Don’t delay securing seed

With paddock plans at various stages, there has been a good amount of inquiry for new crop varieties, many of which are in short supply.

So, a key message to farmers is do not delay in securing seed for sowing this year.

Three new Australian Hard, AH, varieties have created interest – the LRPB Nighthawk, LPB19-0392, Rockstar, IGW4341 and Catapult, RAC2484.

In the barley space, there’s eyes on Leabrook, WI4896, a mid-season potential malt variety.

Next year appears set to be an exciting year for barley releases in our area with anticipation of seed varieties WI4952, a mid-early season and IGB1705T, an Imi-tolerant barley. Keep an eye on trial data for these two.

On the pulse front, PBA Royal Chickpea, CICA1156, an early-mid high-yielding Kabuli, is new for 2020 and well worth a look.

There is also great anticipation around the new Imi-tolerant lentil CIPAL1721, that we’ll hopefully see available in 2021.

The early-mid dwarf oat, Bilby, also looks like a crop to consider, both for yield and with similarities to Bannister and improved quality.

There’s considerable interest in Kingbale, a world first Imi-tolerant oaten hay variety. Current information is that seed will be available for planting in 2021. Thinking ahead to 2021 and hay oats, Koorabup is a new mid-tall potential hay variety bred by National Oat Breeders and marketed by AEXCO.

Marleigh represents a new grazing and silage forge oat option.

Forage and hay oats in particular seem to be in short supply this year.

Recent forecasts of rain created plenty of activity on the phone from people wanting to make the most of a bit of moisture – some for soil health, some for forage and others trying to achieve both.

Tillage radish is a significant variety for farmers looking for an annual species that benefits soil health and provides forage.

If you are wanting to know more about the evolving area of carbon farming and emissions for your farm business, the Western District branch of the Grasslands Society of Southern Australia will be presenting a one-day conference, Front Foot Farming – Carbon Farming for the future, on February 26 at Hamilton Showground.

Front Foot Farming is supported by Carbon Farming of Australia, MLA, Landcare Australia, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and the Federal Government’s National Landcare Program. Register at www.grasslands.org.au.