tests into two (0-30cm Riverine Research Centre, Yarrawonga and 30-60cm) can give a better indication of the location of nitrogen in the soil than the traditional 0- Monday 8 October Riverine Plains Inc AGM 5pm 60cm soil test. Combining this information with at the Riverine Plains Inc Office, Mulwala rainfall and soil moisture data can help farmers save money by applying nitrogen more efficiently. There is also a reduced chance of nitrogen leaching and associated environmental issues. Committee Contacts Common across all projects was the value placed on Chairman Ian Trevethan 0428 265 015 philanthropic funding to ensure the delivery and Deputy Chair Adrian Clancy 0417 690 117 extension of innovative agricultural practices. This Treasurer Barry Membrey 0400 872 799 has been especially valuable given the steady Research Peter Campbell 0427 293 715 decline in extension funding available from state Extension Adrian Clancy 0417 690 117 and federal government organisations. Immediate Past Chair and Riverine Plains Inc wishes to acknowledge the Public Officer John Bruce 0428 315 814 specific role this project has played in developing Committee Lisa Castleman 0427 201 963 our capacity as an organisation and in extending Paul Gontier 0429 388 563 Adam Inchbold 0418 442 910 research that would not otherwise have been Fiona Marshall 0427 324 123 possible. Daniel Moll 0427 003 511 Eric Nankivell 0428 914 263 Andrew Russell 0417 401 004 Michelle Pardy Curt Severin 0427 294 261 (5th from left) Brad Stillard 0427 733 052 and Kate Coffey (far right) at the Executive Support FRRR project Dale Grey 0409 213 335 update.