Sowing trials spread wide

BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s main research site this year will be at Kinnabulla, 25km north-west of Birchip, on the Kinnabulla West Road.

On the property of Linc Lehmann and his parents Roger and Dianne, the site will host 39 trials, a number of which are already in the ground.

These include the application of silicon and canola establishment, Future Drought Fund deep-sowing wheat and the safflower time of sowing.

BCG senior manager of research Yolanda Plowman said the team had a large program to complete.

“Like farmers, we will be busy over the next five to six weeks sowing,” Dr Plowman said.

“With 145 trials over 24 trial sites and several new BCG staff undertaking training, it is an exciting and fast-paced environment in which, as researchers, we thrive.

“The research space BCG operates in is broad,” Dr Plowman said. “We have farming systems and agronomic trials; crop varieties, performance and nutrition; as well as weeds, pests and diseases.

“Our trials this year span from Merrinee and Balranald in the north, Mitiamo to the east, Arapiles in the south and Rainbow to the west.

“We are looking forward to connecting with farmers and their communities at all our sites, extending our research to help improve farm productivity and profitability,” she said.

Over the month BCG will sow trials at Merrinee, Ouyen, Walpeup, Manangatang, Balranald, Rainbow, Hopetoun, Ultima, Quambatook, Mitiamo, Diggora, Eastville, Colbinabbin, Charlton, Kinnabulla, Curyo, Wallup, Arapiles, Warne, Longerenong, Marlbed, Murrayville, Donald and Meatian.

“With warm soil and the widespread rain received during Easter, sowing conditions are good,” Dr Plowman said.

“Our machine is gliding through with ease, we’re not getting bogged and the soil is not too hard. We are keeping our eye on the forecast for the next rain which will hopefully see crops springing out of the ground.”

BCG’s main field day will be held at the Kinnabulla site on September 13.

For more information on BCG’s research or the field day, visit bcg.org.au or call 5492 2787.

Digital Editions


  • Collection under the hammer

    Collection under the hammer

    AN eclectic curation of vintage and antique Australian pastoral machinery and memorabilia will go to auction on 1 February. Yvon Smythe and her late partner,…

More News

  • Calls flow for royal commission

    Calls flow for royal commission

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 524159 AUSTRALIA needs a royal commission into water management in 2026, according to Murray MP Helen Dalton, who says politicians are “destroying” the nation’s…

  • Big skies and farmscapes

    Big skies and farmscapes

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 524028 THE Gallery Balranald is currently showcasing the work of professional artist Graham Hearn. His latest exhibition, Big Skies and Farmscapes, reflects the vast scale and…

  • Difficult outlook for grape growers

    Difficult outlook for grape growers

    Murray Valley Winegrowers has acknowledged the findings of Wine Australia’s Australian Wine Production, Sales and Inventory Report 2025, which confirms the challenging market conditions facing growers. The newly released report…

  • Benham appointed to new ag role

    Benham appointed to new ag role

    The Nationals member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, as part of Jess Wilson’s new Shadow Cabinet announcement. Ms Benham said…

  • Connecting urban and rural Australia

    Connecting urban and rural Australia

    HAMISH McIntyre grew up on the land in Queensland, learning the rhythms of farming from his family. Today, he runs a sprawling family business across the St George, Dirranbandi, Quilpie,…

  • Farmers warned to stay alert

    Farmers warned to stay alert

    A RUN of booming haystack and shed fires across regional Victoria has sparked fresh warnings for farmers as hay season rolls into full swing. Fire crews in the west and…

  • Bumper harvest fuels Cobram Estate’s growth

    Bumper harvest fuels Cobram Estate’s growth

    COBRAM Estate Olives has reported one of its strongest years on record, with an exceptional “on-year’’ harvest in Australia driving improved earnings, higher production volumes and a confident outlook from…

  • Select Harvests’ cracking pace

    Select Harvests’ cracking pace

    SELECT Harvests Limited has released its 2025 business update, reporting a final almond crop estimate of 24,700 tonnes, slightly below the midpoint of its earlier forecast. The company says the…

  • Further water buybacks anger farming industry

    Further water buybacks anger farming industry

    FARMERS, politicians and advocacy bodies are warning further water buybacks announced last week will gut regional towns, drive up food prices and cripple Australia’s dairy heartland. Federal Water Minister Murray…

  • Farmer takes action in feral pig fight

    Farmer takes action in feral pig fight

    IN THE heart of south-western New South Wales, sheep and cattle farmer Colin McCrabb is waging a quiet war against a destructive and elusive enemy -feral pigs. Operating a 6800-hectare…