A new broadacre trial site has been established by Elders, focussing on agronomic issues faced by growers on the Eyre Peninsula and beyond.
The site is situated within the district of Lock, in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 380mm and boasts a loam-sandy loam soil type.
The Lock site investigates medic and tare control in herbicide tolerant lentils, pre- and post-emergent ryegrass control measures in wheat, controlling herbicide tolerant canola within the rotation, and also considers nitrogen and trace element strategies.
Elders SA technical services manager Lyndon May explained that the Lock site also has a focus on the emerging ag tech sector.
“This is an exciting opportunity to showcase ag tech to our clients at this site,” he said.
“We will be installing a weather station, and there are plans to bring in drones and other ag tech for different imaging to give more insight.
“For example, a weather station will help gather analytics which can correlate with any disease that may arise such as rust.”
Elders Cummins agronomist Jonno Forrest has been heavily involved alongside Mr May in the planning phases of the site and is now one of the site’s leading researchers.
Mr Forrest said it is a great benefit that farmers will be able to access local research.
“We will be looking at providing novel solutions for serious issues that grain growers in the region are faced with,” he said.
“There will be multiple days throughout the season where growers and advisors within the Elders network will be invited to come along and see the trials at the different crop growth stages.
“By attending, you are likely to learn valuable information that can be used within your business to help combat agronomic issues that threaten yield potential of local crops.”
Elders Eyre Peninsula area manager David Fleming reiterated the benefits of the site for the local farming community.
“We are pleased that we can help contribute to ongoing improvement in farming systems and give our customers exposure to opportunities.
“Our clients can now see first-hand how plants react to applications of different herbicides and potentially new seed varieties. The trial site is based in a dryland cropping area which can be related to many different areas across the Eyre Peninsula.”
Dates for the trial site open days have not yet been set, but those interested in attending are encouraged to get in touch with their local Elders branch for more information.
