Broadleaf crops under microscope at Cowra

Concern about the likely implications of disease in 2006 resulting from the large areas sown to wheat this season has prompted NSW Department of Primary Industries to organise a pulse and canola field day at Cowra next week.

Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station will host the field day organised by NSW DPI in collaboration with Pulse Australia on Tuesday September 20 starting at 10am and finishing at 2.30pm.

Farmers will have the opportunity to see a variety of pulse crops and canola grown under best management guidelines.

NSW DPI research agronomist Ashley Mead said the declining profitability of canola coupled with a run of dry seasons had seen the area sown to canola drop dramatically since 2000.

‘The area of pulse crops has also dropped due to a delayed start to the current season, increased livestock profitability as well as farmers’ keenness to minimise risk,’ Mr Mead said.

‘In contrast the area sown to cereals has increased to almost 85 per cent of the cropped area in this region because of the shift away from these broadleaf crops.

‘This large wheat area has major disease implications for 2006, especially in those paddocks where wheat has been grown for at least two consecutive years.

‘It’s important that farmers review their rotations and look to break crops such as canola and lupins to ensure continued high yielding wheat crops beyond 2005.’

Mr Mead said all the crops in the demonstration could have a positive impact on a sustainable winter crop rotation for both grain growers and mixed farmers.

He said the crops were being compared for their ease of growing, profitability and benefits to the following wheat crop.

‘Each crop is being grown on 0.5 hectare blocks rather than small plots as usually happen in research trials,’ Mr Mead said.

‘The broadleaf crops have been sown as part of a rotation project looking at their value in medium to high rainfall regions as a stand alone crop, as well as the flow on effect to a dual purpose wheat crop in the following year.

‘Crops include Albus and narrow leaf lupins, field peas, lentils, chickpeas, faba beans, and canola with the varieties selected mostly recent releases showing good potential in this region for increased profits.

‘These crops are also being compared with larger areas of high density legume pasture and a field pea oat mix that are both being grown for silage.’

Farmers attending the field day will have the opportunity to compare the performance of all cropping strategies for silage, stockfeed and human consumption grains.

Mr Mead said the field day would provide plenty of opportunities for farmers to talk to broadleaf crop specialists from Wagga Wagga, Temora, Yenda, Orange, Narromine and Cowra.

Cowra Rotary Club will be preparing lunch for field day participants.

Further information on the field day is available from Cowra DPI office on 02 6349 9777.

Media contacts: Robyn Yeo on 02 6881 1233 or Brett Fifield on 02 6391 3311.