Pre and Post Emergent Weed Control
It is so great to see that pre-emergent sprays have worked particularly well in many situations this year. Those who had a robust pre-emergent plan are now reaping the rewards having had very little weed competition to date. This not only maintains yield potential for the crop, but also reduces pressure on post emergent sprays with lower
weed populations to control.
With the current wet conditions and the frosty conditions beforehand, it has been a challenging period to get in the paddock for post emergent spraying. It sometimes feels like a no win situation – you can’t spray because there are frosty conditions prevailing, then wet weather hampers traffic on paddocks once the frosts clear out. In situations where a post emergent spray is required, a reduction in efficacy may occur due to the size of the weeds and crop canopy closure following the weather related delays. In addition, if a decision is made to spray during frosty conditions, efficacy again, may be compromised.
Where weeds get through a spray or a decision is made not to spray, a strategy to capture their seed set should be considered and put in place before harvest. Crops should be monitored over the coming weeks to determine the level of escaped weeds. In these situations, particularly where ryegrass is present, preventing seed from returning to the seed bank is paramount.
An effective and common way of doing this is through narrow windrow burning. This practice is gaining momentum in the district with excellent results observed where done properly. Should you be concerned about herbicide susceptibility of these weed populations and would like to have them tested, make a note to collect weed seed from these paddocks/areas just prior to harvest. Seed can then be sent away for testing over the summer period.
There are many options out there for a range of crops and weeds as well as desired outcomes.
If you have any questions on the subject, or you would like to discuss your options for any given situation such as these, consult with one of the Agronomists at AgriWest today. Contact 6851 4200 for more information or to start your consultation.
Around the Markets
The cattle market has been rising slowly, week to week over the Central West. Paul Breen of KMWL Forbes said that cattle for domestic kill for supermarkets made up to $3.50 per kg at Forbes on Monday 10, with the bull market exceeding $3 per kg, which is a record high.
“The new season lamb market has ranged from $95 to $165 – this is for light weight suckers, up to 50kg,” Paul said. “The mutton market remains strong at between $3.50 and $3.80 per kg. Old lambs also brought good prices, ranging from $5.20 to $6.00 kg.” “This past week saw heavy yardings in both Dubbo with over 50,000 and Forbes in
excess of 40,000 and these numbers look set to continue well into the spring. Mostly these are new season lambs with the balance of old lambs. There is a lack of numbers in the south, including South Australia, and Victoria
and this lack of yardings has helped to contribute to the good prices at a local level and will keep this market high in the coming weeks.”
KMWL conducted the Moongenilla Angus Bull Sale on Friday 7 August with a total clearance of all bulls, averaging over $6,000 per bull, which is an overall reflection of the cattle market as well. Upcoming sales include the Poll Dorset Ram Sale at Ridgehaven, Cudal (on property) on Thursday September 10th as well as the Devanah
& Waroona Murray Grey Sale on property on Friday 18th September. More details can be obtained by calling the
KMWL office in Forbes on 02 6852 3355.
Winyar Merino Sale
Just out of Canowindra on the Mandurama Road, the Winyar Merino and Poll Merino Stud sale will be held on property on Wednesday September 9th. Inspections are welcome from 10 am and the auction will commence at 1 pm. The Winyar rams are known for their high performance figures, for genetic gain and to enhance the breed on values. They also produce soft handling wools with great bloom, heavy cutting 19.0 micron average. For more information call Allan Dawson on 02 6344 1653.
Beating a Path to China
Delaying China Australia Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA) could kneecap Australian farmers. It has taken over 10 years for the free trade deal to be finalised with China. “This is a deal to eliminate taxes on Australian exports to China,” Angus Taylor, Federal Member for Hume said. “It is time for Australian farmers to reap the benefits, and it is time for the Free Trade Agreement to enter into force and for the tariffs to be removed.”
“If by some chance CHAFTA stalled, there’d be plenty of countries around the world ready to supply beef, sheep meat, butter, cheese and wine to China. Everybody is beating a path to China’s door.”
Ready for spring
With Spring just around the corner, now is the time to ensure that all of your machinery is serviced and ready to go for spring spraying, hay making and of course, harvest. McClintocks at Forbes has a range of Case tractors and harvesters ready for you to have a look at. In addition, their sales of the Krone baler continue to grow. Call in
and see them on the Newell Highway, just out of Forbes. If you are looking for a new cab ute then why not consider one of the great outback deals from Orange Motor Group, your dealer for Isuzu in the Forbes area. Starting at $25,990 driveaway, this is a special offer until stock runs out.