Cropping

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© 2025 SA Farmer

Cropping

Update on SAGIT-funded research into paraquat ahead of proposed restrictions

INITIAL results into research investigating crop topping at reduced rates of paraquat following the announcement of proposed restrictions on the widely used chemical by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have been...

Water repellent soil research underway

SOUTH Australian and Victorian Mallee grain growers will be able to better manage and mitigate soil water repellence, and its impact on crops, thanks to a new research project exploring management options. Soil water repellence causes the temporary...

Making every input count for the 2025 season

AS the 2025 season kicks off, growers across the Mallee are weighing every input decision carefully. Following a dry 2024, there’s real pressure to cut costs – without cutting corners. A recent Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) Farm Talk podcast...

Cropping land to be lost under rezoning proposal?

THE State Government and Opposition are supporting the rezoning of productive cropping land in Roseworthy, Two Wells and Murray Bridge that could supply an equivalent of 57 million loaves of bread, or 31 loaves for every South Australian annually...

Snail and slug baiting methods put to the test

A RESEARCH project is underway to aid South Australian grain growers to manage snail and slug damage in crops by optimising bait-spreading operations. Snails and slugs cause substantial crop damage and impose costs on the Australian grains industry...

Weather & Water

Brackish groundwater can be used to irrigate crops in the Riverland

A NEW chapter in groundwater treatment and resource allocation started a couple of months ago, aiming to improve the potential use and benefits of groundwater. A small reverse-osmosis (RO) plant was installed on September, in a small plot of land at...

Sebastian Calderon

‘Great day for all’ at 2024 Brown’s Well Crop Comp

DESPITE the extremely dry 2024 season, about 40 farmers and industry representatives enjoyed an amazing day at the recent Brown’s Well Crop Competition. Numerous crops were judged to be exceeding 2t/ha despite receiving less than 90mm of growing...

Saving moisture for a ‘grainy’ day helps growers

THE agricultural industry is breathing a sigh of relief after stats showed South Australian grain harvests were still strong last year despite limited rainfall in a number of areas and late frost. According to the Department of Primary Industries...

Grain growing starts again after record-breaking year

IT was a tale of ups and downs for Riverland collaborative grain producer Bulla Burra’s last harvest. On the positive end, the business completed one of its “best ever years” for growing, with yields high and prices strong according to general...

A bit of rain can’t stop a bumper harvest

NOVEMBER was touch and go for EzyBale’s Corbin Schuster, as he stared down the threat of water-logged and diseased crops amid record-breaking rainfall. But a late harvest was his saving grace as many of his crops came away unscathed to produce...

Kayla Den Hollander

SA sowing guide helps pick winners

A NEW crop sowing guide has been released to help South Australian grain growers determine the best crop varieties for their situation.

Industry Expert: John Lush - Mallala canola farmer, Adelaide Plains councillor

Was there confidence following this season’s harvest? We’ve finished harvest, and this was probably the best harvest I’ve seen in the 55 years I’ve been at Mallala. The canola was really good, the wheat was good and so were the lentils. Our...

State exports continue to boom amid China turnaround

AS trade ties with South Australia’s biggest export market, China, pick up after months of decline, the demand for the state’s exports continues to rise. In the 12 months to November 2022, local exports hit $15.9bn – up 22 per cent on the...

Spraying efficiency highlighted in new guidebook

The guidebook is available on the GRDC website

Fire index reviewed for grain harvest

A working group has been established review the ‘cease harvest’ threshold for grain harvesting in South Australia, with its first meeting to be held this week. The Grain Harvest Code of Practice (GHCoP) most recently relied on a Grassland Fire...

GPSA project exploring options for grain silo bags

A PROJECT looking at options to reuse and recycle grain silo bags in South Australia is under way, thanks to a $60,000 grant. Awarded to Grain Producers SA (GPSA), the Circular Economy Market Development Grant program – through Green Industries S...

Spray drift a high risk after wet summer

RIVERLAND agricultural producers preparing chemical control measures for crops have been urged to minimise the potential for spray drift damage. Grain Producers SA last month launched its Keep Your Droplets to Yourself campaign, aimed at educating...

Staff Contributors

Industry Expert Update

Industry Expert: John Lush - Mallala canola farmer, Adelaide Plains councillor

The second of four industry expert updates from the summer 2022 edition of SA Farmer. Mallala dryland farmer, John Lush, talks rainfall, financial returns, crop quality and input costs.

Farm safety reminder amid challenging harvest

Farmers are being given a reminder around safety and machinery maintenance as one of the most challenging harvests – due to higher-than-average rainfall – continues. “We know how challenging the harvest period is at the best of times, but this...

Co-investment model boosts SA grains research outcomes

A COLLABORATIVE approach to investing in grains research in South Australia is adding value to the benefits being delivered to Riverland and Mallee growers. The South Australian Grain Industry (SAGIT) and the Grains Research and Development...

La Niña impact on harvest

WHILE harvest 2022 would ordinarily be in full swing throughout November, croppers across the state have been impeded by storms and colder temperature. These conditions not only delay growth, but cause significant challenges with sodden soil...

Watch out for harvest trucks

AN anticipated large grain harvest in most parts of South Australia has prompted a safety reminder to motorists regarding the thousands of additional heavy vehicles on the road over the coming months. Grain Producers SA (GPSA) chief executive...

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