BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s main field day in Nullawil on September 11 will showcase the latest advancements in pulse agronomy.
BCG research and extension officer Kelly Angel, Agriculture Victoria’s Audrey Delahunty, SARDI’s Stuart Nagle, and Jason Brand, from Frontier Farming Systems, will present breakthroughs in pulse variety selection, disease management, and end-use strategies to enhance the role of pulses in farming systems.
“The dry season we’ve experienced in the region underscores the importance of yield stability in ensuring profitability when growing pulses in challenging conditions,” Ms Angel said.
“Newer pulse varieties are increasingly showing a yield advantage compared to older ones.”
A highlight of the day will be the pulse super session, where experts will discuss new vetch varieties entering the market.
The session will cover the various end uses of vetch – grazing, hay, brown manure, and grain – and their impact on subsequent crops.
Understanding these legacy effects is key to optimising crop rotations and improving soil health.
BCG is investigating the performance of existing pulse varieties while also offering an exclusive preview of soon to be released varieties.
With both vetch and pulse experts on hand, growers will have the opportunity to ask questions about the management of these crops.
Given the early onset of severe Ascochyta blight in lentils across many areas in 2023, disease management will be another key focus of the day.
Discussions will explore variety responses, resistance ratings, and the critical timing of product applications to manage diseases like Ascochyta blight and Botrytis grey mould effectively.
The field day offers the latest in local agronomic research to farmers, agronomists, and advisors.
In addition to pulse agronomy, the event will cover new cereal varieties, canola establishment, long coleoptile wheat, and disease management in wheat and barley.
Tickets are available for purchase on the BCG website. Visit bcg.org.au/events for more information and purchasing options.
