Projects
Shared solutions; Developing farmer driven on-farm trials demonstrating the value of technology in the dryland broadacre low-rainfall farming system
The project aimed to increase the implementation of farmer-driven research and highlight the value of technology to support on-farm decision-making. The project engaged BCG’s Young Farmer Network (YFN) to drive these initiatives.
The project involved five groups from Buloke, Loddon, Quambatook and surrounds, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack. During YFN meetings, participants identified focus paddocks to implement on-farm research with support from BCG staff. These meetings led to the establishment of trials assessing different nitrogen management strategies, soil amelioration strategies, variety comparisons, and chemical product evaluations.
Two on-farm trials were established during the project, focusing on nitrogen management through a strategy called ‘N Banking’. Despite challenges such as wet conditions and hail damage, the trials provided valuable insights into the practical application of these strategies. The project also facilitated discussions on growth staging, essential for understanding chemical application and data collection.
A Farm Tech Planning Workshop was held, providing valuable insights into data handling and ag tech planning, with positive feedback from participants. Additionally, the project supported ongoing trial ideas, such as soil amelioration practices and lentil variety comparisons, which are planned for implementation in the future.
Overall, the project successfully engaged young farmers in on-farm trials, fostering a culture of innovation and technology adoption. It highlighted the importance of practical demonstrations and ongoing support in driving technology uptake in the agricultural sector.
The project involved five groups from Buloke, Loddon, Quambatook and surrounds, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack. During YFN meetings, participants identified focus paddocks to implement on-farm research with support from BCG staff. These meetings led to the establishment of trials assessing different nitrogen management strategies, soil amelioration strategies, variety comparisons, and chemical product evaluations.
Two on-farm trials were established during the project, focusing on nitrogen management through a strategy called ‘N Banking’. Despite challenges such as wet conditions and hail damage, the trials provided valuable insights into the practical application of these strategies. The project also facilitated discussions on growth staging, essential for understanding chemical application and data collection.
A Farm Tech Planning Workshop was held, providing valuable insights into data handling and ag tech planning, with positive feedback from participants. Additionally, the project supported ongoing trial ideas, such as soil amelioration practices and lentil variety comparisons, which are planned for implementation in the future.
Overall, the project successfully engaged young farmers in on-farm trials, fostering a culture of innovation and technology adoption. It highlighted the importance of practical demonstrations and ongoing support in driving technology uptake in the agricultural sector.
