ranch systems conference of the ceo - ruralco...

Issue 27 - March 2015


What’s Inside

• Basta 200 Herbicide from Bayer

• Bundaberg Growers Night

• Bundaberg Cucurbit Trial Shows

Potential of New Fungicide

• DuPontTM Zorvec® Enicade®

• Lifeline Corporate Partnership

• Amicide AdvanceTM 700Plus

much more!

Neil from BGA Kingaroy was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Ranch Systems Dealer conference and training days held in Novato, California at the beginning of December 2015. The event was organised and hosted by Ranch Systems to bring together dealers selling their equipment from all around the world. Dealers were present from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe and Australia. The conference was an opportunity to learn more about not only the Ranch Systems equipment and software but also the large range of other third party sensors and equipment that is compatible with Ranch Systems hardware.

Ranch Systems is a small (but rapidly growing) company that specialises in remote monitoring and control of a wide range of sensors and equipment. The range of services can be split into the following 6 categories:

• Weather and climate monitoring• Alerts about weather conditions or other sensors• Soil moisture and other plant sensor monitoring• Irrigation and other equipment control• Tank and dam level monitoring• Remote camera operation Ranch Systems provides the telemetry and wireless options to connect to a whole raft of third party sensors, valves, control units and camera’s. Installation can be as simple as connecting a single moisture probe to a single telemetry unit and monitoring soil moisture in real time at a remote location, or it can involve a complex irrigation monitoring and control system including Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s) for pumps and automated scheduling. Wind machines and diesel irrigation pumps can also be controlled using Ranch Systems equipment.

The Ranch Systems equipment is completely modular and allows for simple expansion at a later date. Growers can start with a basic

monitoring system and then add other modules to add control options or other sensors as requirements change and cost allows. Systems can be setup with a single “gateway” to the Telstra network with wireless connections to other units or each unit can be setup with its own connection to the Telstra network.

For more details or to discuss options for your situation, call Neil Mungall at BGA AgriServices Kingaroy branch.

Ranch Systems Conference From the desk of the CEO Thanks for taking the time to read the Autumn edition of the BGA AgriServices Newsletter, I trust that you will find it informative.

As we move into autumn it’s a good time to start thinking about your broadacre winter cropping needs, especially your seed requirements. Please speak to your local BGA AgriServices staff about seed availability and what varieties you may need to ensure you don’t miss out.

In this issue, we would also like to share with you details of a three year corporate sponsorship with crisis support and suicide prevention organisation, Lifeline Australia, which we are involved with. At BGA AgriServices we pride ourselves on the outstanding calibre of our staff. They’re local people with local knowledge and experience and they’re committed to supporting their communities. If you haven’t dropped into one of our branches lately please do so and get to know your local BGA AgriServices team and find out how they can help you with your farming operation.

Once again, I’d like to thank each of you for your valued support of our business — it’s very much appreciated.

Tim ReesCEOBGA AgriServices

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NIMITZ® set to revolutionise nematode controlNIMITZ® Nematicide is now available for use in Queensland in cucurbits (including cucumbers, watermelons, rockmelons and squash), and fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, capsicums, chillies, okra and eggplants) via accredited Innovation Centres including A&B Rural Supplies, Ayr and BGA AgriServices, Childers and Bundaberg.

A highly effective new molecule from ADAMA Australia, the launch of NIMITZ® has been eagerly anticipated by many after several years of trials here in Queensland have demonstrated its unique handling benefits and its effectiveness in controlling plant-parasitic nematodes.

The lack of current alternatives for highly-effective nematode control has been a big concern for many growers. Nemacur (fenamiphos) supply has been tight - and will no longer be available for use from July this year - and Vydate (oxamyl) supply has been non-existent due to a global shortage.

Simon Andreoli – Agronomist for BGA AgriServices, Bundaberg – has been working with Adama Australia on NIMITZ® for a couple of seasons now and is very keen on its potential to fill the gap. “Nimitz is the first new chemical nematicide to be developed in a long time, and will be a very handy tool in the battle against Root-knot nematodes across a range of affected crops in our region”.

“NIMITZ® provides a truly effective alternative that is simple and safe to apply and can easily be incorporated into an existing nematode management strategy. We have seen little or no disruption to important soil organisms including earthworms which is great news for those growers who have already made an investment in other cultural and biological practices to reduce nematode numbers and improve soil health”, says Simon.

NIMITZ® is used at low rates (4-8 L/Ha), can be applied as a broadcast spray or via drip irrigation and requires minimal personal protective equipment during application.

NIMITZ® is a ‘true’ nematicide, which delivers irreversible nematicidal activity within one hour of contact. Nematodes quickly cease feeding, become paralysed and die - rather than the temporary ‘freezing’ or nematostatic activity, as seen previously with organophosphate and carbamate nematicides.

“The results we have achieved with NIMITZ® through its development stages have been excellent with massive reductions in RKN numbers and crop root damage and even more importantly, a significant increase in marketable fruit. We have made our first applications for the season in January and look forward to showcasing the results with our key customers when we get closer to picking’.

For more information about NIMITZ® including the Product Label, Product User Guide, Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, or Product Technical Guide visit adama.com or contact your local BGA AgriServices Agronomist.

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Basta is now registered for use in sugarcane. Based on the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium, Basta has been an essential herbicide for broad-spectrum weed control in horticulture, viticulture and plantation crops for many years. The product is non-selective which means it must be applied in such a manner that contact with the crop is negligible. The active ingredient penetrates into plant tissue to do its job, but is not translocated to any significant degree from that point. This means it is much safer to the crop than highly systemic herbicide options such as glyphosate should it accidentally come in to contact with the crop.

In sugarcane, Basta can be used through shielded spraying equipment if the cane is very small, but more generally it is highly effective as a simple directed spray when cane has reached more advanced stages up to and after “out of hand” stage. The product has proved to have a good margin of safety to the cane crop once the crop has reached the stage where normal directed spray equipment (e.g. Irvin legs etc.) can be used. At this stage, spray contact with green crop tissue can be minimised and crop effects are avoided.

Basta has an excellent spectrum of activity for weeds found in sugarcane, with excellent performance on problem grass weeds such as Guinea grass, and also very strong activity on vine weeds and other problem broadleaf weeds. In most trials, Basta showed

to be an excellent alternative to paraquat + 2,4-D mixtures in most common weed scenarios.

To get the best out of Basta spraying equipment should be set up to give excellent coverage of weeds. Spray volumes need to be relatively high (e.g. 300 L/ha) in order to get best performance. The slower the droplets dry on the plant, the more active ingredient penetrates into the leaf tissue and the better the weed kill. This is why higher water volumes are necessary with this product. To achieve this is generally as simple as correctly calibrating the boom and selecting appropriate nozzles to achieve a larger droplet size.

To discuss Basta and spray equipment setup to achieve best results in sugarcane, talk to your local BGA AgriServices or Bayer Crop Science representative.

Basta® is a Registered Trademark of the Bayer Group

Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd ABN 87 000 226 022 391-393 Tooronga Rd, Hawthorn East, Vic. 3123Technical enquiries: 1800 804 479 [email protected]

Basta® Non-Selective Herbicide from Bayer CropScience now registered in sugarcane

Trevor grew up in the Bellinger Valley of the North Coast of NSW, on a dairy farm, that like many others converted to a beef property when bulk milk vats were introduced. “Growing up on a farm provided me with an insight into the issues that farmers face every day, as well as being a great place to grow up”

Trevor has had a long career in Agriculture, firstly on the family property, then moving to work for the NSW Department of Agriculture in 1989. Trevor started as a Field Assistant working with the Livestock Officers, Agronomists, Horticulturalists and Veterinary Officers canvassing the North Coast of NSW, based in Coffs Harbour. This was a wonderful opportunity to be able to draw from such experienced professionals. During this time he decided he had found his calling and undertook a Bachelor of Applied Science, Agriculture through the Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga.

Trevor says “As an external student I was able to learn the theory at Uni, and then apply it in the real world working with farmers across the region while being mentored by some of the most experienced Advisory staff in the Department of Agriculture. Trevor was responsible for many of the field agronomic trials undertaken both on farms and the Grafton Agricultural Station, as well as livestock production trials.From humble beginnings as a Field Assistant his career with Department of Primary Industries spanned 23 years, through a variety of positions including managing externally funded advisory

projects across the northern half of NSW. Two of the these projects produced the popular reference publications “Grasses of the North Coast” and it’s companion publication “Legumes and Herbs of the North Coast” which Trevor co-authored. The culmination of his career with DPI, being that of Beef Livestock Officer at Casino.

Trevor says “the variety of roles and positions over my career has given me an amazing experience in many aspects of Agriculture, across a wide geographic region”

The position of Branch Manager / Agronomist with BGA Dorrigo has created the opportunity to continue to work with a large contingent of Agronomists whose expertise spans the entire range of farming systems between Dorrigo in the South and Far North Queensland.

Trev also owns and operates a small property near Dorrigo where he runs around 50 breeders. The property is where he tries new products and puts into practice the same principles and advice he supplies to BGA clients. “I like to know the products that I recommend, and by using them myself I can confidently say what does and does not work in our environment. I also believe in putting my money where my mouth is. Operating my own property keeps my feet on the ground and ensures the service I offer my clients is not just good in theory but is practical in the real world. “

Trevor Rose – Agronomist – Store Manager – BGA AgriServices Dorrigo

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We held a growers party at our Bundaberg Store in February. Over 200 guests showed up in the rainy conditions to see who would win the John Deere Gator valued at over $16,000. The staff cooked a fantastic BBQ meal and plenty of steaks and drinks were consumed. A great time was had by all. It was wonderful to see a large group of growers sitting down having a meal with their friends and neighbours. Time came to thank the cooks and draw the 10 lucky door prizes which ranged from Fishing Equipment, Seafood Vouchers, Crabbing Kits to Vouchers for local restaurants. The major prize was then drawn and the winner of the Gator was Redtrail Pty Ltd. Craig Zunker was on hand to receive the keys.

Worthy winners as they are long time BGA customers, and well known local cane farmers.

Bundaberg Growers Night

Lifeline Corporate PartnershipBGA AgriServices is involved in a three year corporate partnership with crisis support and suicide prevention organisation, Lifeline Australia.

Lifeline partners with organisations who share a vision for an Australia free of suicide, and supports the delivery of mental health and crisis support based services to the community. BGA are acutely aware of our role and responsibility within our remote and regional communities and the increased vulnerability of people in these areas who may be isolated from support services.

It is our hope that this partnership will contribute to raising awareness of help-seeking behaviours, by engaging our rural and remote communities, and BGA employees through a range of Lifeline activities and mental health awareness programs. We want to help the communities we serve to be more resilient and suicide safe.

Lifeline’s online Crisis Support Chat service sees approximately 50% of users coming from rural and remote locations.

Small change can make a big difference:$27 – enables Lifeline’s crisis counselors to answer a call for help. In 2015 Lifeline answered over 1 million calls for help.

In 2016, approximately 2,800 calls will be answered due to the partnership commitment with Lifeline.

Did you know?65,300 Australians attempt suicide every yearThe rate of suicide in remote, rural areas for males, youths, farmers and indigenous people is double that of urban populations*More than 7 suicides are attempted every hourAND 7 people die by suicide every day

*Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention AISRAP report, Suicide in Rural and Remote Areas of Australia, 2012, p.1

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Chris Themsen, of Peracto Bundaberg, QLD, had excellent results with the new Zorvec® Enicade® fungicide in a recent demonstration trial.

The impressive potential of the new DuPont™ Zorvec® Enicade® fungicide has been demonstrated in a trial conducted on the Peracto Research Station at Bundaberg in the Wide Bay region of Queensland.

Peracto South East Queensland Regional Manager, Chris Themsen said the purpose of the trial was to show where Zorvec® Enicade® will fit for the management of Downy mildew in cucurbits.“We did early research development work with DuPont on this product when it was still a coded formulation,” he said. “Our comment to DuPont then (three years ago) was that it was the best Downy mildew product that we’d seen. This demonstration really cements that train of thought.”

The demonstration trial compared a number of different spray programs which included Zorvec® Enicade® plus Mancozeb and Zorvec® Enicade® plus Polyram early in the season and the same combination in the middle of the season.

Treatments were compared to programs typically used by farmers, and sections of crop which were left untreated.“Overall it has been a high disease pressure year,” Mr Themsen said. “Throughout the trial, as a result of Downy mildew, there is a lot of necrosis on the leaf tissue.”

“You have got to look at the leaves as the engine of the crop and without leaves you can’t get yield. So if you can’t control the disease and you get a lot of necrosis and you lose that leaf area, you’re going to lose yield.”

“In this trial, the early and mid Zorvec® Enicade® treatments demonstrated that it keeps that green leaf. Both treatment timings performed very well and both provided much greater disease control than some of the conventional treatments, and the untreated.”

He said visually the Zorvec® Enicade® plots in the replicated trial

were very noticeable as the season progressed.“Seven days after the last application it looked like a patchwork. We had distinct areas where it was just yellow or dead and it was pretty impressive. You could clearly see that there was a lot of green tissue and then dead plots. This trial shows the importance of managing Downy mildew disease early and getting on top of it before it gets established, and then using the right products at the right time.”

Mr Themsen said he thought the best approach was to use Zorvec® Enicade® prior to disease development.“We don’t want to use it as an eradicant, we want to use it as a management tool before disease establishment.”

He said the demonstration trial showed just how Zorvec® Enicade® could be used in a typical cucurbit fungicide program.“You can either use it early followed by other products, or you can use it mid-crop if there’s no disease. It’s a great product, we really like it.”

Bundaberg cucurbit trial shows potential of new fungicide

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suSCon maxi Intel - longer control, same price.

www.cropcare.com.au • Customer Service 1800 111 454 Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347

This is a guide only and no substitute for professional or expert advice. The product label should be consulted before use of any of the products referred to in this advertisement. Crop Care Australia Pty Ltd shall not be liable for any results, loss or damage whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise through the use or application of products and/or materials referred to herein.

Have you heard the latest intel?We’ve set the bar even higher.

• Provides up to 3 years protection against greyback, negatoria, consobrina and Bundaberg canegrub damage in sugarcane.

• Provides up to 4 years protection against Childers and southern one-year canegrub damage in sugarcane.

• Controlled release of active, imidacloprid, resulting in the most prolonged control of target pests in sugarcane on the market.

suSCon maxi Intel - longer control, same price.

www.cropcare.com.au • Customer Service 1800 111 454 Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd ACN 061 362 347

This is a guide only and no substitute for professional or expert advice. The product label should be consulted before use of any of the products referred to in this advertisement. Crop Care Australia Pty Ltd shall not be liable for any results, loss or damage whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise through the use or application of products and/or materials referred to herein.

Have you heard the latest intel?We’ve set the bar even higher.

•Provides up to 3 years protection against greyback, negatoria, consobrina and Bundaberg canegrub damage in sugarcane.

•Provides up to 4 years protection against Childers and southern one-year canegrub damage in sugarcane.

•Controlled release of active, imidacloprid, resulting in the most prolonged control of target pests in sugarcane on the market.

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Keeping cane free of weeds is a challenge for any grower. Heavy populations, difficult to control weed species, timing and weather are factors that can impact heavily on the results a grower achieves from their herbicide application. This can ultimately affect productivity and profitability.

Weed control has become even more challenging with regulatory restrictions on some of the older herbicide options.

Fortunately, sugarcane weed control is continually evolving and growers can be reassured that newer products and strategies deliver weed control results that are as good, or in many cases better than the products they may have traditionally relied on.

KRISMAT is a broad spectrum herbicide from Syngenta that offers a great option for growers to incorporate into their weed control programs.

With its dual modes of action, knock-down and residual activity, KRISMAT consistently demonstrates superior control of major grass and broad leaf weeds, as well as suppression of Nutgrass.

When applied as a split application strategy, in which two applications are made at 10 to 14 day intervals, KRISMAT can keep cane clean through to the out-of-hand stage.

Growers from New South Wales to far north Queensland are realising the benefits that KRISMAT can deliver as part of a split application strategy to help keep their cane cleaner for longer.

Most cane growers think of KRISMAT from Syngenta as a tool in the arsenal against Nutgrass (great suppression) and sometimes for vines. Once you use it though, you will find it’s much more than that.

KRISMAT gives growers strategies for grass weeds, vines and Nutgrass. Plus, it gives flexibility with timing and length of weed control. When growers use KRISMAT in conjunction with a product like PRIMEXTRA GOLD, they can have total control of their weed spectrum.

With KRISMAT you can choose a single spray strategy, or the split application strategy for extra grunt and longer residual control. Tell me another chemical that delivers all of that? There’s only one KRISMAT!

Tyndale cane farmer, Vinnie Forrester

Vinnie’s soil type is a sandy loam closer to the river, with a clay loam in the mid sections and a heavy clay on the lower sections. Many paddocks have a mixture of soil types in them, which results in a range of grass and broadleaf weeds that can be difficult to control.

Nutgrass is a huge problem in the lighter soil, with vines a problem, along with Billygoat weed on all the country.

Vinnie’s standard program is to use a pre-emergent early to control grasses from seed and follow-up post-emergent with 2,4-D amine for small broadleaf weeds.

“I originally used KRISMAT just for Nutgrass management,” he said. “But last year was a difficult season with plenty of regular rain early on, making the ground too sticky to drive on. I missed my early spray and ended up with grass and broadleaf weeds competing with the cane.”

Vinnie tried the split application strategy with KRISMAT of two applications of 1.5kg/ha 10 days apart to clean up the mass of weeds. He was advised by Steve Leeson from BGA Agriservices to give this strategy a go.

“I was sceptical, but I had nothing to lose,” he said. “I sure didn’t feel like chipping all my plant cane. The result was brilliant! I had 90% control of the grass weeds, 95% suppression of the Nutgrass and 100% control of the broadleaf weeds.

“Coverage was a bit of an issue at spraying as the weeds were so dense. I might have ended up with a greater kill if I could have got the spray to all the weed leaf surfaces.”

Vinnie noticed that the only grass to partially escape was Awnless Barnyard grass, which was suppressed rather than controlled.“After all that we made it. The Barnyard grass was sick and the cane got above it to dominate,” Vinnie said.

A flexible solution for clean cane

Fantastic results achieved by Vinnie Forrester of Tyndale with KRISMAT can be seen above. Read what Vinnie has to say below.

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Commander Chicory is available from your BGA AgriServices store. Alternatively, contact Heritage Seeds territory managers: Northern Rivers/Central Mid Coast James Lyon 0413 442 809S.E. & Central Queensland/Burnett Geoff Chambers 0427 010 757

Commander is a winter active forage chicory that provides excellent year round feed. It has a low crown giving good grazing tolerance and a leafy and erect growth habit, making grazing easier for livestock. Commander establishes quickly and has excellent disease resistance.

Key Attributes: • High quality winter active forage chicory• Performs all year round, including winter• Fast establishment and regrowth after grazing• Responds to summer rain• Low crown gives good production over 2-5 years• Alternative to lucerne in problem soils.

Seasonal Growth – As Commander combines high winter activity with excellent year round growth, with a more even growth curve, it provides good feed year round.

High Palatability – Chicory has excellent feed quality and is highly palatable to stock, giving excellent performance. An erect growth habit delivers easier grazing and improved utilisation.

Persistence – Commander has a low crown and excellent root rot resistance, making it highly tolerant of winter grazing with very good persistence for a winter active variety. Commander will persist for 2-5 years or more if managed correctly.

Sowing Rate – Commander should be sown at 5 - 6 kg/ha with legumes as a specialist pasture or 1-2 kg/ha as part of a mixed pasture.

Commander Chicory is available from your BGA AgriServices store. Alternatively, contact Heritage Seeds territory managers: Northern Rivers/Central Mid Coast James Lyon 0413 442 809S.E. & Central Queensland/Burnett Geoff Chambers 0427 010 757

Commander is a winter active forage chicory that provides excellent year round feed. It has a low crown giving good grazing tolerance and a leafy and erect growth habit, making grazing easier for livestock. Commander establishes quickly and has excellent disease resistance.

Key Attributes: • High quality winter active forage chicory• Performs all year round, including winter• Fast establishment and regrowth after grazing•Responds to summer rain• Low crown gives good production over 2-5 years• Alternative to lucerne in problem soils.

Seasonal Growth – As Commander combines high winter activity with excellent year round growth, with a more even growth curve, it provides good feed year round.

High Palatability – Chicory has excellent feed quality and is highly palatable to stock, giving excellent performance. An erect growth habit delivers easier grazing and improved utilisation.

Persistence – Commander has a low crown and excellent root rot resistance, making it highly tolerant of winter grazing with very good persistence for a winter active variety. Commander will persist for 2-5 years or more if managed correctly.

Sowing Rate – Commander should be sown at 5 - 6 kg/ha with legumes as a specialist pasture or 1-2 kg/ha as part of a mixed pasture.

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Long term pasture supplier to the BGA Group for over 9 Years Seed Distributors has changed their trading name to Pasture Genetics. The decision to change the name to Pasture Genetics was made to better reflect our company’s commitment to researching and developing the best pasture varieties for the Australian market place.

Pasture Genetics is the result of the merger of seed sales, marketing and logistical distribution company Seed Distributors Pty Ltd (which was established in 1997) and its sister science- based IP product development company Pasture Genetics Pty Ltd (established 2003).

Still 100% owned and operated by Rob & Ann Damin, Pasture Genetics is a company built on Australian innovation, leadership and bold future thinking. The merging of the two entities provides Australia’s first fully integrated seed breeding, product development, marketing and distribution forage seed company dedicated to making Australian beef, sheep and dairy farmers more profitable. We will continue to heavily invest in our forage breeding and product development program and maintain our commitment to world class scientific innovation in pasture and forage seeds.

Over many years the Pasture Genetics team have worked closely with the BGA agronomy staff and retail outlets helping them to promote new technologies with lucerne’s, forage cereals and pasture grasses.

We look forward to bringing new and exciting pasture species to the BGA group of farmer customers.

14-16 Hakkinen Road, Wingfield, SA • T 08 8445 1111 • F 08 8445 7777 • [email protected] • • pasturegenetics.com

Market feedback froM Michael christensen – area sales Manager – Qldm 0430 821 029

With recent market improvements in the beef cattle segment in the past 12 months, we are seeing renewed interest in pasture improvement across many regions throughout Qld and Northern NSW.

Throughout January & February, there have been significant rainfall events that have triggered summer tropical grass and lucerne growth. This generalised rainfall throughout summer has raised a positive response from graziers looking at pasture improvement heading into autumn. With the extended short spring season in 2016 this has thrown up many seed production challenges moving forward. We are seeing rapid uptake in the requirement for forage cereals, and annual grass based pastures. This has been wide spread

throughout the entire eastern zones of Australia. With the increased demand we have found many leading forage products such as Outback forage oats and moby forage barley have already sold out. The need to fill these additional areas will flow back onto other forage lines such as common oats and bearded barleys.

The increased use on annual Italian ryegrasses such as Jivet (late season tetraploid ryegrass) can help to bolster feed supplies quickly, where a fair proportion of commons cereals cannot offer high quality feed.

The increased agronomic focus with utilisation of annual grasses in pasture rotations helps to meet and extend feed opportunities.

Pasture Genetics extensive lucerne breeding program now enables leading farmers to choose a variety specifically bred for a purpose either grazing, hay, irrigation or dryland with attributes built in. The uptake of

specific lucerne cultivars such as L91 to replace the long standing common Sequel, has been widely accepted as a stepping stone out of older genetics into newer technology with increased performance traits.

Pasture Genetics will be bringing the new release lines L71 and L92 to the market in 2016 for small scale trialling as a leading highly winter active hay lucerne with exceptional quality and disease characteristics.

The continuing growth of key semi winter dormant lines L56 and winter active Q75 throughout the Burnett regions have increased from strength to strength with strong feedback from leading growers supporting the high quality requirements for their retail customers and on farm usage. The ability for both products to not only meet quality but longevity and dry matter returns has been a critical response to both the success of L56 and Q75.

Market feedback hugh grahaM - area sales Manager – southern Qld and northern nsWm 0427 255 292

A solid start to the 2016 season in the Northern NSW areas has seen high levels of confidence going into autumn. With both beef and dairy sectors displaying good levels of requirement for high quality pasture this season the attention has been pushed onto annual and Italian ryegrasses to fill this segment. Similar market uptake with the late annual flowering ryegrass – Jivet has

allowed many farmers to extend their feed window of production by out too 3 weeks longer than the traditional tetila ryegrass. This late flowering trait has allowed many grazing paddocks to continue to produce high quality forage before kikuyu based pastures are ready to kick into gear. This now limits the shortfall and traditional drop in animal performance over this late period. With farmers looking for a longer season extension the use of true Italian ryegrasses are offering the potential to run production out to late December. Pasture Genetics will be commercially testing two new Italian ryegrasses in 2016. Jackpot Diploid and

mona Tetraploid Italian ryegrasses have come from the DLF Seeds stable of high performing grasses from New Zealand. We have seen significant forage and quality improvements over current cultivars in the Australian markets.

Pasture Genetics has invested significant resources into our pasture legume program. The uptake in Jumbo white, Turbo Persian and Renegade red clover to suit this region has been in high demand. The ability to look outside the traditional legumes with such products as medics is even offering an increase in annual winter production by this under utilised backbone product.

Market update

pasturegenetics.comf o r M e r l Y

suppliers of lucerne, forage cereal,sub-tropical grasses and legumes- -






















Market update
























Market update



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*See product label for full claim details. 1. Perri et al (2011) Gastrointestinal parasites presence during the peripartum decreases total milk production in grazing dairy Holstein cows. Veterinary Parasitology; 178:311-318. 2. Sanchez et al (2004) A meta-analysis of the milk-production response after anthelmintic treatment in naturally infected adult dairy cows. Preventative Veterinary Medicine; 63: 237-256. Merial Australia Pty Ltd, Building D, 12-24 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. ABN 53 071 187 285. ®MAXIMUS is a registered trademark of Merial Limited. ©2016. All rights reserved. MPO.16.01.0006

MAXIMUS® Pour-On for Cattle contains the powerful molecule moxidectin, a second generation member of the macrocyclic lactone (ML) family of drenches. Moxidectin is highly effective against both internal and external parasites of cattle, providing protection against roundworms as well as lice, buffalo fly and cattle tick.

Persistent ProtectionThe potency of the moxidectin molecule in MAXIMUS means that parasite killing activity persists for several weeks after treatment, protecting your cattle from reinfection by roundworms for up to 42 days*.

MAXIMUS Pour-On for Cattle protects against reinfection for the following periods:

Parasite Protection period

Ostertagia ostertagi (O. lyrata) (Small brown stomach worm) 42 days

Haemonchus placei (Barber’s pole worm) 28 days

Trichostrongylus axei (Stomach hair worm) 28 days

Dictyocaulus viviparus (Lungworm) 42 days

Oesophagostomum radiatum (Nodule worm) 42 days

Bunostomum phlebotomum (Hookworm) 42 days

Nematodirus helvetianus (Thin necked intestinal worm) 21 days

Strategic Cattle Tick ControlMAXIMUS Pour-On is effective in controlling cattle tick, including strains resistant to organophosphates, synthetic pyrethroids and amidines (eg. Amitraz). MAXIMUS Pour-On prevents the development of viable cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) for 21 days after treatment,* and can be used in strategic programs.

MAXIMUS Pour-On also treats and aids in the control of Buffalo Fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) for up to 14 days after treatment.*

Better Milk ProductionControlling gastrointestinal roundworms has been shown to improve milk yield in lactating dairy cows.1 Treatment with endectocide drenches, like moxidectin, has been shown to result in better production responses than use of older products like white oral drenches.2

The NIL milk withholding period of MAXIMUS Pour-On allows dairy farmers to benefit from the production responses seen following treatment of dairy cows and heifers, whether at lactation, dry off or calving.

NIL Milk & Meat Withholding and NIL ESIWhen using MAXIMUS Pour-On, producers have the flexibility of a NIL withholding period (WHP) for meat and milk, and NIL export slaughter interval (ESI).

Pack Sizes1L, 2.5L 5L and 15L.

For further information contact your nearest BGA store or by phone to local Merial Territory Manager, Allan Jones on 0428 291 838.

Your moxidectin pour-on for Beef and Dairy Cattle

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BGA AGRISERVICES CASINO IN CONJUNCTION WITH DUPONT PIONEER HELD AN INFORMATION DAY IN SEPTEMBER 2015 EXPLORING NEW CORN MARKETS AND DISCUSSING THE EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES THESE MARKETS ARE BRINGING TO THE NORTHERN RIVERS.

The day saw 30 traditional corn growers from the Casino, Coraki, Tabulam and Grafton regions meet in Casino to discuss the principles of High Moisture Corn (HMC). The day covered growing, harvesting and delivery of HMC to Whyalla Feedlot at Texas and the benefits to local farming systems.

Gino De Stefani, the commodity purchasing and farm Manager for Whyalla Feedlot discussed the principles of contracting, harvesting and intake of HMC. He also discussed their requirement to source 40 - 50 000 tonne for the summer of 2015/16 to suit feed bunk rations for some 50 000 head of cattle on feed.

HMC is any corn variety that is harvested for grain within the moisture range of 28 – 35 % moisture after physiological maturity (black layer). High yielding corn varieties with high starch content are the key to success in achieving great HMC results.

The corn is harvested with traditional grain harvesters, trucked to Whyalla feedlot, hammer milled, and treated

INTEREST GROWING IN HIGH MOISTURE CORN OPTION IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS

with lactobacillus buchneri silage inoculant to improve digestibility, drymatter and storage. Tractors with front blades push the grain and form mounts of compacted corn, rolling and excluding air very similar to the process of making bunker silage.

Like silage, particular attention has to be paid to the exclusion of air, compaction and the right moisture during the initial delivery. Grain falling below 25% moisture fails to have enough internal moisture to cure properly.

A HMC bunker would be used throughout the 12 month feeding period. That is one big benefit of HMC for Whyalla, it’s a ready to feed grain product out of the pit compared to traditional dry wheat of corn. This provides security of feed in event of a breakdown of their steam flaking mill or electricity outage at the feedlot.

The Northern Rivers proved to be a great area to source HMC from due to its relatively close location to Texas and the later planting window of Later November – mid December allowed for good volume of intake as it corresponded with the later plant corn of the Southern Darling Downs.

There are other benefits as well, the prolonged dry down period required to harvest dry grain at 14% moisture often pushes into very late autumn / winter and requires artificially drying, adding extra cost yet again. HMC also gives more flexibility in getting the crop off sooner, reducing the time the crop is

vulnerable to bird damage and allows more opportunities for winter crops on the back of corn.

Agronomist for BGA Casino, Domonic Hogg, talked about the importance of crop rotation in the area’s traditional soybean growing area for disease and weed control measures. HMC provides growers who are not traditional corn growers an excellent option due to minimal handling and storage requirements as the grain is ideally delivered to Whyalla within 24 hrs of harvest with no drying reducing the amount of capital outlay.

HMC is delivered and paid on a wet weight basis and due to the higher moisture percent a yield increase of up to 20% is achievable for the same crop if it was to go through to dry grain. Local yields of HMC have been up to 12.5 t/ha (@ 30% moisture) in small trial areas grown last season.

Pioneer and BGA have undertaken a feed and grit corn variety trial on Steve and Lisa Clark’s property at Shannonbrook, just south of Casino. In about a month time is a field day will be held outlining the hybrids that suits the agronomic requirements for HMC and a harvest school around the principles of harvesting and handling high moisture corn. The trial will be harvest as a part of the HMC yield data to form a suite of results against other farmer’s experiences for this year. For more details on the field day please contact BGA AgriServices.

ANDREW DIECKMANN, AREA MANAGER – NORTHERN RIVERS M 0408 717 229 E [email protected]

1800 PIONEER or visit www.pioneer.com The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont. ®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2016 PHII.




















































BGA AGRISERVICES CASINO

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

DUPONT PIONEER HELD

AN INFORMATION DAY IN

SEPTEMBER 2015 EXPLORING

NEW CORN MARKETS AND

DISCUSSING THE EXCITING

OPPORTUNITIES THESE

MARKETS ARE BRINGING

TO THE NORTHERN RIVERS.



HMC is any corn variety that is harvested for grain within the moisture range of 28 – 35 % moisture after physiological maturity (black layer).

High yielding corn varieties with high starch content are the key to success in achieving great HMC results.

The corn is harvested with traditional grain harvesters, trucked to Whyalla feedlot, hammer milled, and treated with lactobacillus buchneri silage inoculant to improve digestibility, dry matter and storage. Tractors with front blades push the grain and form mounts of compacted corn, rolling and excluding air very similar to the process of making bunker silage. Like silage, particular attention has to be paid to the exclusion of air, compaction and the right moisture during the initial delivery. Grain falling below 25% moisture fails to have enough internal moisture to cure properly.



There are other benefits as well, the prolonged dry down period required to harvest dry grain at 14% moisture often pushes into very late autumn / winter and requires artificially drying, adding extra cost yet again. HMC also gives more flexibility

in getting the crop off sooner, reducing the time the crop is vulnerable to bird damage and allows more opportunities for winter crops on the back of corn.



Pioneer and BGA have undertaken a feed and grit corn variety trial on Steve and Lisa Clark’s property at Shannonbrook, just south of Casino. In about a month there will be a field day held outlining the hybrids that suits the agronomic requirements for HMC and a harvest school around the principles of harvesting and handling high moisture corn. The trial will be harvested as a part of the HMC yield data to form a suite of results against other farmers experiences for this year. For more details on the field day please contact BGA AgriServices.

15

Amicide Advance™ 700 – adapts brilliantly across your winter cereals and pasturesAmicide Advance™ 700 is a world first, patented product from Nufarm. With 700g/L 2,4-D amine, it is designed, developed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions. This is important because our conditions are like no other in the world.

• It controls a wide range of problem broadleaf weeds• It is registered for use in cereals, sugarcane, fallow, grass

pastures and industrial areas• It is highly compatible with Nufarm’s weedmaster Argo and

weedmaster DST• Is a non-volatile formulation• It comes in a range of pack sizes: 5L, 20L, 110L, 1000L • Through autumn and winter, Amicide Advance 700 plays an

integral part in the development of clean, weed free cereal crops and grass pastures.

1. Fallow preparation Tank mix Amicide Advance 700 with either weedmaster ARGO or weedmaster DST to control problem broadleaf weeds prior to planting in cereals, sugar cane and grass pastures. Plantback periods range from 3 – 10 days depending on rate of Amicide Advance 700.

2. Grass pasture weed control The key to getting a weed free pasture is to apply Amicide Advance 700 after the first grazing. Grazing allows exposes the weeds below, allowing for better spray coverage. Plus, applying when the pasture is grazed back provides improved grass safety. Targeting small weeds will lead to better results and less chemical usage. Grazing withholding period is 7 days.

Key rates and weeds to consider:

Common seedling annual weeds like thistles, brassica weeds and amaranthus will require 980ml/ha (refer to label for more information).

Harder to kill weeds like sida (paddy’s lucerne), shepherds purse, spiny emex and cobblers pegs may require up to 1.5L/ha (refer to label for more information).

3. Grass cereal cropsWhen applying Amicide Advance 700 over wheat, barley, triticale, cereal rye and oats it is important to apply at the correct growth stage for your region.

Crop Timing: Qld Timing: NSW

Wheat, Barley Apply from mid tillering to before boot stage

Apply after the first node can be felt at the base of a tiller and before swelling of the head can be felt in a tiller

Cereal Rye, Triticale, Oats

Not registered for use in Qld

Apply after the first node can be felt at the base of a tiller and before swelling of the head can be felt in a tiller

Refer to the label for more information on rates and weeds controlled.

4. Sugar CaneAmicide Advance 700 is registered for use both prior to planting and in-crop sugar cane. It is particularly good on a range of hard to kill vines when tank mixed with either Comet 400 or Trooper 75-D. These are key tank mixes for the Far North Queensland region.

5. Spot SprayingAmicide Advance 700 can be applied with a hand gun to pastures, rights of ways and industrial areas. Weeds controlled include burrs, billygoat weed, fleabanes, milky cotton bushes and parthenium weed. Rate: 285ml/100L water. The addition of Activator Surfactant (100ml/100L water) will help on tougher weeds.

To increase the weed spectrum to include hard to kill woody weeds like lantana, blackberry, small eucalypts, bracken and privet, a widely used tank mix of 285ml/100L Amicide Advance 700 PLUS 10g Associate herbicide PLUS 200ml/100L Pulse Penetrant is recommended. Please don’t skimp on the Pulse, it’s the most important part of the mix.

6. Other key weedsFleabane Fleabane is a major weed in southern Queenland and northern NSW. It is a weed which favours reduced tillage, so in areas where minimum tillage farming has been adopted it is becoming more of a problem.

Amicide Advance 700 has a unique registration for the control of fleabane in fallow, sugar cane, wheat and barley.

The best strategy for managing fleabane is to target small, young weeds 4 – 6 weeks after germination. Fleabane is a tap rooted plant and although the rosette may look small it can sometimes have a significant tap root reserve, which can make control difficult. The key message here is target weed age, not size.

Bigger fleabane weeds will require a sequential treatment – two sprays about 7 – 10 days apart. For more information on fleabane strategies ask for the Nufarm Specnote “Fleabane control with Amicide Advance 700” from your local BGA store.

a. FireweedThere are several APVMA permits for fireweed control using Amicide Advance 700 in both Qld and NSW. Once again, the key to best results is to target weeds when they are small. For larger, flowering plants add Activator Surfactant (100ml/100L water) to achieve best results. Grazing WHP = 7 days.

Drift managementAmicide Advance 700 is a non volatile phenoxy herbicide. However, off target drift can still occur if sprayed under the wrong conditions with the wrong equipment. Crops which are particularly susceptible to 2,4-D drift include cotton, grapes, tomatoes, oilseed crops and ornamentals.

Correct application is extremely important to maximise efficacy and minimise drift. Four important tips are:

1. Use a coarse to very coarse droplet size (nozzle selection and pressure are the key factors here)

2. Make sure the wind is blowing away from susceptible areas3. Minimise boom height (50cm from the top of the target is ideal)4. Never spray during a low temperature inversion (night spraying

can be hazardous for inversions)

For more information please contact your local BGA store. Always read the label prior to using Amicide Advance 700 or any crop protection product.


www.bgaagri.com.au

BGA AgriServices Kingaroy (Head Office)21-29 Youngman St, Kingaroy QLD 4610Sales: 07 4162 2311Administration: 07 4162 2766Fax: 07 4162 4748

BGA AgriServices Murgon12 McAllister St, Murgon QLD 4605Ph: 07 4168 2911 Fax: 07 4168 2646

BGA AgriServices Goomeri1 Boonara St, Goomeri QLD 4601Ph: 07 4168 4166 Fax: 07 4168 4565

BGA AgriServices ChildersBruce Highway, Childers QLD 4660Ph: 07 4126 1170 Fax: 07 4126 1803

BGA AgriServices Bundaberg30 Ellen St, Bundaberg QLD 4670Ph: 07 4154 2800 Fax: 07 4154 2977

BGA AgriServices Oakwood165 Rosedale Rd, Bundaberg QLD 4670Ph: 07 4159 9110 Fax: 07 4159 9583 BGA AgriServices, Maryborough 1037 Saltwater Creek Rd, St Helens QLD 4650Ph: 07 4122 1233 Fax: 07 4122 1299

BGA AgriServices Kumbia56 Brooke St, Kumbia QLD 4610Ph: 07 4164 4255 Fax: 07 4164 4300

BGA AgriServices Toogoolawah9 -11 Dingyarra St, Toogoolawah QLD 4313Ph: 07 5423 1251 Fax: 07 5423 1019

BGA AgriServices Casino49-55 Dyraaba St, Casino NSW 2470Ph: 02 6662 6208 Fax: 02 6662 6891

BGA AgriServices Dorrigo5-7 Cudgery Street, Dorrigo, NSW 2453Ph: 02 6657 2068 Fax: 02 6657 2350

BGA AgriServices Grafton170 North St, Grafton NSW 2460Ph: 02 6642 5000 Fax: 02 6642 7803

A&B Rural Supplies119 Railway Street, Ayr QLD 4807Ph: 07 4783 4488 Fax: 07 4783 4648

Ingham Farm Centre Pty Ltd49506 Townsville Road, Ingham QLD 4850 Ph: 07 4776 1477 Fax: 07 4776 3581

Mackay Rural Supplies Pty Ltd35 Mclennan Street, Mackay QLD 4740Ph: 07 4952 2466 Fax: 07 4952 6208 Savage, Barker & Backhouse 266 Denison Street,Rockhampton QLD 4455Ph: 07 4927 1677 Fax: 07 4622 3184

General enquiries for all branches:[email protected]

Accounts enquiries for all branches:[email protected] Our Business Partners:

Ruralco business Savage Barker & Backhouse (SBB) are the leading agents of selling commercial cattle at Gracemere saleyards. The business started over thirty years ago and is a traditional Stock & Station Agency offering a complete range of services to our clients including commercial livestock sales, stud stock sales, real estate, insurance, finance, rural merchandise, and agronomic advice.

Recently SBB offered a line of top quality 500 Charbray heifers for sale at Gracemere Saleyards on behalf of Middlemount clients the Quinn families Essex Grazing Co. The heifers made up to 315 c/kg and returned up to $1226 per head. They sold like hot cakes and reflected the buoyant cattle market conditions we are experiencing at present.

SBB’s senior auctioneer Neville Messer performed the auction and spirited bidding from feed-lotters and restockers saw the line sold so quickly that the book keepers had trouble keeping up.

Neville has been selling cattle at Gracemere for over thirty years and is recognised as being one of the best in the business. Neville has sold well over a million commercial cattle for SBB as well as performing at stud stock sales.

Neville was assisted in the day by SBB members Adam Geddes, Josh Heck, Riley McKenzie, & Bill Beck.

Livestock Report from Savage, Barker & Backhouse

ranch systems conference of the ceo - ruralco...

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