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Welcome to the Rice Extension EMV Focus Site at Josh Small's at Stud Park!
The EMV Focus Site was established after the CY24 season.ย
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The EMV Reference Group met on Thursday, 5th September, at the Stud Park site.ย
Key Topics Covered:
- Planned Hectares: A summary of the intended rice hectares for the season, depending on water allocations.
- Ground Preparation: Details on ground preparation steps, including soil testing, gypsum application, and paddock history.
- Sowing Methods: Choices between drill and aerial sowing.
- Nutrient Application: Fertilizer rates and nutrient management strategies.
- Chemical Usage: Plans for herbicide use and resistance management.
- Water Management: Strategies, including automation for drill paddocks and water usage comparisons between methods.
- Equipment Calibration: The calibration status and readiness for the sowing season.
- Yield Targets: Expected yields and key sowing dates to hit target growth stages.
Insights on Rice Practices:
- Sowing date flexibility with drill methods allows growers to manipulate crop growth stages, while aerial sowing accelerates the growth process.
- A mix of nutrient management practices, including gypsum and nitrogen rates, is tailored based on paddock history and soil needs.
- There is increasing use of automation for water management in drill-sown fieldsย aimed at improving water efficiency.
- Challenges include monitoring water costs and fine-tuning herbicide resistance management strategies.
Group Comparisons:
- Group 1 targets a yield of 14 tonnes, with specific nutrient and sowing plans. Automation is integrated into drill sowing.
- Group 2 aims for 13 tonnes, focusing on nutrient management and using NIR tests to determine additional nitrogen needs.
Are current practices aiming high enough to achieve these targets? This remains a point of discussion among growers.
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July 2024 Meeting (Inaugral)
The first reference group meeting was held in July 2024, andย 13 participants (two Agros, nine growers, and two farm staff) attended, each bringing theirย unique perspectives and experiences.
Significant inputs and discussions about the new Focus Site to be set in the EMV include timing of operations, sowing method, nutrient management, spot spraying, and automation.
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