Nova, Aurora, Aquarius, Genesis, Venus, Pegasis - all stars of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) lucerne breeding program will be on show in Tamworth during the ‘Irrigated lucerne for profit’ course this month.

Participants of the NSW DPI PROfarm course from August 25 until 27 will have the opportunity to inspect the breeding facility as they learn to learn to boost lucerne production under irrigation at Tamworth Agricultural Institute (TAI).

The two and a half-day course is approved under the Australian Government’s FarmReady Reimbursement Scheme and farmers are eligible for payments up to $1500 towards course fees, travel and accommodation costs, www.farmready.gov.au

NSW DPI agronomist and course coordinator, Mary-Anne Lattimore said the aim was to grow good lucerne crops by getting the most out of every drop of water.

"We also focus on producing and marketing high quality hay and silage, which remains in demand from livestock industries, "Ms Lattimore said.

"New growers who need to know the basics, more experienced growers who want to learn more and agri-business consultants can all benefit from the course.

"The interaction between farmers, researchers and trainers means a lot of ideas are bounced around and we usually send participants away with useful ideas and contacts."

Lucerne establishment and growth, irrigation, insect pests, diseases and weed control are covered in the course with hands-on field sessions on how to assess soil and monitor soil moisture for efficient irrigation.

Ms Lattimore said they would also explore the importance of feed quality for animals, quality assurance, economics and marketing.

"The course is delivered by NSW DPI agronomists, researchers and irrigation officers with field trips to TAI breeding program sites and local properties," she said.

Guest speakers will include successful lucerne growers and NSW DPI lucerne breeder Dr Shoba Venkatanagappa.

The breeding program was established 30 years ago when lucerne aphid wiped out most of the country’s lucerne pastures.

The program now delivers lucerne varieties which are resistant to insects and diseases and are bred for winter growth, yield and persistence under Australian conditions.

Each participant will also receive a comprehensive reference manual and a copy of the new book Producing quality lucerne hay.

For more information or to register for the ‘Irrigated lucerne for profit’ course contact freecall, 1800 628 422 or telephone Mary-Anne Lattimore, (02) 6951 2695. 

Digital photographs available bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Further reading

Lucerne Medicago sativa

Producing quality lucerne hay (book)

Summer crop gross margin budgets

Pasture species & varieties: Lucerne

Lucerne pests and disorders: the Ute Guide (book)

Media contact: Bernadette York (02) 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785