Agricultural
30 August, 2023
Nobby Field Day gives farmers ‘food for thought’
Innovation through research has always been at the forefront of Australian agricultural development and the Field Days put on by Pacific Seeds at the Mengels farm in Nobby are a great example of this advancement through innovation.
Michael Brennan, the Head of the Australian Productivity Commission, said recently that Australian agricultural productivity has increased enormously despite using less land and less human labour and is due to advancements in machinery and farming techniques.
One of these advancements in farming techniques is as a result of constant research into seed development and Pacific Seeds is a large part of this advancement.
“Our aim is to provide farmers across the country with valuable information that enhances their profits, while also discovering and commercialising new hybrids to improve their yields,” Pacific Seeds Territory Manager Bill Smith said.
“The 2023 forage field day, provided an opportunity for growers, agronomists and local representatives to see how the (new) varieties performed in local conditions.”
The Field Day was held, as usual, at Nobby on the farm of Melvin and Joshua Mengel and gave farmers the opportunity to see how new varieties of oats performed.
Representatives gave information on when these new varieties should be planted and what soil temperatures are best for establishment and many other points of interest.
One important fact relayed to farmers was the complete leaf rust resistance of the hybrids to leaf rust pathotypes.
Further advice on grazing management was given regarding the oats varieties Sabre and Raptor.
The use of canola as a grazing option was also raised and gained much interest from the audience of 67 visitors.
Rabobank provided a barbecue lunch that was enjoyed by those who attended.
