Ag tech and farming systems showcased at Spring Ridge

11 Oct 2022

Around 20 growers, agronomists and advisers turned out to field day at the University of Sydney’s “Nowley” farm at Spring Ridge last week.

The day featured ag tech demonstrations including the Aqua Till system for cotton termination and the Open Weed Locator, a low-cost spot sprayer as well as results from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) farming systems trials and Liverpool Plains crop sequencing modelling.

Organiser of the day North West Local Land Services Cropping Adviser Bill Manning said he was pleased with the event.

“We had good feedback from attendees on the day with strong discussion particularly on the crop sequencing, farming systems and ag tech potential.

“The Open Weed Locator was of interest given it is constructed from off-the-shelf components and can be set up to tow behind a farm ute or buggy.

“The system uses a camera and software to detect green material on a brown background so perfect for fallow weed control.”

Jon Baird and Branko Duric from DPI discussed results from the long-term farming system trials at Narrabri which show the profitability of different farming systems at “Nowley” and their impact on soil water and Nitrogen use as well as the impact on soil borne disease levels.

Dean Hancock from Northern Grower Alliance and Annette McCaffery from the Dryland Cotton Research Association demonstrated the Aqua Till unit for terminating cotton growth.

The Aqua Till uses ultra-high-pressure water to partially cut the cotton stem allowing chemical injection to reduce the need for multiple applications of chemical to terminate cotton plants.

The unit is part of a series of trials taking place across the North West funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

For information on any of the projects or technology featured on the day contact Bill Manning on 1300 795 299.