OVER the last two years – or three if you include floods – farming has been challenging for some, to say the least.
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In that time, the most significant rainfall events occurred in the summer, accompanied by long, cold dry spells making both cropping and growing pastures challenging.
Robert Hart from Hart Bros Seeds said drought and frost have gone hand in hand again this year.
“Traditionally we generate the highest returns off winter and spring rain, so if summer rain continues the challenge will be how to adapt and capitalise on the variating rainfall pattern,” Mr Hart said.
New crop varieties are helping to adapt to such challenges. A Hart Bros Seeds field day on October 10 will feature a range of new wheats, barleys and pulses, with industry experts and breeders on hand to answer questions.
Both straight and mixed cropping requires capturing of summer rainfall events and both make attempts to avoid economic damage from spring frosts.
“Many (straight cropping) farmers with frost-prone paddocks use the less prone barley and canola in these zones and long-season wheat,” Mr Hart said.
“Dual-purpose crops are valuable in (mixed farming) frost zones. Early planting allows for growth before the cold months set in with a later flowering from its genetic vernalisation.”
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Traditionally farmers have used Wedgetail, Naparoo and Marombi wheats and Urambie barley, planted in late March/early April with success from grazing and grain yields.
“Newer wheat lines are Kittyhawk and the soon-to-be-released Illabo from AGT,” Mr Hart said. “They have each proved good at recovering from grazing to generate high quality grain.
“DS Bennett (ASW) fits the dual purpose bracket with the difference of having an earlier (late February) planting date.
“It is an exciting prospect as we can seed earlier, grow more grass and utilise the moisture straight away instead of spraying to conserve moisture.
“It’s not without risk, of course, (but) if it manages to maintain yields similar to our main season varieties it presents a great opportunity for mixed farmers.”
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