INSPECTION of trial crops of barley and wheat at the Gilbertson family farm at Rendelsham attracted 140 farmers and other grain industry participants last week.
The day was arranged by the MacKillop Farm Management Group in partnership with Landmark and FAR Australia.
Earlier in the day, a gathering of 30 inspected trial crops at Andrew Skeer’s farm at Hatherleigh.
Both inspections demonstrated the wide range of research projects on wheat and barley in the South East region.
Furthermore, there was the opportunity to hear about local MFMG trial work, including a canola variety update, soil moisture probes discussion and the latest tactics for management of herbicide resistant ryegrass.
Another key topic was the sowing of winter barley and its potential in regions with higher yield potential compared to spring germplasm.
South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) senior pathologists Hugh Wallwork and Marg Evans discussed cereal crop pathology covering wheat, barley and oats.
FAR Australia representative Nick Poole presented management approaches of wheat varieties that are most suitable for mid-April planting.
All the trial wheat and barley at the five-hectare site at Rendelsham was sown between April 18 and 20.
Millicent farmer Greg Bell said the crop trials and inspection provided valuable knowledge.
Mr Bell said he looked forward to the outcome of the trial plantings of the wheat and barley when the crops were harvested early in 2019.
“It is fantastic to see something like this in the district,” Mr Bell said.
Sebastapol farmer Steve Telfer said his farming practices would be informed.
“I currently grow two varieties of wheat and I might try a new one in half a paddock,” Mr Telfer said.
Mount Burr farmer Duan Williams said he was keen to learn about new varieties as well as enjoy a social outing.
He said he would leave any decision about the exact grain varieties for the 2019 harvest when sowing got under way around May.
The fifth-generation farmer grows wheat and beans and also raises cattle and prime lambs.
“Our season is looking exceptional and this is due to misfortune in the rest of the country,” Mr Williams said.
Robert Chant grows wheat, barley and canola near Millicent and expects to put the harvester into his crops in January.
Mr Chant said the crop trials and inspections were “impressive”.
He said the Millicent district would enjoy a good cropping season on account of good prices and yields.
Landmark agronomist James Heffernan hailed the day as a success with strong interest shown in the 900 individual plots.
Mr Heffernan said there were up to 40 varieties of wheat and a dozen of barley.
According to Mr Heffernan, the crops were due to be harvested in late January.
“We have been collecting data and we will hold a feedback forum there in February or March,” Mr Heffernan said.
