Burdekin RP161
One-on-one extension with growers
Since 2016, 237 Burdekin farms have successfully been involved in RP161. Building on the great work conducted through RP20, RP161 provided practical assistance and extension to growers and aimed to improve productivity and profitability while supporting the growers’ move to SIX EASY STEPS. The RP161 project also supported growers to meet their regulatory requirements and provideed a grower folder and USB so all information is in one place.
Through the project, growers received:
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Tailored, spatially mapped whole farm nutrient plan
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Agronomic advice for 1 year
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2 free items from the following list: soil test, EC mapping (up to 10ha), G-Dot moisture sensor, or water alert sensors.
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Assistance with a fertiliser box calibration
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Nutrient application data recorded in line with regulations
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All historical soil sample data spatially allocated
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Crop plans with variety and class analysis
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Google Earth training
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SIX EASY STEPS course
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Through the Farmacist managed RP161 projects, over $2.2 million worth of fertiliser input costs were saved across 561 farms without compromising yield or sugar production. These projects were focused on working one-on-one with growers to develop tailored nutrient management plans that maximised tonnes and sugar production.
A key aim of the projects was to work with growers to provide on-farm agronomy advice to assist with improving or maintaining yields. Initially, nutrient plans were developed to bring fertiliser applications in-line with industry standard SIX EASY STEPS recommendations.
During the second year of working with growers, further refined plans were developed which investigated suitable blocks for reduced fertiliser applications. This was particularly relevant for blocks following mill mud application or legume crops, where reduced fertiliser inputs would not negatively impact on yield.
The RP161 projects were supported by the Queensland Government's Reef Water Quality Program and the Australian Government's Reef Trust. The project operated in the Burdekin since 2016; in the Mackay Whitsunday region since 2018; and in Far North Queensland during the 2020-21 seasons.
During this time, many positive outcomes were achieved across all regions in terms of reducing fertiliser costs while maintaining crop yields as can be seen in the summary graphics. By working together we were able to achieve significant savings which will benefit farm input costs as well as water quality outcomes.
Farmacist would like to sincerely thank all growers who were involved in the project.
RP161 Project Wrap-Up
Through the Farmacist managed RP161 projects, over $2.2 million worth of fertiliser input costs were saved across 561 farms without compromising yield or sugar production. These projects were focused on working one-on-one with growers to develop tailored nutrient management plans that maximised tonnes and sugar production.
A key aim of the projects was to work with growers to provide on-farm agronomy advice to assist with improving or maintaining yields. Initially, nutrient plans were developed to bring fertiliser applications in-line with industry standard SIX EASY STEPS recommendations. During the second year of working with growers, further refined plans were developed which investigated suitable blocks for reduced fertiliser applications. This was particularly relevant for blocks following mill mud application or legume crops, where reduced fertiliser inputs would not negatively impact on yield.
The RP161 projects were supported by the Queensland Government's Reef Water Quality Program and the Australian Government's Reef Trust. The project operated in the Burdekin since 2016; in the Mackay Whitsunday region since 2018; and in Far North Queensland during the 2020-21 seasons. During this time, many positive outcomes were achieved across all regions in terms of reducing fertiliser costs while maintaining crop yields as can be seen in the summary graphics.
By working together we were able to achieve significant savings which will benefit farm input costs as well as water quality outcomes. Farmacist would like to sincerely thank all growers who were involved in the project.
RP161 Project Wrap-Up
Central Region RP161
Personalised agronomy support, tailor-made for the Central region
Central Region growers were invited to participate in RP161 (Central Region) – a project that gave them the opportunity to have local agronomists from Farmacist and MAPS work on their farm. This project was funded by the Department of Environment and Science. Participants received detailed farm management and planning advice, specific to their needs, to reduce costs and/or improve profitability.
-
A practical, whole-farm nutrient plan that considered specific farming circumstances, in-line with the SIX EASY STEPS industry developed nutrient management package
-
One-on-one extension from local agronomists to help with on-farm decisions related to weed control, irrigation management and other factors to improve production
-
2 free items from the following list: soil test, EC mapping (up to 10ha), or G-Dot moisture sensor
-
Assistance with a fertiliser box calibration
-
A summary of variety and crop class distribution, pachymetra susceptibility and ideal harvest time
-
Nutrient application data recorded in-line with regulations
-
Support from Farmacist and MAPS to document and review historical soil test data
-
Google Earth training to help with future nutrient management planning
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Nutrient management training workshops – soil pits, BYO soil for investigation, nutrient loss pathways, SIX EASY STEPS tutorial
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Phone access to extension specialists
Through the Farmacist managed RP161 projects, over $2.2 million worth of fertiliser input costs were saved across 561 farms without compromising yield or sugar production. These projects were focused on working one-on-one with growers to develop tailored nutrient management plans that maximised tonnes and sugar production.
A key aim of the projects was to work with growers to provide on-farm agronomy advice to assist with improving or maintaining yields. Initially, nutrient plans were developed to bring fertiliser applications in-line with industry standard SIX EASY STEPS recommendations.
During the second year of working with growers, further refined plans were developed which investigated suitable blocks for reduced fertiliser applications. This was particularly relevant for blocks following mill mud application or legume crops, where reduced fertiliser inputs would not negatively impact on yield.
The RP161 projects were supported by the Queensland Government's Reef Water Quality Program and the Australian Government's Reef Trust. The project operated in the Burdekin since 2016; in the Mackay Whitsunday region since 2018; and in Far North Queensland during the 2020-21 seasons.
During this time, many positive outcomes were achieved across all regions in terms of reducing fertiliser costs while maintaining crop yields as can be seen in the summary graphics. By working together we were able to achieve significant savings which will benefit farm input costs as well as water quality outcomes.
Farmacist would like to sincerely thank all growers who were involved in the project.
RP161 Project Wrap-Up
Personalised agronomy support, tailor-made for the Central region
Central Region growers were invited to participate in RP161 (Central Region) – a project that gave them the opportunity to have local agronomists from Farmacist and MAPS work on their farm. This project was funded by the Department of Environment and Science. Participants received detailed farm management and planning advice, specific to their needs, to reduce costs and/or improve profitability.
-
A practical, whole-farm nutrient plan that considered specific farming circumstances, in-line with the SIX EASY STEPS industry developed nutrient management package
-
One-on-one extension from local agronomists to help with on-farm decisions related to weed control, irrigation management and other factors to improve production
-
2 free items from the following list: soil test, EC mapping (up to 10ha), or G-Dot moisture sensor
-
Assistance with a fertiliser box calibration
-
A summary of variety and crop class distribution, pachymetra susceptibility and ideal harvest time
-
Nutrient application data recorded in-line with regulations
-
Support from Farmacist and MAPS to document and review historical soil test data
-
Google Earth training to help with future nutrient management planning
-
Nutrient management training workshops – soil pits, BYO soil for investigation, nutrient loss pathways, SIX EASY STEPS tutorial
-
Phone access to extension specialists
Central Region
RP161
Through the Farmacist managed RP161 projects, over $2.2 million worth of fertiliser input costs were saved across 561 farms without compromising yield or sugar production. These projects were focused on working one-on-one with growers to develop tailored nutrient management plans that maximised tonnes and sugar production.
A key aim of the projects was to work with growers to provide on-farm agronomy advice to assist with improving or maintaining yields. Initially, nutrient plans were developed to bring fertiliser applications in-line with industry standard SIX EASY STEPS recommendations. During the second year of working with growers, further refined plans were developed which investigated suitable blocks for reduced fertiliser applications. This was particularly relevant for blocks following mill mud application or legume crops, where reduced fertiliser inputs would not negatively impact on yield.
The RP161 projects were supported by the Queensland Government's Reef Water Quality Program and the Australian Government's Reef Trust. The project operated in the Burdekin since 2016; in the Mackay Whitsunday region since 2018; and in Far North Queensland during the 2020-21 seasons. During this time, many positive outcomes were achieved across all regions in terms of reducing fertiliser costs while maintaining crop yields as can be seen in the summary graphics.
By working together we were able to achieve significant savings which will benefit farm input costs as well as water quality outcomes.
Farmacist would like to sincerely thank all growers who were involved in the project.
RP161 Project Wrap-Up