Australian Growers’ Post

A survey targeting farmers and crop consultants was conducted during the spring of 2023 to gather insights and perspectives from agricultural stakeholders on their current practices, challenges, and concerns regarding #covercrop adoption in corn-soybean rotations and their weed management implications within the state of Wisconsin. According to survey results, 68% of respondents agreed that cover crop adoption has improved overall weed control in their farms/clients’ farms. Survey results also demonstrate a strong consensus (85%) on cover crops positively influencing water retention, with 98% agreement on their efficacy in reducing soil erosion. The most used cover crop species in Wisconsin is cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), being reported by the majority (96%) of the respondents, followed by legumes, such as clovers, pea, and vetch. Farmers are experiencing the weed suppression and soil health benefits of cover crops, but it's not all roses. When considering challenges associated with integrating cover crops into production systems, respondents ranked various factors by their perceived level of difficulty or concern. Cash crop establishment and growing season length emerged as the two primary concerns, followed closely by cover crop management cost, subsequent cash crop yield reduction, soil moisture availability, and cover crop management labor. The proximity of the relative importance observed for this ranking, indicates that there is no single reason that stands out as the most challenging or concerning. Rather, this ranking reflects the complex network of benefits and trade-offs farmers face when adopting cover crops, particularly when delaying cover crop termination until or after cash crop planting. We thank the 136 Wisconsin respondents for their time participating in this survey and for providing valuable information regarding cover crop and weed management in Wisconsin corn-soybean cropping systems. This survey was led by graduate research assistant Guilherme Chudzik with tremendous assistance from our #WiscWeeds team. For complete information, please check our #OpenAccess paper: Chudzik, G., Nunes, J. J., Arneson, N. J., Arneson, G., Conley, S. P., & Werle, R. (2024). Assessment of cover crop adoption and impact on weed management in Wisconsin corn-soybean cropping systems. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, 7, e70007. https://lnkd.in/e45SasTN Nick Arneson Grace Arneson Jose Nunes Shawn Conley

(USA 06.06.24) #growingproduce #strawberries Where are Chilli Thrips Hiding in Strawberry Fields? Right Here [AG: Why Australia Needs a National Platform Like Growing Produce] The article discusses the behavior and control of chilli thrips in strawberry fields, highlighting their preference for hiding in the crown of strawberry plants, which makes them difficult to detect and manage. Chilli thrips can cause significant damage, resulting in bronzing of leaves and deformed fruit. Researchers from the University of Florida conducted a study to understand the distribution of these pests within strawberry plants, finding that they are most abundant in the crown area, followed by the underside of leaves. This information is crucial for developing effective monitoring and management strategies. The research suggests that growers should focus their scouting efforts on the crown area to detect infestations early. Proper identification and targeted control measures are essential for managing chilli thrips populations and protecting strawberry crops. ----- [AG: Australia's fresh produce industry lacks a centralized national platform like Growing Produce (growingproduce.com) for comprehensive, up-to-date information and resources. Such a platform could provide a centralized information hub, educational resources, community engagement and policy advocacy for Australian growers. The absence of this resource raises questions about barriers to its creation, potential initiators and how growers can collaborate to demand and support such a platform. A national fresh produce information hub could enhance the industry's efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability in domestic and global markets.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gymbHz3M

(USA 31.01.24) #growingproduce #covercrops Taylor Farms Digs Into the Secrets of Cover Crops. Taylor Farms in Monterey County, CA, is delving into the benefits of cover crops, despite challenges like disrupted planting schedules and labor and machinery adjustments. With almost 15% of fields now featuring cover crops, up from less than 5% three years ago, Taylor Farms is committed to sustainability. Kim Horton, the agronomy manager, leads efforts alongside John McKeon and Wyatt Maysey. They aim to improve soil health and sustainability while complying with local regulations like Ag Order 4.0. https://lnkd.in/gRz5848F The team has observed positive results, including better soil retention during heavy rains in fields with cover crops. Horton experiments with various cover crop combinations, focusing on aggressive root structures, salt tolerance, and dense cover. Taylor Farms also implements other sustainable practices like minimum tillage, biological controls, owl boxes, insectary plantings, natural beneficials, and micronutrient supplementation to enhance crop health and reduce synthetic controls. https://lnkd.in/gCrmKg5e

🌾🌾 GROWER STORY Each year, GRDC's GroundCover follows a group of growers from across Australia as they manage the cropping season. Mitch and Emma Miolini farm with Mitch’s brother Adam and sister-in-law India, together with their parents Robert and Maxine. The Miolini family are fourth-generation farmers at Mount Walker in WA, 40 kilometres east of Narembeen in the central wheatbelt. Their enterprise is a mixed farm – wheat, canola, oats, barley and lupins and 1500 breeding ewes. Mitch says: The storm system Lincoln hit our farm in February. It was one of two cyclonic systems in two weeks that brought extraordinary rainfall events, dumping between 70 and 110 millimetres across the farm. Consequently, we were busy spraying summer weeds to conserve as much of this water as we could for the season ahead. Fortunately, we had an ample supply of herbicide on hand. Sheep are also proving a useful tool in our integrated weed management plan. The winds, which are a by-product of these cyclonic events, have been a concern as the country we have ameliorated using Plozza ploughs and deep ripping is vulnerable to erosion, and we need to ensure appropriate ground cover as soon as possible. We find a TTQ roller system can help us firm the seedbeds created from ameliorating the soil. We continue being busy ameliorating soils, Plozza-ploughing 550 hectares and deep ripping 400ha to alleviate compaction layers at depth. We tidy these ameliorated paddocks and headlands with offset discs and then need to pick rocks we may have brought to the surface. It is important to get cover on these paddocks as early as possible and – depending on rain – we usually try to achieve this in early May. Crop choices are Maximus barley, Bannister oats or Denison wheat. Cereals are good for stabilising and covering newly ameliorated country as they have vigorous fibrous root systems close to the surface and cover the ground well. For example, Denison is a slow to very slow spring maturity type suitable for early sowings. Five hundred tonnes of lime need to be spread and then we are back into spraying for weeds, including caltrop, melons, capeweed and ryegrass. We are keeping a close watch on herbicide-resistant ryegrass as we know, through our regular monitoring, that we have around a five per cent resistant population where it occurs across the farm. An aggressive integrated weed management approach to ryegrass is necessary and we desiccate crops before the ryegrass can set seed. We also use harvest weed seed management techniques, burning windrows and, of course, our sheep! Chemical fallow or a vetch/oat/tillage radish fodder mix for sheep usually follows on these problem paddocks and this year we are thinking of trialling a RoundUp Ready canola to also assist weed management. Hear more from our growers this year: https://bit.ly/3Kq6Coc 📷 Evan Collis/GRDC #GroundCoverOnline #GRDC #GrowerStory #SeasonUpdate

(USA 24.10.24) #growingproduce Field Scouting Guide: Common Purslane [AG: Managing Common Purslane - Effective Strategies for Australian Growers] Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) https://lnkd.in/gQ3KnQCq is a widespread, adaptive weed affecting vegetable crops, particularly in open, moist soils but able to grow in many soil types. This prolific seeder can regenerate from small plant fragments, making control difficult. Seeds remain viable for over 40 years, and plants removed post-harvest can still release seeds. Identification can be confused with other weeds like prostrate spurge, which emits milky sap when broken, unlike purslane. Effective control methods include pre- and post-emergent herbicides, soil solarization, and thick organic mulches. The biological control agent, purslane sawfly, feeds on it but doesn’t provide full control commercially. ----- [AG: This is what we know - Yes, common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is found also in Australia and is a challenging weed due to its adaptability, high seed production, and tendency to regrow from broken plant fragments. It often competes with summer crops, especially vegetables, for essential resources. To manage common purslane in Australia, herbicides are commonly used in both pre- and post-emergent applications, with crop-specific options recommended by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) or local agricultural extension services. Soil solarization is another effective method, involving covering moist soil with clear plastic for four to six weeks during the hottest months to kill seeds near the surface. Mulching can also help by applying a thick layer - at least three inches - of organic or synthetic material to block sunlight and prevent germination. Early cultivation after irrigation, targeting young seedlings before they reach three weeks old, is an effective approach to disrupt growth and reduce regrowth from fragments. Finally, although labor-intensive, hand weeding may be necessary in smaller crops to completely remove mature plants and help limit future seed dispersal.] ----- https://lnkd.in/gxiTDGy2

🌱Unlocking the Potential of Canola Farming🌱 Canola is more than just an oilseed crop—it’s a high-value, versatile option for farmers looking to diversify and boost yields. From optimal planting techniques to soil health and harvest timing, understanding each stage of canola cultivation can lead to high yields and strong market returns. Whether you're a seasoned #grower or new to the crop, discover essential insights for maximizing canola’s potential in this guide 🔎 ⬇ #canola #canolacanada #sustainablefarming

🚨 Important Update 🚨 The APVMA has proposed removing the broad claims that allow the use of paraquat and diquat in "Row crops, Vegetables, and Market Gardens" due to identified environmental risks, particularly their impact on wild mammals and birds. This means that access to paraquat and paraquat/diquat formulations will be lost for all vegetables and row crops, including melons. However, diquat will still be available for some vegetables and row crops (excluding melons/cucurbits). Melons Australia is working closely with other Peak Industry Bodies to assess the potential impact on melon growers. We need your feedback! 1. Do you currently use paraquat and/or diquat, including in combination? Yes/No 1a. If yes, for what purpose are you using it, and are there alternative chemicals or treatments available? 2. How would losing access to these chemicals affect your melon production and crop management? 3. Do you have any other details or comments that could help us prepare a response to this consultation process? 📧 Please send your input to [email protected]. For more details on the proposal, click here > https://lnkd.in/gJwz2krJ

Cover crops and crop residue can be a nutritional boon for the next cash crop. The struggle: releasing those nutrients. Concept AgriTek Eastern Agronomist, Brandon Poole shares the results of a corn stover trial last fall. #SeetheDifference for yourself: https://lnkd.in/geY8fcPS

Chickpea Cultivation: A Comprehensive Guide Growing Chickpeas from Seed to Harvest: Essential Tips for Successful Chickpea Cultivation https://lnkd.in/dZJsg5Mb

Cover crop adoption in the U.S. increased 17% from 2017 to 2022, and weed scientists, believe cover crops play an important role in weed management as well. Read this article to learn more about how growers are utilizing cover crops to help with crop management. #Vegetables #CropManagement #FeatureFriday