Spring Field Day 2020

Southern Dirt’s Spring Field Day hosted over 40 participants at the Kojonup Sporting Complex. Keynote speakers covered essential topics:

Morning Key Notes:

  1. Data-Driven Decisions:Wayne Pluske emphasized data’s role in fertilization choices, including mapping, variable rate technology, and data analysis.
  2. Canola Challenges:Sam Flottmann discussed the HRZ Canola project, addressing yield gaps and biomass conversion.
  3. Global Impact:Michael Harvey highlighted Covid-19’s effects on food markets and Australia’s economy.
  4. Workforce Solutions:Ley Webster shared how 2 Workin Oz connects trained staff with agriculture organizations.

Afternoon Farm Tours: Innovations

Attendees explored three farms:

  1. MLA Dual Purpose Crops:Kojonup School Farm compared pasture-fed and crop-fed sheep profits.
  2. Barley and Wheat Varieties:AGT and InterGrain showcased new varieties at Simon Zachers’ site.
  3. Machinery Demos:Grizzly Tiny and Versatile Delta Track 620 impressed at Theo Cunningham’s farm.

Morning Keynote Speakers:

Better Ways to Make Fertilizer Decisions
Wayne Pluske, Laconic

High Rainfall Zone GRDC Canola Trial
Sam Flottmann, CSIRO

Road to Recovery: How is the global pandemic impacting food markets?
Michael Harvey, Rabobank

Training and Recruitment in a Pandemic
Ley Webster, 2 Workin Oz

Afternoon Farm Tours:

Student Impact
Mel Shepperd, Agriculture Program, Kojonup District High School

Non-Wetting Soils Project and Grizzly Tiny Demo
Alec Smith from Kojonup Agricultural Supplies and Glenn McDonald, research scientist at DPIRD.