C LIMATE change has raised the spectre of pests and diseases usually associated with the tropics finding a home in more temperate reaches of the globe. If pests do move further south into Australia’s fruit and vegetable growing regions, Dr Katina Lindhout (pictured) and her team at NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Gosford Horticultural Institute hope to know sooner than most people. They are developing new lures, or attractants, which can be used to monitor the incidence of Queensland fruit fly. These lures will be tested against the fly’s destructive relatives in Papua New Guinea. The economic damage Queensland fruit fly can cause in citrus, stonefruit and other horticultural crops is widely known. However, if new fruit fly species arrive the consequences could be even more devastating. ■ Continued p7 Female lures SOLAR PUMPS 1300 661 417 www.solarpumps.com.au Irrigation Warehouse Group Pty Ltd ABN 84109042775 TL1664643
Transcript
CLIMATE change has raised the spectre of pests and diseases usually associated
with the tropics finding a home in more temperate reaches of the globe.
If pests do move further south into Australia’s fruit and vegetable growing regions, Dr Katina Lindhout (pictured) and her team at NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Gosford Horticultural Institute hope to know sooner than most people.
They are developing new lures,
or attractants, which can be used to monitor the incidence of Queensland fruit fly.
These lures will be tested against the fly’s destructive relatives in Papua New Guinea.
The economic damage Queensland fruit fly can cause in citrus, stonefruit and other horticultural crops is widely known.
However, if new fruit fly species arrive the consequences could be even more devastating.
■■ Continued p7
Female lures
SOLAR PUMPS 1300 661 417
www.solarpumps.com.au Irrigation Warehouse Group Pty Ltd ABN 84109042775
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2 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
Relics excavated from agriculture’s ‘birthplace’ COINS including a gaelic penny, Dr Higginbotham said the differ tory of Australian agriculture,” Mr bones, pottery fragments, hand ences in the soil colour and tex Macdonald said. made nails and most significantly, ture in the series of trenches they NSW Department of Primary the foundations and other parts of dug told where the walls of the Industries (DPI, formerly NSW three buildings excavated at buildings were. Agriculture) purchased 1583 hecCamden this month could be of A teacher at the Camden Park tares of Camden Estate in 1984, national significance. Environmental Education Centre leaving Camden House and grounds
At the “birthplace of Australian at Belgenny Farm, Brian Trench, is in the hands of the Macarthur famagriculture”, Belgenny Farm, a one of several intrigued staff who ily. week-long archaeological test dig have known the approximate loca The Department preserved an uncovered the relics. tion of the hut and searched infor important chapter of agricultural
They were found around the site mally for physical evidence for history. of the “small miserable hut” several years. Belgenny Farm Trust now mandiarised in 1810 by Governor “Mrs Macarthur was living in that ages the buildings and surrounds, Macquarie as the first building on hut before the Battle of Waterloo – which include Australia’s most the site, lived in by Elizabeth maybe she heard about it there,” authentic Georgian farm complex. Macarthur when she visited. Mr Trench said. “The next exciting chapter, being Photos: MelissaPhotos: Melissa
WWalkeralker..Sydney-based archaeologist of “This is of national signific led by the Trust, is to extend the 38 years, Ted Higgenbotham, led a ance and we’re very excited,” he educational and community proteam of qualified archaeologists, said. gram to include the site of the school students and local commu John and Elizabeth Macarthur hut,” Mr Macdonald said. nity volunteers in the dig, and is are generally regarded as Austra Local school students were invitconfident analysis will confirm lia’s first farmers, they were pio ed to further explore the historical they found parts of the hut. neers of agriculture and they set significance of the site, with visits
“The excavation might also show tled on land at Camden Estate in during and after the excavation. how this hut grew into the cottage 1810. Community involvement is also or residence mentioned in histori “The Macarthurs established being facilitated through the cal reports in 1815 and 1818,” said Merino wool production, wheat Friends of Belgenny group. Primary Industries Minister, Ian growing, dairying, horticulture, NSW DPI also established the Macdonald, who attended the dig and the first commercial vineyard Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural with Regional Development Minis and winery in Australia, so this dig Institute (EMAI) on the south-east ter, Phil Costa. is incredibly important to the his corner of the acquired land.
Paying for resource management Indigenous project have been shown to have MEMBERS of the Bourke Indig which aims to improve the health
environmental services isPAYING landholders for several benefits. enous community will help imp of the river,” Mr Cordina said.
becoming an important They tend to attract more rove native vegetation along the “NSW DPI will encourage future part of natural resource landholders than other NRM Darling River in the Bourke dis Aboriginal involvement in natural management (NRM) in Australia. improvement programs, chiefly trict. resource management and on
Catchment management because they provide payments “Using specialised tree planting ground works.” authorities now commonly offer and allow flexibility and methods that increase survival The revegetation works are part funding to landholders to help innovation, and they provide rates, the works will involve the of the Brewarrina to Bourke Demimprove soils, native vegetation, provided to protect the grassy substantial environmental revegetation of sections of the onstration Reach project being biodiversity, aquatic habitat, woodland, the duration of benefits at lower cost to riverbank with almost 7000 native undertaken by NSW DPI in collabowater quality, wetlands, for expected benefits, and cost. government than other NRM trees grown from seed collected in ration with the Western Catchment example. Landholders who are already programs. the Bourke area,” NSW Depart Management Authority.
Last month, the Federal undertaking environmental There is now a national ment of Primary Industries (DPI) Mr Cordina said degradation of government called for tenders activities on their properties will capacity building program to conservation manager, David native riparian vegetation along from land managers to protect have a greater chance of success encourage widespread use of Cordina said. NSW water courses had been listand improve the box gum grassy because their costs are likely to well designed MBIs. Mr Cordina said Indigenous ed as a key threatening process woodland ecological community be lower. The program, Designer Carrots, members of the Kurnu-Barkindji under the Fisheries Management in the Lachlan and These systems of paying is developing a number of Landcare and Cultural Manage Act 1994 because of its negative Murrumbidgee catchments. landholders for NRM work are products to encourage land ment Group would do a training impacts on several threatened
This community extends from known as market based managers to implement best session in revegetation techniques species, populations or ecological Queensland to Victoria through instruments or MBIs. practice NRM on their at the Bourke Fishing Reserve. communities. the wheat sheep belt but only Landholders are given a properties. He said the training was being These species include the endanfive per cent of the original business incentive to become Designer Carrots has a very provided by Indigenous partici gered ecological community of the woodland remains. suppliers of innovative useful website which outlines all pants of a similar project run at lowland catchment of the Darling
Landholders who tendered environmental services. the different MBIs available, and Coonabarabran through a skills River, silver perch (vulnerable), outlined the activities they The tendering process includes many case studies at transfer arrangement between western populations of olive perwould undertake and the price provides government regional, state and national NSW DPI and the Coonabarabran chlet and purple-spotted gudgeon they would charge to do them. organisations with a levels. Aboriginal Men’s Association. and the river snail.
The tenders will be assessed on marketplace where they can Have a look at it at “NSW DPI welcomes the opportu ■■ Contact David Cordina, Dubbo, the environmental importance choose the best value outcomes. http://marketbasedinstruments.go nity to involve the Aboriginal com (02) 6881 1277, of the proposals, the services Over the past decade, MBIs v.au/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx munity in the region in a project [email protected]
MAIN: Archaeologists and local volunteers excavate a trench in the search for relics at the “birthplace of Australian agriculture”, Belgenny Farm. INSETS: (Clockwise, from top) Archaeologist Beau Spry; a piece of excavated pottery; Ian Macdonald meets Katie Gow from Camden High School, watched by schoolmates Ben Pages, Sophie Noller and Nadine Willmott.
N S W D P I
FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER – from 5 pm Informal Meet and Greet at Yanco All Servicemen’s Club, Main Ave, Yanco.
SATURDAY 5 OCTOBER – from 11 am Open Day, Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque and Planting of Time Capsule, Centenary Dinner, Leeton Soldiers Club (Bookings essential)
SUNDAY 6 OC TOBER Recovery and Open Day
Former staff and students – come and visit and reminisce about old times. Tell us your story of your time at Yanco. For more information, and dinner booking form, go to NSW DPI website www. dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/ centres/yanco, email us at [email protected] or call Yanco Agricultural Institute on 02 6951 2611.
YANCO EXPERIMENT FARM CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
YA N CO AG R I C U LT U R A L I N S T I T U T E , N A R R A N D E R A R O A D, YA N CO
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AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 3
LEFT: Alstonville nurseryman Paul Ueberdiek has improved his water security by using
NSW North Coast nursery operator Paul Ueberdiek planned his plant business with water
security upper most in his mind from the start.
The wholesale palm nursery’s system of capturing and re-using all irrigation water and rainfall on the 13,000 square metres of growing area makes the most of every drop.
But it was the location of the undeveloped 15 hectare property that interested Mr Ueberdiek the most when he was looking to purchase a nursery site in 2001 – and it turned out to be his most strategic decision.
“We bought the land with the likelihood of access to tertiary-treated reclaimed water from Alstonville’s sewage treatment facility in the foreseeable future,” said Mr Ueberdiek.
“That access has now come through and we no longer have to rely on a ground water bore alone we have established on the nursery.
“Water is the lifeblood of our business, our most precious commodity.
“We’ve managed to drought-proof our nursery.”
The Tropical Link nursery has a plastic membrane under all gravel growing areas with a drainage system capturing run-off in four sealed 170,000 litre tanks.
Mr Ueberdiek estimates that 38 millimetres of rainfall will yield 500,000 litre of water.
“The enclosed tanks and other efforts to keep light out of the water system minimises any algal problems,” Mr Ueberdiek said.
“We’re also capturing and re-using any nutrient rich water from the potted plants, so the local streams are better off too.
“We know we can expand the nursery area if we want to and we have the water to do it without any impact on the environment.”
He said developing an irrigation and drainage management plan (IDMP) for the nursery was a critical step in improving water security and efficiency.
“It was important in managing development and is regularly used for irrigation and business management.”
The irrigation developments at the
Hendra virus: reducing risks
PHIL BEVAN tertiary treated Wollongbar water from
Alstonville’s Ueberdieks’ have been supported by sewage treatmentthe Northern Rivers Catchment
Nursery has water security plant. His
Management Authority (CMA), in developments have conjunction with NSW Department support from theof Primary Industries (DPI) because local Catchmentthey meet the catchment action plan Managementobjective to protect the riverine Authority and NSWenvironment, by reducing stress on DPI, as they meetthe rivers.
the catchmentOrganiser of the project, NSW DPI action plan toirrigation officer Gary Creighton, reduce stress onsaid irrigators needed to adapt in
order to maintain their businesses rivers. The nursery with lower than normal flows in the has a plastic rivers and to achieve the environ- membrane under mental objectives of the water plans. all gravel growing
This CMA-DPI project, called areas with a Irrigators – Caring for the Rivers, is drainage system demonstrating to irrigators ways to capturing run-off in meet these challenges, Mr Creighton four sealed said. 170,000 litre
NSW DPI resource management tanks. officer, Richard Swinton, said two basic options available to irrigators
More Water andare to increase irrigation efficiency irrigation stories,as much as possible and to reduce p10-13.dependence on low flows by seeking
alternate water supplies or by extracting when flows are high.
“Increasing irrigation efficiency means less water is extracted for the same plant demand – which also reduces operating costs for irrigators,” he said.
“Seeking alternative water supplies means looking for groundwater, or water from an opportunity supply such as town sewerage or a stormwater system.
“These are a relatively untapped source of secure irrigation water, and with the benefit of useful nutrients included.
“It can also be done by extracting when river flows are high and storing the water in a dam for use when river flows are low and crop demand is high.
“These options, used alone or together, are ways to help irrigators maintain their viability and make a profit and reduce their impact on the river system at the same time.” ■■ Contact Gary Creighton, Grafton, (02) 6640 1600 or Richard Swinton, Wollongbar, (02) 6626 1200.
FOLLOWING two recent cases of the rare Hendra virus in Queensland, NSW horse owners have been urged to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of their horses becoming infected.
NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, said Hendra virus was carried in flying fox populations and could be transferred to horses, then on to humans.
“Hendra is very rare – there have been only eleven confirmed incidents affecting thirty horses and six humans in Australia since it was discovered in 1994 – but it is a serious disease that is often fatal,” he said.
“Current knowledge indicates that Hendra virus is spread to horses through the contamination of horse feed by flying fox body fluids like urine and birthing fluids.
“If this is indeed the case, protecting horse feed from contamination by fruit bats greatly reduces the chance of infection.
“I advise everybody with horses in areas where there are flying foxes to take precautions, such as not placing feed and water under trees where bats may feed or roost.
“The safest option is to place feed and water containers under cover.”
Mr Christie said the potential human and animal health implications of Hendra meant whenever it was considered a possibility, precautionary measures would be required.
LEFT: DPI veterinarian Paul Freeman, based at Wollongbar on the NSW North Coast, checks a water trough placed well away from rainforest trees.
“Measures such as minimising contact with suspect horses and wearing personal protective equipment are important precautions to take until the diagnosis is confirmed,” he said.
“Although Hendra is a rare disease that does not spread easily, it is very serious, so we all should do whatever it takes to minimise the risks.” ■■ Visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/info/hendra
– TOM BRAZ
Horse PrecautionsHorse Precautions Horse precautions in areas with flying foxes: ■ Place feed and water containers under
cover ■ Do not place feed and water under trees,
especially trees with fruit ■ Do not use feed such as apples, carrots,
or molasses that could attract flying foxes
■ If possible, remove horses from paddocks where flowering trees have temporarily attracted flying foxes
■ If removing horses is not possible, take horses out during times of peak flying fox activity, usually at dusk and during the night.
Next MonthNext Month Agriculture Today’s
November 2008 edition, to publish on October 30, will look at the winter harvest
around the State, natural resource
management and the latest approaches to invasive animal pest
species. Let’s see how some of
Sydney’s top chefs make out at a special
Taste of Kangaroo lunch, catering to
members of the food service sector, to
increase their awareness of roo
meat and its benefits.
Editor Ron Aggs Tel (02) 4640 6457 Fax (02) 4640 6400
Production Editor Matthew Watson Tel (02) 4570 4444 Fax (02) 4570 4650
Circulation Distribution Inquiries Tel (02) 4570 4444
National Sales Melbourne (03) 9287 9000 Sydney (02) 9313 8444
Inclusion of any advertising - supporting material in this publication does not necessarily imply endorsement of the product or company by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. TL1629180
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Making NeMaking Newsws Tiger pear on the Barwon-DarlingWomen’s Award nominations RURAL women of all ages and walks of life are encouraged to apply for the 2009 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award.
Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, is urging any rural women with a goal or a vision they would like to pursue that promises to contribute in some way to their community or industry to apply.
Changes to the application process for the 2009 award will make it easier for some women to apply, with a project proposal no longer compulsory.
This year’s award again offers a bursary of $10,000 to the winner and a place in the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ course for both the winner and runner-up. ■■ Contact (02) 6391 3611 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/rwn/rirdc for details.
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BIOLOGICAL control measures to treat a tiger pear infestation discovered along the Barwon-Darling River between Brewarrina and Bourke have been taken in the past few days.
NSW weeds co-ordinator, Richard Carter, said cochineal insects were released to treat an isolated patch of tiger pear recently discovered at the site of an old farm dwelling, near the banks of the Barwon River in the Brewarrina Shire.
“The weed was previously not known to occur in Brewarrina Shire and its location on the river banks is of great concern, as it has the potential to readily spread downstream along river systems during floods,” NSW weeds manager, Richard Carter, said.
“In this case, the infestation appears to have resulted from its use as a garden plant at a now disused farm dwelling.”
Tiger pear is native to the Entre Rios region of Argentina.
Originally introduced to Australia as a pot plant, it now infests 200,000 hectares of land in NSW.
NSW DPI biological control
weeds officer, Gary Grimshaw, said the tiger pear (Opuntia aurantiaca) was a major pest in
segments covered with barbed spines which can readily attach to animals and car tyres, then
warm dry environments, making them a very effective control method in the
some areas of NSW with infesta spread rapidly. Brewarrina Shire. tions occurring along the Macquarie, Turon, Castlereagh, Gwyder, Horden, Peel and Hunter River systems.
The majority of these infestations started from plants being grown in home gardens.
Mr Grimshaw said the plant consisted of a cluster of small
“A single plant has the potential to produce hundreds of individual plants, as each detached segment is likely to produce a new plant,” he said.
Chemical control has been a proven form of control in the past, but the cost in most circumstances outweighs the value of the land.
Tiger pear is virtually impossible to eradicate, therefore ongoing monitoring and follow-up control will be required.
Landholders along the Barwon-Darling River who discover infestations of tiger pear, or any other unusual weeds should report them to their Council weeds officer.
Biological control of tiger NSW Department of Primary pear using cochineal insects Industries (DPI) and the Western
LEFT: Part of the tiger pear infestation near the banks of the Barwon River between Bourke and
Brewarrina and (inset) the thorns of a plant.
((0022)) 44557700 44667766,, 558811 00441188 229933 jjooaannnnee..mmaannsseellll@@rruurraallpprreessss..ccoomm www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/aboutus/ T
L167
3304 (Dactylopius sp.) is the latest Catchment Management Author-
form of treatment for this weed. ity undertook the work as part “While biological control is a of the Brewarrina to Bourke
news/agriculturetoday Deadline October 17
slower treatment process than Demonstration Reach project. chemical treatment, the cost ■■ Contact your local Council and time taken to distribute weeds officer. Brochures on these insects is minimal,” Mr chemical and biological control Grimshaw said. are available from NSW DPI
Tiger pear before and after the work of cochineal insects. “Cochineal insects thrive in offices.
New RLPB boards to start next January BOUNDARIES for the
Rural Lands Protection Board
structural changes have now been finalised and $3 million provided by the State Government to help implement them.
The funding will help deliver the major changes necessary to reduce the number of Boards from 47 to 14 and modernise the RLPB system, as recommended by an independent review.
Change management consultants from PricewaterhouseCoopers have been appointed to work with State Council and assist during the process.
The new boards will be operational by January 2009 and will continue to provide the same level of service to the State’s 138,000 ratepayers.
There will be no closures of shop fronts or reductions in local services.
Landholders can continue to visit their local RLPB office to order NLIS tags, pick up fox baits, or get help to fill out drought
need, even if they are returned to the Department of Lands.
Last year RLPB vets made more than 10,000 on-farm visits to diagnose problems, provide advice and respond to animal disease outbreaks.
This service will continue unchanged.
RLPB rangers co-ordinated 1400 group pest animal control programs last year.
This service too will continue unchanged.
New OJD era THE management of Ovine Johne’s Disease (OJD) is about to enter a new era in the wake of a major review of the NSW control program by former National Party MP, Richard Bull.
As a result of the review and on advice from the committee, I have decided
maintaining the scheme. After extensive
consultation, Mr Bull recommended that Rural Lands Protection Boards in exclusion areas report annually to local producers and the NSW Department of Primary Industries about achievements.
This type of reporting process will help ensure that producers are meeting the requirements to keep their local RLPB informed of sheep movements into the region.
The review also found producers saw benefit in industry being able to raise its own funds to run programs as required.
Producers also made it clear they were happy to put money into activities that show clear benefit to the industry and expressed a desire to see a break between the scheme for OJD and any future proposal.
A new Sheep Advisory Group will be formed to replace the former OJD Industry Advisory
TL1
6648
62 assistance forms. to wind up the OJD Committee. Travelling stock reserves Transaction Contribution This new group will take
will also still be made Scheme. a more strategic approach available to drovers and One of the tasks to consider sheep health livestock owners.
Farmers will still have undertaken by Mr Bull was to get feedback from
management in the context of other broader
ongoing access to NSW sheep producers issues affecting the reserves during times of about the viability of industry.
AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 5
Market foothold in city’s centre ONE avenue providing grow
ers on small farms in the Sydney region the opportu
nity to get a better price is now running in the centre of Sydney.
They’re selling their produce direct to consumers at a new weekly farmers market, The Cook and Phillip Square Farmers and Fine Food Market, next to St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney’s CBD.
The new fresh food market is a partnership between Hawkesbury Harvest and the City of Sydney.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore hopes it will help re-energise the square at Cook and Phillip Park and “build on the Sustainable Sydney 2030 vision.
“The local and regional fresh pro-
SydneSydney Basin Statsy Basin Stats FROM Wyong in the north to Wollondilly in the south and the Blue Mountains in the west, 847 of the State’s 1645 vegetable farms produce 20 per cent of the State’s vegetables including: ● 90pc of Asian vegetables; ● 47.5pc of lettuce; ● 42pc of cauliflowers. The Sydney Region imports 88pc of the vegetables it consumes from elsewhere in Australia and overseas.
– Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005-06.
duce straight from the farm is a catalyst for healthy and vibrant communities in and around the CBD, and will contribute to Sydney’s reputation as a great place to live,” Ms Moore said.
NSW Department of Primary Industries urban agriculture leader, David Mason, foundation chair of Hawkesbury Harvest and current board member of the organisation, says next year a similar market will open at Penrith in partnership with Penrith City Council.
The Harvest was the proponent of the Castle Hill market, opened six years ago, then moved on to negotiate the recent opening of a second market at the new Rouse Hill Town.
Customers are flocking in, supporting high hopes for consumer support for the farmers’ markets.
However, Mr Mason says there are still significant challenges facing the Sydney region’s vegetable industry, its more than 1000 veg-etable-growing families, and the community generally, related to the city’s capacity to make a reasonable contribution to its own vegetable supply.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures from 2005-06 indicate the total area of vegetables
DPI into Farming Small Areas Expo NSW Department of Primary Industries will exhibit again this year in the NSW DPI pavilion at the 2008 Farming Small Areas Expo.
The Expo will be staged on November 7-8 at the Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon.
The Department’s events manager, Kylie Davies, says there will be plenty for anyone with an interest in farming a small area, or with a love for fresh farm produce or a country lifestyle.
“Visitors will be able to learn about local Asian vegetables and how to cook with them,” she said.
Native plants and tube stock from the Forests NSW nursery will be sold at special Expo prices.
Horticulture and agronomy staff will help with identification and advice on pastures and crops, and
land management practices in the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment will be open to discussion.
“Kids can learn about the State’s primary industries with LandLearn NSW, there’ll be information on integrated pest management techniques – using ‘good bugs’ to reduce pesticides,” Ms Davies said.
“You can also enrol in a PROfarm short course or look through a large selection of publications and resources available from the DPI Book-shop.”
NSW DPI is a major sponsor of the Expo.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore with Schofields vegetable grower, Andrew Muscat, at Hawkesbury Harvest’s first Cook and Phillip Square Farmers and Fine Food Market in the heart of the city.
grown in the region is up to 1500 hectares with two to three harvests per year on that area.
Approximately 250 hectares are under greenhouse production.
“ABS figures indicate the South West Growth Centre will wipe out 186 vegetable farms in the Liverpool local government area alone,” NSW Department of Primary Industries urban agricul
Cumberland nursery manager, Trevor Joseph.
ture leader, David Mason, said. “The increasing cost of fertilisers
and availability of resources, such as water, challenge security of tenure and are critical to the sustainability of Sydney’s vegetable industry.
“High production costs make gaining an equitable price in the market place a crucial challenge.
The benefit to community health
from partial self sustainability, food security, and the carbon footprint of food production in the region compared with other parts of the State are all part of assessing what level of production is reasonable for Sydney to contribute, Mr Mason said. ■■ Contact David Mason, Richmond, 0411 128 456, [email protected]
We’re here to work with you in restoring and maintaining the vitality of the environment in the Lachlan catchment. Whether you’re a small or large landholder, community group, or local agency, we provide advice, professional development, strategic planning, and practical assistance for the work you want to do on your patch. Located in ten offices throughout the catchment area, our staff are easy to access and can help you identify, plan and implement natural resource management, environmental and sustainable farming projects. Contact your local Lachlan CMA office to find out more: Boorowa, Young, Cowra, Temora, Grenfell, Forbes, Parkes, West Wyalong, Condobolin and Hillston.
www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au 1800 885 747TL1664458
Together We’re Making a Difference
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL
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• Feature Exhibit - Country Women’s Association of NSW
• “A Slice of Rural Life” Art Competition and Sale
• Edwena Mitchell’s Famished Cafe TL1664671
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6 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
Making NeMaking Newsws Conference tackles pest animals WILD dogs and rabbits will top the bill at a pest animal control conference at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, from September 30 to October 2.
The conference aims to bring together land managers from around NSW who have responsibility for pest animal management.
Lachlan Catchment Management Authority and NSW DPI are also offering local landholders three workshops, in Hillston on October 14, Forbes October 15, and Crookwell October 16. ■■ Contact David Croft, (02) 6938 1986, 0427 401 642 or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pestsweeds/vertebrate-pests/general/pacc for the Wagga conference; Shane Adams, (02) 6391 3891 for Lachlan CMA workshops.
TYRES
Organic research vineyard TWO hectares of Sauvignon
Blanc and Tempranillo grape vines are now in the
ground in a new organic research vineyard at Bathurst.
Once a total of 3500 vines are established, researchers will be able to study the effect of different organic practices on the soil, and grape and wine quality at the Bathurst agricultural research and advisory station.
Other research work will be done on establishing vine training systems for organic vines, the development of cost effective weed control methods, determining the efficacy of organic pest control products and developing better methods of supplying nutrients to vines.
The site will also be used to demonstrate best management
practice for organic vineyards, and recently hosted the Biological Farmers of Australia’s (BFA) organic roadshow.
NSW Department of Primary Industries organic horticulturist, Karen O’Malley, said much work had been completed prior New slashing technology suited to organic systems was demonstrated at the Bathurst to planting, to ensure the vine- agricultural research and advisory station during the Biological Farmers of Australia’s (BFA) yard met organic standards. organic roadshow.
“Specially treated wood posts were used and a mustard green “We will expand the vineyard Farming, where the Depart- “Farmers and the public are manure crop was grown to natu- next year and include more ment’s food industry develop- looking at organics versus con-rally suppress weeds, diseases, grape varieties and beneficial ment manager, Scott Seaman, ventional farming in the context insects and nematodes,” Ms insectary plants.” says organic farming in NSW of long-term rising commodity O’Malley said. New data commissioned by has significant growth poten- prices, climate change and
“An irrigation system has now BFA reveals NSW has more tial. drought, with consumers inc-been installed and the mustard organic operations than any “Opportunity for organic farm- reasingly interested in sustain-crop has been slashed. other State. ing has been highlighted in ability and ethics of food pro
“Once planting is complete a The grape plantings are a mile- recent market research and the duction.” legume crop will be planted stone in the development of the NSW Government seeks to be ■■ Contact Scott Seaman or between the rows to fix nitrogen DPI’s Bathurst site to incorpo- involved in that growth,” Mr Karen O’Malley, Bathurst, into the soil in a natural way. rate the NSW Centre for Organic Seaman said. (02) 6330 1200.
Education to overcome isolation STRONG community support Condobolin Research Centre. work placement week to stu- including monitoring water sup-and dedicated teaching staff at The program was this year’s dents since 1995. plies, handling livestock, opera-seven schools in the Western regional winner of the NSW “This year students erected 200 tional maintenance of machin-Region are providing primary Training Awards that recognise metres of fence, slashed lucerne ery, basic first aid, occupational industries employment skills to schools of excellence in Voca- on the irrigation area, went lamb health and safety and others students. tional Education and Training. marking and handled cattle in according to the teacher’s quali-
Schools at Tullibigeal, Totten- “For us to be successful in VET yards,” Trangie manager, Anne fication. ham, Trundle, Tullamore, Yeoval, we have to have strong links Mabey, said. Students have been trained in Peak Hill and Trangie form the with industry,” said Principal “All these activities would have chemical application, BEEline Western Access Program, offer- of Tullamore Central School, been undertaken by our staff but tractor and ride-on operations, ing students the chance to study Ros Bell, who accepted the in this case the students did the fencing, livestock handling, the a range of vocational courses award. job supervised by our staff and use of spray equipment and that provide links to industry The course requires 70 hours teachers.” slashers. and enable them to gain recog- of work placement in an industry Courses offered by the pro- Students have been employed nised qualifications. setting for students to demon- gram include primary industries, and gained traineeships in stock
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NSW Department of Primary Industries supports the program with links to Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, Murrumbidgee College at Yanco, and
strate and be assessed in competencies learned at school.
The Trangie Agricultural Research Centre has provided support for the program to provide
hospitality, information technology, retail, and business services.
The primary industries course covers units of competency
and station outlets, abattoirs, local properties and a number have enrolled in further education and training either at TAFE or university.
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AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 7
His brilliant career LEADER of the laboratory
team that so effectively helped eradicate the
State’s equine influenza outbreak earlier this year, Dr Peter Kirkland, has won the Animal and Plant Sciences category in the 2008 NSW Scientist of the Year awards.
Dr Kirkland, head of the virology laboratory at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Camden, is considered an international authority on livestock diseases.
“The NSW award recognises Dr Kirkland’s crucial role during the outbreak and his significant contribution to animal sciences in his 33 year career,” Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said.
Dr Kirkland and his virology team provided rapid diagnosis and high throughput testing that limited the spread and
have taken much longer, cost millions of dollars more and caused further hardship to those dependent on horses for their income,” Mr Macdonald said.
Beating EI was a major milestone in a career of consistently high achievement which Dr Kirkland began with the former NSW Department of Agriculture at Newcastle in 1975.
He has been instrumental in major breakthroughs, identification of new diseases and the development of important diagnostic tests and vaccines.
He led laboratory responses to successive outbreaks of avian influenza and the $70 million outbreak of Newcastle disease in poultry in 1999.
In 2003, when an unknown syndrome resulted in the deaths of thousands of piglets, Dr Kirkland’s laboratory used
Dr Kirkland’s team also developed a routine diagnostic test for pestiviruses, an effective vaccine for Akabane virus in cattle, both adopted globally, and produced rabbit calicivirus for field release in Australia and New Zealand.
This year Dr Kirkland became a Designated Expert in animal health for the World Health Organisation.
EMAI’s virology laboratory is now ranked as a World Reference Laboratory.
Many diagnostic services and discoveries by Dr Kirkland’s team have been commercialised and are now generating royalties for NSW DPI.
Mr Macdonald said the economic value to the people of NSW of Dr Kirkland’s work should not be underestimated.
“Dr Kirkland has saved millions of dollars by reducing live-
enabled eradication of the dis- reverse genetic engineering to stock losses and exotic animal ease faster than had previously identify the myocarditis virus disease control costs, generat-
International authority on livestock diseases and leader of the laboratory team that helped wipe out equine influenza, Dr Peter Kirkland, is NSW Scientist of the Year in the Animal and Plant Sciences category.
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been achieved elsewhere in the and contain it. ed millions more in revenue for Dr Kirkland was also a finalist world.
Around 135,000 EI tests were processed through EMAI, more than 2300 a day during the peak of the disease.
“Without the fast turnaround
The EMAI laboratories were already well known for having identified and eradicated the Menangle virus which caused severe disease in pigs and a serious illness in humans at
the State through the commercial application of his work and helped facilitate significant trade income through the international free trade of safe animal genetic material,” he
in last month’s CSIRO Prize for Leadership in Science at the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
He is president of the World Association of Veterinary Labor-
of samples, beating EI could another piggery in 1997. said. atory Diagnosticians.
Working on dry and semi solid lures ■■ From p1 develop dry lures and semi- Australia Ltd as well as “We want to do everything we
“The lures currently available solid lures that can attract the researchers from the Depart- can to keep them out of the for female fruit flies are usually female flies. ment of Agriculture and Food in country. liquid,” Dr Lindhout (pictured) These can be left out in the Western Australia, “Some of them said. field for longer and they do who will test the new aren’t particularly
“Fruit flies that are trapped not decompose the trapped lures on Mediterr attracted to exist-rapidly decompose into a sticky insects too quickly, which anean fruit fly. ing lures so we are mess, making them almost makes insect identification “They don’t have testing new formuimpossible to identify. much easier. Queensland fruit fly lations to see if
“As a result, most monitoring The lures being developed are programs use dry lures, which food-based attractants designed are easy to handle and long last- to be placed inside plastic ing but unfortu traps. nately these only The lures are used in combiattract male flies. nation with a toxin that kills
“This introduces the flies when they enter the other problems trap. because it’s the The lure testing is currently female flies that laboratory based, but in actually do the spring this year it will move damage so they into the field for testing in difshould be moni ferent climates.
and they don’t want they are more it, so whatever lures effective. we produce they will “If they are, they be interested in,” Dr could be deployed Lindhout said. to support the
“It’s also important Northern Australia for us in the eastern States to have an idea of how attractive the lures are to Mediterranean fruit fly, since that is a pest that we don’t currently have here either.
“We will also be testing our lures in Papua New Guinea under an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project.
“PNG has a number of economically important fruit fly species that we don’t have in Australia.
Quarantine Strategy. “It is important to monitor
where these fruit flies are, as with climate change their range may move further south.
“It is possible that the PNG flies will find Australian conditions more favourable.” ■■ Contact Dr Katina Lindhout, Gosford, (02) 4348 1965 [email protected]
More on “attract and kill” integrated pest management lures, nectarine dipping and blueberry marketing, p8-9.
tored accurately. “This project builds on earlier
work conducted by Andrew Jessup, who is currently working in Vienna.”
A Co-operative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity project, it aims to
“We are always looking for ways to improve our fruit fly surveillance, and a lure that is more effective at attracting and preserving female flies may help us to do this,” Dr Lindhout said.
Dr Lindhout leads the project, with support from Horticulture
Making NewsMaking News Camden dairy symposium HOW to keep good staff, succession planning, using overseas workers, equity partnerships and automation options to reduce labour needs – for example, robotic milking – will be keynote topics at this year’s Dairy Research Foundation symposium at Camden.
Dr Yani Garcia, FutureDairy’s project leader and organiser of the event, says the symposium will also look at trends likely to affect dairy businesses in the coming 12 months, such as grain availability and price, fertiliser price trends, carbon trading implications and global markets.
Symposium participants will tour FutureDairy research trials being conducted at Camden.
The annual symposium has a reputation as a relevant forum for farmers to find out about the latest research.
The event will take place on November 6 and 7 at Camden Civic Centre. ■■ Contact Sherry Catt, Camden, (02) 9351 1631, [email protected]
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8 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
BLUEBERRY growers willneed to adopt mechanicalharvesting to reduce labourcosts and establish a com-petitive edge from mediumto long term to lower pric-ing, if imported productgets access to Australianmarkets.
That’s the message from agroup of blueberry growersand researchers from NSWand Victoria, back from aninternational blueberrysymposium in Portland,Oregon in the US.
Group leader, NSW Dep-artment of Primary Indust-ries district horticulturist,Phil Wilk, said the tour andsymposium was a real eyeopener for the Australianindustry.
He said recent well publi-cised neutraceutical bene-fits attributed to blueber-ries had resulted in demandoutstripping supply andmany countries were nowexpanding production fromcooler temperate regions tomilder sub tropical areas toprovide year round crops.
“There is still huge poten-tial unmet demand for blue-berries worldwide and coun-tries such as China and Chileare planting large orchardsto meet it,” Mr Wilk said.
“China is counter-seasonto Australia but Chile, whichthis year signed a free tradeagreement with Australia, isnot, and their cost of pro-duction is approximatelyhalf ours,” he said.
“Chile has not made anapplication yet but weexpect them to be knockingon our door in the next fewyears, wanting to exportproduce.”
Chile’s bestshort term pot-ential will be inthe vastly largerUS market, coun-ter season totheirs.
However, theUS is among thecountries nowexpanding dom-estic productioninto milder subtropical areas tomeet its owndemand, which could pushChile to look for other mar-kets including Australia,particularly if our prices arehigher.
Australia is well placed toadapt to the market – themajor growing areas in theLismore and Corindi areasin the north of the State pro-duce about 80 per cent ofthe total Australian blueber-ry crop under sub tropicalconditions.
Technology is where Aust-ralia needs to catch up.
“In contrast to Australia,machine harvesting is com-mon in the US,” Mr Wilk said.
“They have blueberry vari-eties that can be handpicked when prices arehealthy for the fresh marketand later machine harvest-ed for processing when theprice drops.
“Some larger Australianproducers already machineharvest but only for the pro-cessing market.
“Orchard production sys-tems will need to be laid outfor future machine harvest-ing which may mean thatsteep land where manyblueberries are now grownwill be undesirable.”
It may be necessary infuture to harvest smallerfarms using smaller mechan-ical harvesters (pictured)owned by contractors orgroups of growers.
These tow-behind mach-ines are already being usedon some properties in the USfor harvesting young plants.
This would lower produc-tion costs which could thenbe passed on to consumers.
It is also hoped that lowerprices would increase dom-estic per capita consump-tion, considering Australiansalready know the healthbenefits of the fruit.
The Australian BlueberryGrowers Association isinvesting grower funds inmarketing and advertisingcampaigns to address theissue of low consumption.
More than 300 participantsattended the Oregon sym-posium, from countriesincluding Finland, Holland,Germany, Latvia, Estonia,Morocco, Peru, Argentina,Chile, Italy, Poland, China,US, South Africa, NewZealand and Australia.■■ Contact Phillip Wilk,Alstonville, (02) 6626 2450,[email protected]
In a world of blueberries
EFFECTIVE monitoring by horti-culturists has identified thecause of illegal chemical
residue on nectarines.The chemical diphenylamine
(DPA), widely used on apples andpears as a postharvest dip to pre-vent superficial scald on fruit, wasfound for the first time on nectarinesduring routine monitoring.
NSW Department of PrimaryIndustries (DPI) horticulturist,Lawrence Ullio, said there was noimplication of deliberate wrongdo-ing and growers were happy to receive help to correct the prob-lem.
“Diphenylamine is not registeredfor use on stone fruit and thePesticide Act (1999) makes its pres-ence on stone fruit illegal,” Mr Ulliosaid.
“We identified causes of contamina-tion after trace back, and interviewswith horticulturists, fruit whole-salers, packing houses and fruit
growers on the central and southerntablelands and slopes.”
The detection was part of thethree year Cleanfresh pesticideresidue monitoring project, con-ducted by NSW DPI.
DPA is only registered for use onapples and pears and helps protectagainst scald, a physiological disor-der that can cause brown irregularpatches on the skin of fruit duringlong-term cold storage.
According to the NSW FoodAuthority, DPA levels on all sampleswere well within the dietary intakeguidelines, and posed no health riskto consumers.
All residue violations on nectarinescame from packing houses handlingboth pome and stone fruit.
Mr Ullio says contamination canoccur when fruit growers and pack-ing houses conduct postharvest
operations on different fruit linesusing same equipment.
“Residues of DPA may still be pres-ent in dip tanks, packing and grad-ing equipment and this could resultin cross contamination,” he said.
Softwood bins are another possi-ble site for contamination.
They are widely used for harvest-ing fruit and can absorb DPA whensubmersed in dip tanks.
Over a season, DPA absorbed inthese bins could be significant.
Wooden bins are also used to storeapples or pears dipped in DPA incool rooms during winter andreused in spring to harvest stonefruit.
This may also contaminate har-vested fruit.■■ Contact Lawrence Ullio, SydneyMarkets, (02) 9735 9605,0412 436 871.
Residues on nectarines
ChacklistChecklist
Poster HelpPoster Help
Fruit growers can make the followingchecks to prevent possible DPA residueson non target crops:■ Triple rinse all dip tanks and packing
and grading equipment following pomefruit harvest
■ Store wooden packing bins in directsunlight to help evaporate any absorbeddip solution
■ Know the use pattern of borrowed bins■ Use plastic packing bins■ Follow all directions on the label and
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) onDPA
■ Test fruit for chemical residues as partof a quality assurance program
A SERIES of free colour postersabout nectarines is available.
The posters, funded throughthe Cleanfresh program, have arange of information onnectarine pests and diseases.
Posters are also available forstrawberries, lettuce, tomatoesand cucumbers.■■ Contact the NSW DPI SydneyMarkets Office, (02) 9735 9605or (02) 9735 9606.
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AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 9
LEFT: Ricardoes’ strawberry production manager at Port Macquarie, Rob Southey (right), says within three weeks, IPM friendly “attract and kill” traps recommended by horticulturist Lawrence Ullio (left) reduced beetle numbers so effectively that fruit damage ceased.
Attract and kill ANEW “attract and kill” houses, picking and eating “The first week we were
trap technology has fresh ripe strawberries. catching several matchboxes helped a greenhouse “Applying any pesticide full of beetles every few days.
hydroponic strawberry was not an option for us,” “By the third week the farmer in Port Macquarie to Mr Southey said. “We had to population was reduced to control a pest he had not find an alternative.” such a low number that we previously seen. NSW DPI horticulturist, weren’t getting any more
“Our first summer crop Lawrence Ullio, suggested fruit damage.” of strawberries had just new attract and kill funnel Ricardoes strawberry farm started when I noticed small traps, now widely used in will continue to use the traps black beetles piercing ripe fruit orchards around the during next season’s crop. fruit,” strawberry produc Sydney Basin and the Goul They grow their strawbertion manager at Ricardoes burn Valley in Victoria to ries on an A frame system tomato and strawberry control the pest. using white PVC pipes to hydroponic farm, Rob The traps have done away support the plants, sandSouthey, said. with the need for many fruit wiched within a rockwool
NSW Department of Pri growers to apply insecti slab, placed in each hole. mary Industries (DPI) iden cides. The nutrient solution is tified the insect as Carp Previously, insecticides regularly monitored for pH, ophilus beetle, generally not were applied to ripening salt build up, temperature considered a pest in straw fruit on trees, and on fallen and nutrient levels. berries in the Port Macqu fruit beneath trees, as the The two greenhouses hold arie district or more widely, main control measure. 80,000 plants and each can but a major insect pest of Mr Ullio, with the assis produce more than 35 ripe fruit, mostly in stone tance of Dr Mofakhar Hoss tonnes of fruit per crop. fruit orchards. ain, research scientist with The farm is trialling differ
Mr Southey faced a dilem the Victorian Department of ent strawberry varieties ma; there were no regis Primary Industries, helped from Australia and the US, tered insecticides for con develop a management pro with the aim of producing trol of Carpophilus beetle in gram to control the beetle at fruit for eight to 10 months strawberries in NSW. Ricardoes, using both traps of the year, to take advan
Even if registered insecti and improved farm hygiene. tage of farm gate sales and cides had been available, Only two traps were the “pick your own fresh Ricardoes had adopted an required, placed five to 10 fruit” experiences (pictured Integrated Pest Management metres from the farm’s two below left) that consumers (IPM) program for both greenhouses and one metre want. tomatoes and strawberries off the ground. NSW DPI provided the and were reluctant to use A synthetic pheromone traps to Ricardoes as part of pesticides. and synthetic odour of the CleanFresh pesticide
Mr Southey said infesta ripening fruit were placed monitoring project, which tion of the strawberry crop inside the traps, with a small helps growers reduce use of could not have come at a pest strip at the bottom. pesticides on fresh fruit and worse time. Beetles were attracted by vegetables.
The plantings were timed the smell of fruit and The traps are part of a to take advantage of the Jan climbed into the trap, to be commercially available kit uary holiday period when killed by the pest strip. of five, which cost $473. families could enjoy a back- “We were very impressed ■■ Contact Lawrence Ullio, to-nature experience by with the results,” Mr South Flemington, (02) 9735 9600, walking through the green ey said. [email protected]
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10 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
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FORBES Council is working on the premise that urban salinity management equals better urban water management.
After getting up to speed on the topic by taking part in NSW Department of Primary Industries urban salinity training in 2006, Forbes Council is putting the learning into action.
Lachlan Catchment Management Authority has provided financial support and on behalf of Council recently contracted the Cropsol Company to install a monitoring system, hardware and software which will provide Council with information to improve the efficiency of its watering system at five urban parks.
Cropsol will collect soil, water and salt data for assessment, using a proposed weather station, moisture probes, salinity
probes and electronic output water meters.
“We’ve identified exact sites for the company to locate moisture probes and piezometers, and with the data we’ll be able to plot water use and soil moisture changes over time,” the council’s manager of technical services, David Tinlin, said.
LEFT: Forbes Council will use moisture probes and piezometers to plot water use and soil moisture changes over time in four urban parks in the town.
Training Council staff to use this equipment is key to the long-term success of the project, so they are involved at all stages of installation and use of the tools and the monitoring of computers.
Forbes Council is taking advantage of a similar urban salinity project implemented by Dubbo Council.
With a more efficient water system, Forbes Council will save on its water bill and minimise impact of park watering on salinity levels, and so reduce the cost of urban salinity damage to infrastructure such as roads and buildings. ■■ Contact David Tinlin, Forbes Council, (02) 6850 2300.
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Hundreds hear about impacts of change INCENTIVE funding and
training to assist with long-term drought pre
paredness and natural resource management has fine tuned the dryland water management skills of 150 landholders around NSW.
The Farm Water Supply and Climate Risk workshops are one part of a broader drought management and climate change project delivered by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Catchment Management Authorities.
More than 750 people who manage more than three million hectares have attended other strands of training in the project, including Drought Recovery Strategies and Drought Water and climate workshops delivered by NSWPlanning; Stockplan; and Department of Primary Industries and CatchmentManaging Land Capability, Management Authorities educate participants onSoil Erosion and Ground- climate change impacts.cover.
Farm Water Supply and also contributed higher lev how much water was needClimate Risk workshops els of nutrients in water and ed to run both their busiwere held at 12 towns to sedimentation, reducing ness and their household. ensure good coverage in the farm and catchment water By focusing on water auditcatchment areas involved in quality and supply reliabili ing, planning and quality, the project – Albury, Bal ty.” the workshops enabled ranald, Berrigan, Bourke, The water and climate landholders to assess their Broken Hill, Cobar, Condo workshops educate partici water requirements, infrabolin, Deniliquin, Nyngan, pants on climate change structure needs and preInverell, Walgett and Young. impacts, highlighting the paredness for dry times.
“Decreasing water quality importance of effective land Almost all respondents as a consequence of more and water management on a indicated they either have, extreme climate conditions dryland mixed farm and on will, or will consider making was a key factor in concep a catchment scale. management changes after tion of the course,” DPI Paula Charnock, one of the attending one of the training advisory officer, Damien DPI team who helped deliv courses. Doyle, said. er the workshops, found The one-day Farm Water
“Higher temperatures, most landholders had an Supply and Climate Risk increased turbidity through idea of their current water course is now available stock disturbance and supply and future require through NSW DPI Murrumreduced inflows have exac ments but had not sat down bidgee Rural Studies Centre erbated biological contami to put the figures on paper. at various locations on nation of water. When working through the demand.
“Runoff, predicted to farm water budget exercis ■■ Contact Murrumbidgee remain erratic and extreme es, some participants Rural Studies Centre, due to climate change, has expressed their surprise at 1800 628 422.
AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 11
Fine tuningmaize water DURING low allocation years
water use efficiency (WUE) of maize is a real plus and
with good management many hybrids can be expected to have a WUE of 1.7 to 2.0 tonnes per mega-litre of applied irrigation water.
Most maize growers will budget to use eight to nine megalitres of applied water to grow a maize crop with furrow irrigation systems.
“Trial work over the last few years has shown further water savings can be made with all irrigation systems – furrow, spray and drip – on maize grown in the Riverina on five to six megalitres of applied irrigation,” district agronomist at Coleambally, Kieran O’Keeffe, said.
“These savings have been made through better soil moisture monitoring and more precise scheduling.”
Riverina maize performed well last season ■ February – good grain fill ■ March-April dry harvest ■ Some excellent water use efficiency
after early summer rain ■ Most crops used approximately seven
megalitres a hectare of applied irrigation water
■ Above average yields ■ Many feed varieties 12-13 t/ha ■ Best crops achieved 16t/ha
Good PerfrrmerGood Performer
Mr O’Keeffe said district agronomists and irrigation officers had been working with growers to increase the adoption of soil moisture equipment in both summer and winter crops.
“Use of soil moisture probes helps fine tune irrigation timing and can lead to increased water use efficiency,” he said.
Even though maize makes efficient use of water, it is considered more susceptible to water stress than other summer crops such as sorghum, because of its unusual floral structure with separate male and female floral organs and the near same time development of florets.
“Maize has different responses to water deficit according to development stages,” Mr O’Keeffe said.
“Drought stress is particularly damaging to grain yield if it occurs early in the growing season when plant stands are establishing, at flowering, and during mid to late grain filling.”
At the seedling stage, water stress is likely to damage secondary root development.
During stem elongation leaves and stems grow rapidly, requiring adequate supplies of water to sustain rapid organ development.
Water stressed plants are shorter and with reduced leaf area.
Three weeks after the crop
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Photo: Michel Dignand
District agronomist Kieran O’Keeffe shows Coleambally growers one method of soil moisture monitoring using gypsum blocks at the Murrumbidgee Shire demonstration farm.
emerges is a critical stage for yield when the maize ear is setting the maximum number of kernel rows around the ear.
The following weeks before flowering will determine the length of the ear.
The most critical period for
water stress in maize, however, is 10 to 14 days before and after flowering, with grain yield reduced two to three times more when water deficit coincides with flowering, compared with other growing stages.
During this period, ear growth is
susceptible to competition from other organs that are still growing, often leading to low grain numbers per ear and occasionally barren ears. ■■ Contact Kieran O’Keeffe, Coleambally, (02) 6960 1300, kieran.o’[email protected]
12 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
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What assistance is available Fixed interest rate loan up to $150,000 Repayable up to 15 years Repayments each six months
Some of the works I can apply for include: Soil conservation work Noxious weed control Improving stock and domestic water supply Upgrading/improving existing irrigation systems Hail netting De-silting/refurbishing dams Hay sheds and silos Planting perennial species.
Should you have any further queries about obtaining assistance through the Special Conservation Scheme please do not hesitate to contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 02 6391 3000 or toll free on 1800 678 593.
MORE than 2000 commercial irrigators operate in peri urban Sydney.
Many of them are town water users on two hectare holdings.
Below average rainfall over several years has resulted in water use restrictions introduced by Sydney Water.
The irrigators are also highly visible, resulting in intense environmental scrutiny by regulators and the general public.
Consequently, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the University of Western Sydney received funding to evaluate the capacity of two innovative technologies, to both reduce potable water use and limit off-site effects of any runoff from these peri urban farms.
The main objective of the study was to better understand the concerns and issues of farmers while evaluating KISSS sub surface irrigation technology and the Irrigation Water Recycling System (IWRS) under field situations.
“KISSS applies water directly to the root zone of plants with a minimum of water loss through runoff, evaporation and deep drainage,” DPI irrigation officer, Bill Yiasoumi, said.
“In this system, water is applied below the ground surface directly to the plant’s roots area, resulting in a significant improvement in water application over traditional drip irrigation systems.
“Also, since the water is applied below the surface, water waste due to evaporation is almost eliminated.”
Mr Yiasoumi said the IWRS col-
Berkshire Park grower Tony Choi (second from right) irrigates his Chinese vegetable market garden with conventional overhead sprinklers. DPI irrigation officer, Bill Yiasoumi (left), and Harsharn Grewal and Basant Maheshwari, from the University of Western Sydney, are encouraging growers to trial more innovative technologies.
Vegie demo farm’s irrigation THE new Sydney Basin field vegetable demonstration farm at Richmond provides a venue for growers to compare various irrigation technologies.
The farm has four 2200 square metre growing blocks and uses different irrigation technologies on each area.
Currently the irrigation technologies are drip tape under plastic mulch, district practice overhead sprinklers, low application rate – high uniformity overhead sprinklers, and sub irrigation.
“All irrigation water is drawn from recycled water sourced from the local sewage treatment plant,” NSW Department of Primary Industries irrigation officer, Bill Yiasoumi, said.
“The water is treated, mixed with stormwater runoff and piped to a ring tank adjacent to the farm.
“The potential water saving advantages of sub irrigation are attributable to the placement of the irrigation tube in or near the root zone of the plant.
“Consequently there should be no water loss to evaporation and if operated correctly there will be no water loss to deep drainage or runoff.”
The farm’s sub irrigation system is an Australian invention called KISSS Sub Surface Irrigation Technologies.
The product uses a geotextile to
lects irrigation and rainwater runoff from cropped areas during sprinkler irrigation and minor rain events and stores it within the farm for reuse in the next irrigation.
“Overall, the IWRS is designed to improve the availability of a farm’s irrigation water supply and reduce nutrient runoff,” he said.
The study adopted a participatory approach with eight farmers involved, and a number of other stakeholders.
An initial survey of target farmers found their ethnicity, technical knowledge, their individual perception of water scarcity and their eco-
LEFT: Irrigation Water Recycling System installation on the property of market gardener Bill Chu at Catherine Field.
nomic conditions to be important indicators to their commitment and motivation to test and monitor the two systems on their farms.
Other issues affecting them included the escalating costs of water and fertilisers, the considerable variability in profits as vegetable prices fluctuate and large time inputs required to market produce.
Mr Yiasoumi said many farmers were initially reluctant to get out of their comfort zone and consider either system over their current practices, despite the potential water savings and environmental protection.
However, through demonstrations, particularly of KISSS showing a faster wetting zone, uniform crop growth and water savings, they were encouraged to evaluate and monitor either or both.
The project is continuing and Mr Yiasoumi said early indicators pointed to considerable water savings from both technologies. ■■ Contact Bill Yiasoumi, Richmond, (02) 4588 2107, [email protected]
spread the water in both a horizontal and lateral wetting pattern.
An impermeable layer of polyethylene minimises the movement of water downwards by gravity, potentially allowing the soil to make full use of the water in capillary action.
A drip line (a readily available commercial drip tube made by Netafim) delivers the water to both the geotextile and the base polyethylene layer, at a consistent and predetermined rate.
The flow rates and emitter spacing can be adjusted to match soil conditions and length of run.
Emitters are spaced at 300 millimetres and the dripline is buried at a depth of approximately 250mm.
Mr Yiasoumi said 12 of the 24 beds in the block had been installed with one central subsurface dripline and
LEFT: A purpose built apparatus was used to install the sub irrigation system at the new Sydney Basin vegetable demonstration farm.
the remaining 12 beds had two driplines, one buried at each third point of the bed width.
The first planting in this block occurred in August and water use will be recorded and compared with the district practice of overhead sprinklers.
The water use of the single and double driplines will be also be recorded and compared with crop yield.
The demonstration farm, launched in May, also enables growers to compare and learn about seasonal vegetable varieties. ■■ Contact Bill Yiasoumi, Richmond, (02) 4588 2107, [email protected] or Leigh James, Richmond, (02) 4588 2160, [email protected]
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AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 13
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LEFT: Lack of knowledge of centre pivot and lateral move irrigation technology improvements, particularly among growers, but also managers and sellers, has led to development of training which has potential for worldwide application. Irrigation officer, Peter Smith, a driving force behind the training, is pictured with growers Gavin Bartel from Moree and Paul Regan from Talwood.
Portugal follows lead AUSTRALIAN adaptation of
centre pivot and lateral move systems is recognised inter
nationally as the best, since our irrigation conditions are more severe than most other countries.
Centre pivot and lateral move systems have experienced major worldwide sales increases, due to improvements over the last two decades, and practice in Australia has stretched the usual boundaries and produced new understandings of the technology.
“However, not everyone has gained this understanding,” NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) irrigation officer, Peter Smith, said.
“Limited knowledge meant there was a clear need to train growers, managers, consultants and even sellers of the equipment.
“While the technology is excellent, many people do not understand exactly what they’re buying, or in many cases selling, and how to set it up to operate most efficiently.”
Mr Smith was behind the development and presentation of a new course for Australian growers, with support from the CRC for Irrigation
Futures (CRCIF), of which NSW DPI is a core partner.
“It’s the only course we’re aware of worldwide which trains farmers in the basics of these systems,” Mr Smith said.
No sooner was the course developed and advertised than an inquiry came from the Internet, from an irrigation institute in Portugal aiming to improve water efficiency throughout their country.
According to Mr Smith, the Portuguese had encountered similar lack of knowledge of centre pivot and lateral move systems among their growers, managers and sellers.
After some negotiation, Mr Smith and the CRCIF’s knowledge exchange manager, Dr Kelvin Montagu, travelled to Portugal and spent two weeks helping to translate the Australian manual to suit local conditions.
They helped present the first course to a group of irrigation retailers, farmers and students.
NSW DPI is a licensed deliverer of the course in Australia, teaching irrigators how to get the best out of the technology.
“The course is aimed mainly at
those considering purchasing one of these systems,” Mr Smith said.
“It is also beneficial for people who already have them, and for retailers and consultants.
“To get the best performance from these systems, good planning, design and operation is very important.”
Mr Smith said he and Dr Montagu also attended the Sustainable Irrigation 2008 conference in Spain, where they witnessed international recognition of Australia’s credentials in achieving environmental outcomes.
“Australia’s climate variability requires refined management and our emphasis on natural resource management means we are ahead of most other countries when it comes to factoring soil and water health into the equation,” he said.
The teaching package came from a study done by the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture for the cotton industry, modified to apply to all crops and industries, from which a comprehensive manual was prepared. ■■ Contact local NSW DPI offices or the CRC for Irrigation Futures for details of irrigation courses.
Carbon myth busters NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) carbon awareness seminars developed by leading soil scientists to help farmers manage their response to the soil carbon debate will be launched at the Pleasant Hills Community Hotel on October 7 at 7pm.
David Waters will present issues relating to soil carbon in agriculture, including: ● Carbon cycles, soil carbon fractions
● Influence of management practices on soil carbon ● Whole-farm carbon dynamics ● The Emissions Trading Scheme
Registration is essential. RSVP by October 1 or 2 to NSW
DPI Wagga Wagga, (02) 6938 1999. ■■ Groups interested in hosting future Carbon Myth Buster seminars should contact David Waters, (02) 6938 1991, [email protected]
14 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
Effect of row space on sorghum yields
THE market outlook for grain sorghum in the coming season is looking reasonable, with prices holding around $200 to $250 per tonne.
This market outlook will change depending on the success or otherwise of the current winter cereal crop receiving useful spring rains.
NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Northern Farming
bance tines or disc openers,” he said.
“Correct nitrogen fertiliser rates based on target yields are of extreme importance.
“Results of soil tests and previous crop yields are a useful guide.”
With fertiliser inputs now very expensive, Mr Kneipp said it was essential to apply the best rate in rela
“Order seed immediately, because there has been a very high demand for most summer crop seed in the past few weeks and already some varieties are in short supply.”
Avoid planting too early (cold) or too late (ergot and
frost). Sorghum planting
should commence when soil tempera-
Monitor and control insect pests, particularly wireworms, sorghum midge and heliothis caterpillars.
“Making sure that you choose a variety with good midge tolerance should be the first priority and then make ongoing checks for both wireworms at planting and heliothis at grain filling,” Mr Kneipp said.
Desiccate maturing crops with
Looking reasonable for the summer
ANSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) trial has shown that skip row configu
rations in sorghum are unlikely to give a yield benefit in easterly areas such as the Liverpool Plains when sowing into good moisture.
DPI district agronomist at Gunnedah, Bill Manning, said the trial, which took place in the 200506 summer crop season, supported previous research.
“The use of skip rows in sorghum production can assist by saving water for grain fill and by delaying the onset of moisture stress,” he said.
“Sorghum roots grow at a rate of approximately 2.5 centimetres a day.
“Research and modelling has generally indicated that based on a one metre row, skip rows will only give a yield advantage where starting soil water is low, or in marginal areas where in-crop rainfall is less likely.”
Mr Manning said skip rows also had the effect of reducing top-end yield potential in good years.
DPI planted seven row spacing trials at Coonamble, Garah, Gurley, Pine Ridge, Premer and Winton using the variety MR
Buster. The aim of the
trials was to revisit the effect of row spacing on sorghum yields across a number of environments.
Trials were established on sites with good starting moisture profiles at 45,000 plants per hectare regardless of row spacing.
Trials were sown from late
October to mid November, seasonal conditions varied from site to site but were characterised by very hot conditions in January, (see graph).
Mr Manning said a yield benefit from skip rows was only gained at
two sites where difficult seasons were experienced.
“This work did not measure potential benefits of skip rows on limited moisture profiles or the benefits of extra moisture left behind after skip row crops,” he said.
■■ For more information, contact Bill Manning, Gunnedah, (02) 67 41 8366, [email protected] or Nathan Ferguson, Tumut, (02) 6947 4188, [email protected]
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Skip row configurations in sorghum are unlikely to give a yield benefit in easterly areas such as the Liverpool Plains when sowing into good moisture. Crops in solid planted rows like this one should bring $200-$250 a tonne in the coming season.
Systems technical specialist at tion to current fertility tures reach 16 a knockdown herbicide to has-Tamworth, John Kneipp, out- and stored water supply. degrees for con- ten dry down, improve harvest
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because stored soil moisture risen significantly in cost frost should also that will continue to tiller until it increases more quickly and and growers should have passed. either runs out of moisture or is deeply than conventional fal- assure timely and accu- Planting beyond frosted, so once grain is filled it lows, leading to increased yields rate application of herbi- early January can is wise to desiccate to bring for-and improved water use effi- cides. result in flowering ward harvest.
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“Select at least two sorghum hybrids that have the desired characteristics for your conditions and to spread production risk,” Mr Kneipp said.
conditions that allow ergot infections and also present grain drying problems at a late autumn har
vest.
Time of harvest can also assist with marketing plans and allows growers to store grain and take advantage of price movements. ■■ Contact John Kneipp, Tamworth, (02) 6763 1210, [email protected]
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AGRICULTURE TODAY ■ Thursday, September 25, 2008 15
Nitrogen balance critical Winter crop forecast down SERIOUS reduction of the winter crop forecast was expected, depending on whether significant rain fell in the past week.
Late sown crops, particularly in the north and west of the State, required falls.
At that stage, 4.58 million hectares was the total area predicted for harvest.
Wheat tonnage for NSW was predicted at 5.8 million tonnes, with 319,000 tonnes of canola.
Crops were moisture stressed in many areas, particularly the Central West and Riverina.
Making NewsMaking News
a series of recent road show including information on pow- Production Guidelines for the Spring Ridge, Narrabri and meetings, that while the best dery mildew, prevalent in many Northern Grains Region. Moree in northern NSW, and use of water is one critical fac- crops planted late last season. Tamworth district St George and Clifton in Qld. tor for any successful crop, the Australian Grain Accumulation, agronomist, Loretta Serafin, The publication is the
tems are on the billions of living more biological products, we Nigel Phillips, DPI organisms that inhabit soils, NSW have been receiving lots of pastures technical District agronomists Fiona Leech (Yass)
Workshop HighlightsWorkshop Highlights questions from growers about specialist at Wagga,
Orgill, said. systems. ments that make up the body of
Making NeMaking Newsws Farm Family focus MORE than 117,284 rural families and businesses have benefited from Farm Family Gathering events, held to help support the State’s farmers and communities cope with the ongoing drought.
More than 2126 Farm Family Gatherings, drought concerts
and workshops have been held across country NSW; in the past 12 months there were 409 events for 26,828 people.
Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald, said the popular events provided an opportunity for families to get off the farm, take a break, and “spend social time with their neighbours and friends”.
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SUNFLOWER prices are at competitive levels again this season – around $700 a tonne for monounsaturated sunflowers.
After reasonable falls of rain in northern NSW in early September, the area of early plant monounsaturated hybrids will be similar to or slightly bigger than last season.
District agronomist Loretta Serafin says measuring starting soil water is a risk management technique to allow growers to develop a set of yield scenarios with expected in-crop rainfall.
“Starting with a good base of 80-100 centimetres of soil moisture improves the chance of a break-even yield and means that any in-crop rainfall is a bonus that will lift yield potential,” Ms Serafin, based at Tamworth Agricultural Institute, said.
Ms Serafin told participants at
DON McCAFFERY Orange
yield potential,” she said. Ms Serafin said the increasing
cost of nitrogen fertiliser meant decisions on nitrogen management must be informed.
“The best way to manage your nitrogen is to budget for your crop’s anticipated performance,” she said.
Sunflowers remove 40 kilograms of nitrogen with every tonne per hectare of yield, so a crop’s nitrogen use is quite low compared with other crops such as maize and sorghum.
This factor alone appeals to growers and spreads the risk of planting a sunflower crop this season.
The sunflower road shows covered a range of agronomy, marketing and industry issues,
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“Nitrogen nutrition requires ■■ Contact Loretta Serafin, the correct balance – an Tamworth, (02) 6763 1100, or excess may reduce oil content, Don McCaffery, Orange, while a deficiency will reduce (02) 6391 3648. to identify practices leading to Federation and NSW DPI.
Focus on the workforce in the soil
and former Moree East district agronomist, Stephanie Belfield, collected information on 134 paddocks of sunflowers over three seasons
culmination of a three year project, Sunflowers in Northern NSW and Southern Qld – tools for success, jointly funded by the Australian Oilseeds
and Gabrielle Dyce (Orange) getting new insights at the soil biology workshop at
FROM the minute strands of fungal hyphae that supply their host plants with phosphorus, to the single-celled protozoan animals called ciliates that consume up to 10,000 bacterial cells per day to release plant-available nitrogen, it’s a diverse and busy life in the soil.
So they can better spread the word in challenging times about how dependent production sys
■ Complexity, diversity and role of soil organisms in farming systems
■ Methods for monitoring ■ Management techniques for
encouraging healthy soil ecosystems ■ Importance of carbon in soil
better yields and oil contents. The five road shows
attracted 130 keen sunflower growers and advisers and were held during August at
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) extension staff have attended a one-day workshop.
Interested staff met from around the State in Wagga Wagga and Tamworth to participate in Soil Life: An Introduction to Soil Biology, already delivered to more than 140 growers with an impressive response.
“With increases in fertiliser prices and the emergence of
tems,” course presenter, Susan ponent of agricultural
The workshop equipped staff to run the one-day workshop with landholders in their local area.
The Wagga event had a spin off when district agronomist Kieran
the role and importance of soil says soil biology is a
a fungus, strung together like a spider web. ■■ Contact Susan Orgill, Queanbeyan, (02) 6298 0806, [email protected]
ASERIES of recent sunflower road shows for growers and advisers was
the perfect forum to launch the new publication Sunflower
organisms in our farming sys- little understood com
O’Keeffe organised 20 landholders for a workshop immediately afterwards at Coleambally, which Ms Orgill helped him run.
“Just raising awareness of how to better manage our soils must lift overall district productivity,” Mr O’Keeffe said.
Wagga Wagga.
“The course puts growers and advisers in a better position to capture any benefits and dispel any myths,” Mr Phillips said.
Hyphae, by the way, are fila
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16 Thursday, September 25, 2008 ■ AGRICULTURE TODAY
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