Agriculture Victoria senior irrigation officer Rob O’Connor said the cross-industry workshops will provide the latest information on seasonal and commodity outlooks, and discuss different irrigation, cropping and forage options.
This includes presentations on cropping gross margins, valuing water for autumn irrigations and water trading, and the outlook for climate, water, fodder and grain over the approaching six to nine months.
“Whether you are cropping or managing a dairy, the high prices for water, grain and fodder make upcoming decisions about irrigation and cropping options very important,” Mr O'Connor said.
“Farmers will receive information to help them with more specific decisions about buying or selling irrigation water, how many irrigations to apply to annual pasture and crops in autumn, and whether to sow as a dryland crop.”
Speakers will include Jumbuck Consulting’s Colin Peace, Irrigated Cropping Council agronomist Damian Joes and Ruralco’s David Barthold.
Goulburn-Murray Water river operations planning manager Andrew Shields, Agriculture Victoria season risk agronomists Dale Grey and Dale Boyd, and Mr O’Connor will also present at the workshops.
A workshop in Kerang will be held at the Agriculture Victoria offices at 26 Wellington St on Thursday, February 21 from 9.30am to 11.30am.
A workshop will be held at the Yarrawalla Community Halls on Thursday, February 21 from 12.30pm to 3pm.
Workshops will also be held at the Stanhope Football Netball club rooms from 9.30am to 11.30am on Friday, February 22 and at the Congupna Recreation Reserve Hall on Katamatite-Shepparton Main Rd from 12.30pm to 3pm on Friday, February 22.
All workshops include lunch either before or after the workshop session.
To assist with catering, RSVP to Darren at Agriculture Victoria, Echuca, on (03) 5482 1922 or email darren.carnie@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
