A RESEARCH project examining changes in crop growth through using revolutionary directional sewing techniques could change the way farmers in the Wimmera region harvest in the future.
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Kaniva District Landcare is pushing ahead with an east-west directional sowing pilot program after it secured a $30,000 state government grant.
The funds boost was part of an almost $300,000 pot of money being distributed by the state government to support agricultural projects under the National Landcare Programme Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants initiative.
Kaniva District Landcare facilitator Kim Hawker said results of farming research projects undertaken across Australia showed east-west directional cropping increased crop yield and retained water moisture in furrows.
“The aim of this research is to increase the knowledge of our farmers,” she said.
“It’s aimed at educating them on how to more productively and sustainably manage our soils and the cropping of agricultural land.”
“We hope to hold information sessions and crop walks later in the year with the hope of promoting the adoption of this management of cropping.”
The findings of the research project will also be made public after harvest in 2017 and used to guide future cropping methods.
However, results for the project hinged on rainfall.
With cropping now in full swing across the region, Ms Hawker remained hopeful about the season ahead.
“The results will be influenced by the season,” she said. “All of us in Wimmera are hoping for a good, wet season.”
The Wimmera Farming Network will also get a $38,500 boost to be used to fund educational programs for farmers on cropping, livestock, mixed farming and pastoral care methods to increase productivity in down times.
Wimmera Farming Network administrator and spokesperson Annette Smith said the funds would be used for programs on nutrition for cattle including sheep and pastor management.
“The goal is to give farmers some tools to manage livestock and pastor more effectively particularly during dry times,” Ms Smith said.
Birchip Cropping Group Inc also received $41,000 to be used for cropping, precision agriculture methods and sustainable approaches to farming in the southern Mallee.
