Birchip Cropping Group chief executive Fiona Best and her team have their hands full.
Possibly more than at any time in the group’s history.
Because right now BCG is running its biggest research program – which includes delivering the National Variety Trials in partnership with the Grains Research Development Corporation.
Ms Best said BCG will deliver the NVT across the Mallee, Wimmera and North Central regions in parallel with the research group’s own trial sites.
“This year we have 50 of those across the region, with the most recent sown this week at Ouyen and Hopetoun,” she said.
“We are looking at everything from vetch trials, and a number of new varieties.
“We also think the current season is looking good, even though the top 10cm is starting to dry out a bit – although even that varies across the region.
“But much of the Wimmera and Mallee has subsoil moisture and although we did get an overnight shower on Monday, followed by a cool change on Tuesday after 27C the day before.
“At the same time it is important we keep going with our strategy of bringing up our crops evenly this year.”
Young farmers are encouraged to register for Agriculture Victoria’s ‘Cultivating Futures in Farming’ Mentor Program.
Agriculture recovery officer Tanya Dobrijevic said the free program will provide those in grains or mixed farming enterprises with the tools and resources to enhance their farm business management.
“Participants will improve their skills and knowledge to better prepare for and manage risk, adapt to change and strengthen their farm businesses,” she said.
“Past participants have benefitted from the clarification of business goals and drawing focus to the roadblocks to achieving these goals.”
The program, delivered in partnership with Pinion Advisory, will provide mentoring on a variety of topics including:
• Risk management.
• Opportunity identification.
• People management.
• Leasing and share farming.
• Natural resource management.
“For anyone thinking about joining the course, we are holding a webinar to provide an overview of the program and topics that will be covered, plus a chance to meet the facilitators,” she said.
It will be held on Thursday, May 16, from 12 pm and you can register at https://bit.ly/3TbaNYT
For more information or to register your expression of interest to join the course, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/networks/young-farmers/cultivating-futures-in-farming
Please note there are limited places available.
