IT doesn’t get more grassroots than getting the word from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, but that’s what Birchip Cropping Group is now offering farmers – and it’s free.
The industry group has spent weeks interviewing farmers and has now collated all those yarns in Over the Fence, a book launched on Thursday at the BCG members’ Christmas party.
All those farmers who made the final cut were invited to be part of the launch.
One of them, Wycheproof’s Adrian Coatsworth, appeared in the first edition of Over the Fence 16 years ago and is back, with his family, in the latest edition.
He opens up about his struggles during the intervening years and how family has made him reappraise his life on the land.
“It’s important to remember that no amount of money will suffice for time spent with your family,” he said in the book.
“When you need a holiday take it; the farm isn’t going anywhere. You won’t remember the extra kilometre of fence you got up, but you will remember the time spent camping with your kids.”
Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub north-west node leader Grace Hosking said the second generation of Over the Fence could be viewed through the lens of drought resilience.
“The series seeks to capture pearls of wisdom derived from lived experiences, share information and inspire innovative approaches to proactive risk mitigation,” Ms Hosking said.
“Additionally, the series puts a spotlight on the diverse business profiles thriving in the region, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of our local communities.
“BCG thanks all interviewees for their selfless participation in Over the Fence and the photographers who captured the magnificence of the landscape and people of north-west Victoria.”
Presenters at BCG’s Trials Review Day, to be held on Friday, February 23, will provide important results from the 2023 research year for growers to apply to their farming businesses in 2024.
The event, to be held at the Birchip Community Leisure Centre, is an opportunity for BCG members to reflect on the key learnings from BCG’s research and engage with relevant local researchers to make informed decisions in 2024.
BCG senior extension manager Kelly Angel said keynote speakers were already being locked in.
“The 2024 program will have a strong BCG staff representation with more staff members to present than ever before,” Ms Angel said.
“Performance of wheat, barley, canola and pulses varieties will be discussed, particularly regarding the best bets for Mallee, Wimmera and North Central regions.
“Insect activity in harvest weed seed control systems is another hot topic.”
As a members-only event, attendees will also have first access to the 2023 BCG Season Research Results compendium which will be released on the day.
This publication highlights the research conducted by BCG at the organisation’s 31 trial sites established in 2023.
The day was also an opportunity for members to connect, meet new people or catch up with other farmers, agronomists and industry representatives, Ms Angel said.
