Agronomy plots to showcase new release cereal varieties

Farmers will be able to inspect 39 winter and spring wheat, barley and oat varieties sown across the demonstration plots at this year’s Henty Machinery Field Days.

The Henty Machinery Field Days Co-operative has partnered with Rutherglen company Baker Seed Co to present the cereal varieties for field day patrons.

The two-hectare demonstration plot provides a visual comparison of varieties, that is an effective way to promote discussion and support of varietal selection for growers.

The cereal trials were direct drilled by Kaylx on May 12. All varieties have been set up for success with the site having been limed prior to the season at 2 tonnes/ha, followed by a burn pre-sowing.

At sowing, the plots received 80kg/ha of Impact treated MAP drilled with the seed and 100kg/ha of urea placed below the seed.

The target plant population of the site is 180 per square metre. All crop types have emerged well and are looking good.

In front of the demonstration plots a Baker Seed Co clover blend (high density legume mix) has been sown with a new variety of field peas, Bondi.

Bondi is a Seednet variety which is a Kaspa type. The peas will be sprayed out post field days to help improve nitrogen availability and organic matter for the following seasons demonstration plots.

In collaboration with Cropmark seeds, Baker Seed Co will have planter boxes on display at the field days with different pasture varieties.

The varieties may be of interest to growers to sow together or make up part of a mix.