As we push towards the end of what has been a challenging year it’s easy to focus on finishing the crush and not on how we can start preparing for next year.
Soil sampling should be a vital part of every farms strategy to ensure our fallows are ready for next year’s planting and the subsequent crops.
Here are a few simple tips to help you get the most from your soil sampling to ensure you get the best possible results of your soils nutrient status.
If you’d like to discuss any soil sampling related topics with one of our Extension Agronomist, or loan one of our soil sampling augers, call the HCPSL office on 47761808.
With the support of Project CaNE, funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, HCPSL is offering Herbert growers the opportunity to receive free EM mapping. The Project CaNE EM mapping initiative is open to all Herbert sugarcane growers and will run until January 2025.
The initiative includes access to agronomic advice from Project CaNE Extension Agronomists and drone technology that will assist with the investigation and validation of crop management decisions based on EM mapping, soil testing and crop productivity constraints.
Growers seeking more information or wanting to register their interest in being involved in the EM mapping initiative should contact our HCPSL GIS officer Rod Nielson by calling the HCPSL office on 47761808.
On Tuesday the 25th of July, HCPSL was on show with Herbert grower representatives attending a bus trip to HCPSL sites. Representatives from ACFA, AgForce, Herbert River CANEGROWERS and HCQR, as well as HCPSL Board members and staff, got to view firsthand the on-ground services and extension activities that HCPSL delivers to the Herbert cane industry.
Photo above- Lawrence Di Bella (HCPSL Company Manager) and Rhiannan Harragon (HCPSL Field Agronomist) discussing Approved Seed cane options and tissue culture.
Grower representatives had presentations or viewed firsthand the following:
Visited the HCPSL Ingham Line, Central and Macknade Approved Seed plots.
Discussed different Approved Seed methods available to growers.
A presentation from Adrian Mizzi on their grower group concerning how they have combined their resources to better utilise Approved Seed cane from the HCPSL Approved Seed program.
The tissue culture plants to be planted out by HCPSL and growers in the next few weeks.
Visited the HCPSL Ratoon Variety Trial at the Orient to see varieties grown on sodic soils.
An update from Project CaNE and Project Catalyst projects.
An update on the HCPSL GPS basestation network and precision agriculture services provided by HCPSL.
An update on the Hinchinbrook Community Feral Pig Management Program and Project Squealer.
The activities and extension services HCPSL undertakes and provides in weed and pest management.
HCPSL’s role in the Soil CRC, the research undertaken and outcomes from this program that will benefit the local industry.
Rhiannan Harragon (HCPSL Field Agronomist) also presented data on the number of growers who requested RSD testing of seed cane for planting and the level of RSD infection. To date it was revealed that 69% of growers had not tested their seed cane prior to planting and that 9% of the samples tested were infected with RSD. The grower representatives all agreed it is very concerning growers were not testing their seed cane sources before planting and that there was a high level of RSD infection in growers seed cane. Growers are urged to purchase Approved Seed cane from HCPSL to curb the infection of RSD in commercial cane crops and to take advantage of the free seed cane inspection service HCPSL provides.
The day was very successful with Grower representatives leaving satisfied with the services being provided by HCPSL to their members.
Photo above- Adam Royle (HCPSL Senior Extension Agronomist) and Luke Buono (JCU Tropwater Water Quality Technician) presenting to the delegates.
For more information on the services offered by HCPSL please refer to the company website- www.hcpsl.com or contact the Company Manager- Lawrence Di Bella.
The Soil CRC research community is looking forward to the Soil Science Australia conference being held in Darwin at the end of June.
As well as the chance to spend a few days in warmer climes for most of us, it is a great opportunity to for Soil CRC researchers and students to present their work to their peers and to hear about other research being undertaken across Australia. Read more about the Soil CRC’s contribution to this conference below.
On the subject of conferences, planning is progressing for the Soil CRC Participants Conference in Launceston, Tasmania at the end of August. Watch out for registration details in coming weeks. There is plenty of other activity going on in the Soil CRC, some of which is highlighted in the newsletter below.
With current fertiliser prices, it is essential, now more than ever, that your fertiliser blend and rate is matched to crop requirements.
Taking a soil sample ensures you are not over or under applying specific crop nutrients. By taking a soil sample, a HCPSL agronomist can provide you with tailored nutrition advice, ensuring adequate crop nutrition and minimising unnecessary input application.
To make sampling easier, visit the HCPSL Office to borrow a soil auger.
If you’d like more information or advice on soil sampling, please contact HCPSL on (07) 4776 1808.
Project CaNE™ is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
Earlier this week, the annual Regenerative Cane Farming Forum was held in Ingham. The forum attracted over 85 growers, from various districts, from the Far North to the Burdekin. The event had a practical focus, allowing forum attendees to learn and gain knowledge from farmers who have successfully changed their farming system.
As always, grower innovation was also a key theme throughout the forum. Attendees had the opportunity to visit farms and see cover crops, controlled traffic, permanent beds, soil health, compost and new machinery in action.
The forum was greatly beneficial for both growers and industry professionals. The event allowed attendees to build on existing knowledge, share ideas, discuss limitations and connect with other like-minded growers.
Thank you to the forum organisers, Soil Land and Food and the Regen Cane Network, who put together a valuable event for cane farmers in the Herbert and throughout North Queensland.
Last week, HCPSL and Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS) hosted productivity services groups from across the industry at the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Group Conference. Productivity groups from Mossman to Isis were in attendance. Over 60 industry agronomists and advisors visited the Herbert to explore news ideas, discuss issues, and share findings.
Conference attendees visiting the Macknade site.
Over 2 days the groups focused on a range of topics, including – diseases, varieties, pests, technology, weeds, and nutrition. Throughout the conference, the groups discussed industry and district specific issues they faced.
Alike to the Herbert, delivering clean seed was a key triumph and core focus for many productivity groups. While RSD, pigs and rats were highlighted as common issues across various districts.
Initial presentations became the catalyst for extensive group discussion around methods for managing RSD and the effective delivery of clean seed. Conference participants then visited the Macknade site, where varieties were spotlighted. Presenters from across the industry explored the use of genomic selection, molecular markers and tissue culture.
During Day 2 the management of 2,4-D drift, weeds and feral pigs was discussed by the groups. Finally, the benefits of nutrient management, soil sampling and soil health were explored in detail by presenters. Presentations highlighted the need for soil health in sustaining productivity. To conclude the conference, interested participants were invited to visit the HCPSL hot water tanks at Victoria Mill.
Presentations and discussions from across the 2 days proved widely beneficial for all in attendance. HCPSL thanks all productivity groups and industry professionals who attended the conference and shared knowledge, contributed ideas and engaged in robust discussions.
HCPSL would like to acknowledge the following Sponsors of the 2022 Combined Productivity Services Group Conference – Wilmar, Nufarm, SRA and Burdekin Productivity Services.
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