Typical situation on most farms this year with "two germination" events with forage oats and winter wheat plantings. The seed for this oat crop was sown back in late March, but no rain. Some seed found moisture in the seedbed and established back in April while the other 75 % has just sat and waited for 12 weeks until some light rain recently. Now we have 2 distinct crops. Weed control treatment and grazing timing will need to be geared to the new crop now. Oats is one of the great crops that hangs in there. The grower was glad to see it survived, as he thought he had lost it. Good follow up rain forecast in next 7 days is what everyone needs to help crawl out of this serious drought. ... See more

Like the old saying, "you reap what you sow". This oats crop has only received less than an inch of rain since it was planted 8 weeks ago. Our clients are now a better position than most producers during this drought, especially with more rain predicted next week. Good planning, timely management, and quality advice produce results! ... See more

Clear, crisp morning at Willow Park Stud, near Scone, where we continue our 4 P's program- "progressive pasture planting with precipitation" ! Willow Park Stud is a leading thoroughbred stud which is fully committed to its pasture programs. ... See more

Fireweed ( Senecio madagascariensis) is prolific weed of pastures in many coastal areas in eastern Australia. At the moment, it looks like the "floral emblem" for the Lower Hunter with thousands of hectares covered in this weed. Pasture competition , pasture improvement , grazing management and herbicide programs can all be used to manage this pasture weed. ... See more