Issuu

AUGUST 2026

Magazine

OUR PRODUCERS:

Bundarra PAGES 4-5 We are excited to announce the release of the Bobcat UV33 Petrol Utility Vehicle 3-Seater 1000CC 4 Stoke V-Twin Cylinder

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JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 3

Rural Aid delivers 100 millionth litre of water Rural Aid has now delivered its 100 millionth litre of domestic water, marking a major milestone in its support for farming families across Australia.

he milestone represents more than water deliveries. It represents essential support for thousands of farming families who have relied on Rural Aid for access to a basic necessity during some of the most challenging conditions. Rural Aid’s domestic water assistance provides water for household use, including drinking, washing, cleaning and other everyday needs. During drought, when water supplies become limited, access to household water can become one of the most urgent challenges facing farming families. The service began in 2018 after Orange, NSW resident Jane Doherty saw the impact drought was having on farmers in her community. In September that year, Ms Doherty contacted a local water carter and they began personally funding water deliveries to local drought-affected farming families before approaching Rural Aid to help expand the initiative. This local act of support has since grown into a national effort, with Rural Aid delivering domestic water to farming families across Australia Ms Doherty said she never imagined those first deliveries would grow into a service that has delivered 100 million litres of water to farming families across Australia. “I remember seeing what farmers were going through and thinking, ‘How can we help?’ Water seemed like such a simple thing, but when you don’t have enough of it, it affects every part of your life. Water is the only thing you can’t live without,” she said. “It’s not just water in a tank. It’s a shower at the end of a long day, brushing your teeth, being able to wash clothes, having enough water for your family and knowing you can get through another week.” “I’m incredibly grateful to every person who has made a financial donation, every water carter who has helped deliver the water, and Rural Aid for making it possible to provide this vital support to farming families at no cost when they need it most.”

“Farmers spend their lives looking after this country and feeding our communities. When they’re facing tough times, it’s important they know they’re not forgotten.” Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the 100 million litre milestone demonstrated the generosity of Australians and the importance of providing practical support to farming families during times of disaster. “One hundred million litres is an extraordinary milestone, but behind that number are thousands of farming families who were previously unable to access something every household needs: reliable water,” Mr Warlters said. “A water delivery is not just about filling a tank. It means a family can drink, shower, wash clothes and continue living on the land with one less pressure to carry.” The impact of domestic water support was recently highlighted through a delivery to sheep farmer Peter Rogers at Ashford, NSW. Mr Rogers said the delivery was a reminder that farming families are not facing drought alone. “It just shows that people care. There are still people out there who care, and when Rural Aid puts in the effort to help farmers, it means a lot. It reminds us that we’re not doing it on our own,” Mr Rogers said. “There are six people in the house, and the water goes towards all those everyday things: drinking, showers, washing and everything else. It keeps us going a bit longer and takes some pressure off.” “If Rural Aid hadn’t turned up with the water, we would have had to buy it. That’s another cost you don’t budget for, but it’s something you absolutely need.” Rural Aid continues to provide vital support to farming families experiencing hardship through domestic water deliveries and other drought assistance services, including financial support, hay and mental health wellbeing. Farmers needing support, or Australians wanting to help, can visit www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300 327 624.

Water carter Ron Cameron and Ashford farmer Peter Rogers.

“Farmers spend their lives looking after this country and feeding our communities. When they’re facing tough times, it’s important they know they’re not forgotten.”

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JANE DOHERTY Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.

JULY 2026

4 • FARMtalk

OUR PRODUCERS:

Bundarra

BARHAM, NSW

JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 5

Lauren Stevens.

Barham’s Bundarra Farming For Good is putting the district on the national food map after its homegrown pastured chicken was named a winner in the delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards.

undarra owner Lauren Stevens said winning Producer of the Year validated more than a decade of thought, experimentation and work to develop a chicken suited to the region’s dry conditions without sacrificing flavour or eating quality. “It means a lot because all those years of thinking this could be a good idea have eventuated in it being recognised as one of the best chickens in Australia,” she said. “It is a huge step forward. I hope we can now grow that side of the business, knowing it has been recognised.” Bundarra’s core business had traditionally been freerange pork, but Ms Stevens had long wanted to add another protein to its range. She spent about 10 years considering how to develop a chicken that could thrive in an arid environment while producing high-quality meat. The farm initially raised Sommerlad chickens, but found the breed difficult to reproduce consistently. Ms Stevens then began working with breeder Adrian Flett, from Australian Bresse Chickens, to develop what became the Bundarra pastured chicken. While she kept the exact breeding mix confidential, Ms Stevens said much of the bird’s eating quality came from Australian Bresse genetics. “He loves breeding chickens, I love growing meat, and we have a brand and the ability to bring those things together,” she said. The finalist recognition also had a strong local connection, with Bundarra’s chickens processed through the Murray Plains Meat Cooperative micro-abattoir.

“We aren’t growing for yield or volume...we’re growing for flavour and quality, and I think that is what sets us apart.” LAUREN STEVENS Ms Stevens helped establish the project in 2016 and said it was rewarding to see the facility supporting nationally recognised produce. “It is nice to see that closed loop,” she said. “I can be proud that something I helped start is now processing some of the country’s best chicken. That is pretty cool.” Bundarra Farm began producing free-range heritage pork about 2010 after Ms Stevens identified a gap in the local market for Berkshire pork. The business later expanded into butchering, smallgoods and charcuterie to use as much of each carcase as possible. Its production facility moved into Barham shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and produced goods ranging from bacon to salami. Bundarra’s products were shipped across Australia and supplied directly to customers, including hatted restaurants.

Ms Stevens said the business had grown through incremental steps, with its farming model focused on soil health rather than high-volume production. Animals were rotated between paddocks, while sections of land were rested and planted with cover crops to rebuild the soil. The farm also introduced perennial plants and legumes, set aside 40 acres for wetland restoration using environmental water, and powered the farm and Barham butchery with solar panels and batteries. It avoided synthetic fertilisers, routine antibiotics and blanket animal treatments. “We aren’t growing for yield or volume,” Ms Stevens said. “We’re growing for flavour and quality, and I think that is what sets us apart.” Ms Stevens said regenerative farming allowed Bundarra to improve the health of its land rather than continually extract from it. Animals naturally fertilised the paddocks, while cover crops helped manage nutrient levels and soil conditions. She said the approach was more environmentally sustainable and better suited to a smaller farming operation. Bundarra’s next step was to establish its own chicken brooding operation, allowing the farm to receive day-old chicks and increase production. The business relied on Mr Flett to brood its chickens, limiting the number available to raise. Ms Stevens said Bundarra could establish a strong and consistent supply within six months of opening its own brooding facilities.

~ Gus van Hart, Koondrook Barham Bridge

Calling all Southern Riverina and Mid Murray primary producers! FARMtalk magazine is looking for local producers to feature in an ongoing ‘Our Producers’ article series, sharing the stories behind the people, properties and enterprises that make our region’s agricultural industry so diverse and resilient. Whether you’re growing, breeding, innovating or taking your farm in a new direction, we’d love to hear your story. The feature will highlight your journey, your operation, the challenges and successes along the way, and what makes your business unique. If you’d like to be part of a future edition, get in touch with the FARMtalk team. See page 19 for contact details.

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CONARGO, NSW

JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 7

Riverina Sheep & Wool Expo returns to Conargo The Riverina Sheep & Wool Expo will return to the Conargo Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, August 26, running from 10am to 4pm and showcasing the region’s leading studs, trade exhibits and industry expertise.

osted by Riverina Merino, this year’s expo will feature 10 Riverina host studs and 19 guest studs, including nine new exhibitors. The event continues to grow, with organisers adding an extra marquee to accommodate strong interest from breeders across the region. Guest speaker Craig Wilson, convenor of the Australian Merino Production Trial, will share insights on sheep

condition and merino production, while visitors can

To add to the excitement, a $2500 lucky door prize will

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manager,

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David Wilson, said the event builds on last year’s success.

Organiser

and

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district

wool

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“We’ve had a lot of interest and great support again this year,” he said. “I think everyone involved is very excited.”

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JULY 2026

10 • FARMtalk

Tyron Ross–Gardam holding a Murray Cod to be released into its native habitat.

JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 11

Collaborative project relocates native fish

More than 250 fish and 18 turtles have recently been relocated to their natural habitat, thanks to a collaborative effort that provides ecological benefit in the NSW Murray region.

hey have been recovered from irrigation channels and relocated to nearby rivers, as part of a project that involves local organisations working towards a common goal It’s called the Fish Salvage Project and is managed by the Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG), with support from Traditional Owners, Murray Irrigation Ltd (MIL) and the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust. It had its origins in 2022, when a member of the Watti Watti Wamba Wamba Nation saw an opportunity to relocate native fish, which they spotted when the region’s irrigation channels were being de-watered for annual maintenance. A pilot Fish Salvage Project was undertaken in 2023, and in 2025 a two-year fully funded project was launched, with Traditional Owners leading on-ground works, supported by WMLIG as project managers, as well as MIL. They worked together to ensure native species were safely relocated from channels to their natural environment in local rivers. Last year, 109 native fish were relocated including 63 Murray cod (five of which measured close to a metre in length), along with 33 golden perch and 13 silver perch. Thirteen turtles were also rescued and relocated. This year the results have been even more impressive, with the rescue of more than 250 fish and 18 turtles,

“We are buoyed by the increased number of native fish that were recovered this year as the project expands.” ROGER KNIGHT

by the previous year’s Ground Crew and worked in this capacity for the 2026 Fish Salvage Project. Importantly, for the Fish Salvage team, there is immense satisfaction behind the work they are doing. After a day relocating native fish this year, one of the team members stated, “it was the most satisfying work day I have ever had in my life”. WMLIG Executive Officer Roger Knight said the project showed how good outcomes can be delivered for the community and the environment through strong collaboration, as it “improves the long-term survival of threatened and endangered species in our region’s

including 53 Murray cod, 13 golden perch, a silver perch, 11 bony bream, 54 Murray-Darling rainbow fish, 32 Murray hardyhead, seven flatheaded gudgeon and 73 Australian smelt. There were also 17 eastern long-necked turtles and a Murray River turtle. In 2025, WMLIG appointed a Project Officer to manage the works and contracted two Barapa Barapa Traditional Owners as the Ground Crew, while MIL purchased an aerator system to provide oxygenation to siphons, following difficulties retrieving fish from these during the trial. This year the team was expanded, with a further two Barapa Barapa Traditional Owners, who were upskilled

waterways”. It is also setting an example which other irrigation areas may be able to follow. “We are buoyed by the increased number of native fish that were recovered this year as the project expands,” Mr Knight said. “We more than doubled the number of native fish relocated compared with the previous year and also relocated more turtles. “The results highlight the benefits and success of the project, which we hope to continue in future years.”

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JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 13

Local wool producers shine at annual awards

Duncan McKenzie, Elders district wool manager Andrew Williamson, Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year winners Cat and Greg Whinfield, and Sue McKenzie.

The winner of the 2026 Clyde McKenzie Northern Clip of the Year has been crowned at an event celebrating the achievements of local wool producers and classers across the region.

eld at the Deniliquin RSL Club and coordinated by Elders Deniliquin, the night recognised excellence in clip preparation and highlighted the strength of the district’s wool industry. The 2025-2026 Clip of the Year was presented to Whinfield Farms Pty Ltd by Elders and Sue and Duncan McKenzie. The wool produced by Greg and Cat Whinfield was classed by Greg Whinfield, and the sheep by Elders district wool manager Andrew Williamson. Last season’s Clip of the Year was also presented on the evening, accepted by Chris Allen and Ian McLachlan of Tupra Pastoral Co. The clip was classed by Ra Manaia, with Elders district wool manager Bill Haygarth also involved in the process. Elders district wool manager David Wilson said the event was a “great night for wool growers”. “The event was very positive, and well attended. “It was all about recognising the hard work of our producers, and not just growing, but the whole process.” The Northern Clip of the Year was named in honour of Clyde McKenzie after his passing in 2023. A former Elders manager who was heavily involved in organising the competition, Mr McKenzie was also involved in the wider local sheep and wool industry for more than three decades.

Duncan McKenzie, Sue McKenzie, Ian McLachlan and Chris Allen of Tupra Pastoral Co., wool classer Ra Manaia, and Elders district wool manager Bill Haygarth.

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JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 15

Plan your visit to Henty 2026 Murray Valley Yard Dog Championships 2025 winners and sponsors. (From left) Alison Burrell from Hypro, Brad Watts, Shane Maurer, Catherine Raines, Fred Raines, Dean Incher, Dan Camilliri and judge Michael Johnson with winner Dale Thompson and Clay (front).

Start planning you trip to the 2026 Henty Machinery Field Days, and do it with confidence with your online ticket in hand.

eturning from September 22-24, the field days will once again showcase the latest in agricultural machinery, technology, agribusiness, outdoor living and country lifestyle, attracting around 50,000 visitors from across Australia. To make attending even easier, visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets online ahead of the event. Not only does this provide a quicker and more convenient entry experience, but it also allows attendees to secure their tickets well before arriving at the gates. HMFD chief executive officer Belinda Anderson said the organisation was pleased to once again keep admission affordable for families and visitors.

“We know many families and farming businesses are carefully managing their budgets, so we’re pleased to keep our gate prices consistent for the third consecutive year,” Ms Anderson said. “Our ticket prices have remained unchanged since 2024, ensuring the Henty Machinery Field Days continues to deliver outstanding value while providing access to one of Australia’s largest and most comprehensive agribusiness events.” The 2026 event will feature more than 800 exhibitors across the 105-hectare site, presenting the latest machinery, equipment, innovation and technology alongside livestock, agronomy, outdoor recreation, government services, food,

Henty and District Antique Farm Machinery Club.

entertainment and the ever-popular Country Lifestyle Pavilion. Other feature events and special awards will include the Farm Gate Produce Area, Henty Machine of the Year Award, Australian Machine of the Year Awards, Natural Fibre Fashion Awards, working dog trials and vintage machinery. Purchasing tickets online before arriving is encouraged, with digital tickets able to be scanned directly from a mobile device or printed at home. Visitors are also encouraged to plan their visit early by exploring exhibitor listings, event schedules and accommodation options as they become available in the lead-up to September. Online tickets can be purchased at www.hmfd.com.au.

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JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 17

Hay Show seeks top wool fleeces The Hay Show Society is calling on woolgrowers across the region to submit their best fleeces for judging in the 152nd Hay Show Fleece Competition, with organisers hoping to build on the strong support received in recent years.

fter receiving a great number of fleece entries for the 2025 competition, organisers are aiming for an even larger field in 2026. The show will be held Saturday, September 12, and producers are encouraged to showcase the quality of their wool through the long-running event. Mike Cannon said the competition provides an excellent opportunity for woolgrowers to benchmark their clips and celebrate the region’s renowned wool industry. “We were pleased with the 49 fleeces entered in the 2025 Hay Show and we’re hoping to better that number in 2026,” Mr Cannon said. “We want woolgrowers to be an important part of the 152nd Hay Show and encourage them to enter their best fleece or fleeces.”

All fleeces entered in the competition will be sampled and tested prior to the show, with entry categories determined by the test results. Organisers are asking exhibitors to ensure all fleeces are properly skirted before submission. To assist with judging and classification, producers are asked to provide a brief description with each fleece, including the owner’s name, an optional bloodline reference, and details such as whether the fleece is from a commercial Merino ewe along with the sheep’s age and shearing interval. Entries should be securely packaged, preferably in darkcoloured plastic bags. Exhibitors are also asked to place identification and fleece details both on the outside of the bag and inside with the fleece.

The Grand Champion Fleece will earn the opportunity to represent the Hay Show at the 2027 Sydney Royal Easter Show, with the winning exhibit retained for entry in the prestigious state competition. Organisers noted that fleeces will be retained by the Hay Show Society unless exhibitors specifically request their return. Retained fleeces will be sold, with proceeds supporting the ongoing activities of the Show Society. The closing date for entries is August 27, 2026. Fleeces can be delivered to the Lugsdin Toyota dealership in Hay, or arrangements can be made directly with Mr Cannon on 0428 151 599 or via email at mikecannonhay@ gmail.com. For more information on the competition, or other competitions and attractions at this year’s show, go to hayshow.com.

Farming Forecaster rainfall update As the El Nino event continues to develop, the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecasts of below average rainfall and above average temperatures for south-eastern Australia remain consistent for the coming months.

his seasonal outlook paired with the low water allocations recently announced mean many growers may be considering whether they will irrigate, buy, or sell water this season. With inflated fertiliser and fuel input costs already biting into margins, and favourable conditions thus far resulting in high yield potential crops across the region, this season’s decisions weigh much more heavily. The Irrigation Farmers’ Network has developed an Irrigation Profit Calculator spreadsheet tool to allow farmers to fully comprehend the implications of volatile input prices on their crop gross margins. Growers can edit the number of passes, input rates, costs, expected yield and price received for both a high input irrigated crop and lower cost dryland crop. The tool incorporates the opportunity cost of not trading owned water or the realised cost of buying temporary water at chosen values. This allows growers to run multiple scenarios with differing outcomes and management decisions to better

understand the impacts on gross margins and help set price points to trigger irrigation decisions. Crunch your own numbers by downloading the ‘To Irrigate or Not – Irrigation Profit Calculator’ within the Tools & Resources, Irrigation page of the Irrigation Farmers Network website - www.irrigationfn.com.au/ irrigation.

For more information on the tool, contact Nick O’Connor (nick.oconnor@lls.nsw.gov.au) or call your local Murray LLS office on (03) 5881 9900.

Contributed by Nick O’Connor (pictured above), senior local lands officer - mixed farming with Murray Local Land Services.

JULY 2026

18 • FARMtalk

JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 19

Grown from a love of

flowers

Wayne and Leonie Schubert of Finley with their Must Love Flowers market stall.

From a bare block with just two trees to a thriving flower farm, nursery and florist business, Must Love Flowers at Finley is the result of more than two decades of vision, hard work and an enduring passion for plants. Located on a 30-acre property about 3km from Finley, called ‘La Grove’ at the corner of the Newell Highway and Donaldsons Rd, the enterprise has grown into a unique destination that combines commercial flower production, a display garden, nursery and florist service. Owner Leonie Schubert, a florist with more than 30 years of experience, purchased the property more than 20 years ago when it was little more than a cleared paddock. “Virtually a very bare, messy block” is how she described it. Today, 12 acres are devoted to Australian and South African native trees and shrubs, with thousands of plants flourishing. Another two acres consist of established gardens featuring more than 200 roses, a wide variety of Australian and South African natives, bulbs, agapanthus, iris and deciduous trees suitable to the local environment. Transforming the property into the productive flower farm it is today required significant preparation. The land was cleared, levelled and deep ripped before dripper lines and irrigation systems were installed throughout the grove. Suitable species were carefully sourced for the florist and

cut-flower industry, while young plants received intensive care during their first one to two years of growth. Located on a 30-acre property about 3km from Finley, called ‘La Grove’ at the corner of the Newell Highway and Donaldsons Rd, the enterprise has grown into a unique destination that combines commercial flower production, a display garden, nursery and florist service. Owner Leonie Schubert, a florist with more than 30 years of experience, purchased the property more than 20 years ago when it was little more than a cleared paddock. “Virtually a very bare, messy block” is how she described it. Today, 12 acres are devoted to Australian and South African native trees and shrubs, with thousands of plants flourishing. Another two acres consist of established gardens featuring more than 200 roses, a wide variety of Australian and South African natives, bulbs, agapanthus, iris and deciduous trees suitable to the local environment. Transforming the property into the productive flower farm it is today required significant preparation. The land was cleared, levelled and deep ripped before dripper lines and irrigation systems were installed throughout the grove.

Suitable species were carefully sourced for the florist and cut-flower industry, while young plants received intensive care during their first one to two years of growth. Visitors can view many of the mature varieties growing in the property’s display gardens before selecting plants for their own gardens and farms. Among Leonie’s latest innovations is a new method of raising seedlings, which she calls the “snail concept”. Designed as a zero-waste system, the approach uses recycled materials, including old sheets, which can later be composted after planting out seedlings. The new seedling range is expected to be available from September. Must Love Flowers is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with a self-service flower stand operating daily outside of business hours. Visitors can also enjoy pick-your-own native flowers, information days, and opportunities for garden clubs and community groups to tour the property. Leonie hopes the grove will appeal not only to gardeners, but also to artists, photographers and nature lovers. “There are so many wonderful focal points here, from flowers and trees to the birds that visit,” she said.

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JULY 2026

FARMtalk • 21

Got your mineral licks out? Have you ever noticed sheep at the end of the mob that keep sitting down while you are mustering?

nly taking a few steps at a time, getting down and can’t get up or sheep that are shaking/fitting and dying? Well, these signs can suggest low blood calcium (hypocal/milk fever) and/or low blood magnesium (hypomag/grass tetany). The risk of these metabolic diseases is often linked to diet. Cereal crops are naturally low in dietary calcium and magnesium. They can also have high levels of potassium which further decrease the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Extended time off feed and stress are also factors that can contribute to hypocal and/or hypomag, especially when yarding lambs. Other potential factors which can affect calcium levels include worm burden, oxalate containing feeds (such as soursob) and cold weather. Heavily pregnant, lactating, and growing stock such as your weaner lambs all have higher requirements for calcium and magnesium. Making it important to keep a close watch on these at-risk groups for signs of hypocal and/or hypomag, especially if you are running your stock

on cereal crops. Signs of low calcium or magnesium in stock can include recumbency (downer animals), muscle tremors, nervous signs, and death. Replacing these minerals can be lifesaving. In sheep showing signs of hypocal and/or hypomag you can do this using an injectable solution that contains calcium, magnesium, glucose and phosphorus (such as a Flopak plus 4 in 1). So, having a few bags of 4 in 1 with you in the glove box of your ute or side-by side, so you are ready to treat any down sheep, is always a handy tool. However, prevention is always better than a cure. Providing mineral licks to stock is an easy, effective and affordable way of preventing hypocalcaemia and/or hypomagnesemia in your livestock. You can make a homemade loose lick by mixing coarse salt, agricultural lime and causmag at a 2:2:1 ratio and provide in the paddock adlib. Causmag can have a bitter taste, so it can help to slowly introduce it to the mix to allow stock to get accustomed to it. Commercial mineral licks or blocks are also available, if you prefer a ready-made product.

For more information regarding minerals requirements in sheep, you can contact your District Vet by calling 1300 795 299 or drop into a nearby Local Land Services office.

Contributed by Katelyn Braine (pictured), district veterinarian with Murray Local Land Services.

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The Murray Dairy region, incorporating northern Victoria and southern NSW, is home to around 805 dairy farms with an average herd size of 343 cows.

Sam Wake or Amber King, Advertising Consultants P: 03 5881 2322 E: farmtalk@denipt.com.au

They produce almost 1.7 billion litres of milk each year, making the region one of Australia’s most productive dairy areas.

SOUTHERN RIVERINA OFFICE: Sarah Bain, Advertising Consultant P: 03 5883 1033 E: sarah.bain@ southernriverinanews.com.au

Statistics based on 2023/2024 reporting.

EDITORIAL: Zoe McMaugh, Content Manager P: 03 5881 2322 E: zoe.mcmaugh@denipt.com.au

Advertising and Editorial Deadlines Advertising bookings and editorial requests for each edition of FARMtalk close on the third Friday of the month preceding publication.

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Rebecca Flisher CREATIVE MANAGER

FARMtalk welcomes community contributions from farmers, experts and professionals who make their living and life on the land. If you would like to contribute, there are several ways to do so.

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Get in touch and give us a tip of a great story idea.

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Contribute an article: If you are an expert in your field then contributing once off, or regularly, is a great way to get started in our FARMtalk magazine. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.

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Become an author: FARMtalk is open to occasional contributors who are experts in their field or authorities on a subject or area. Once you have contributed an article, and the editorial team have approved you, we can set you up with a regular column to contribute. We would love to hear from you. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.

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Have a fascinating farm in mind for us to showcase? Tell us! We would love to hear from you. Contact Zoe McMaugh at farmtalk@denipt.com.au or 03 5881 2322.

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Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched. However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. Farmers are asked to check with their own advisors. FARMtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.

Precision Ag in Application As winter conditions settle in, this period provides a valuable opportunity for growers to plan and implement precision agriculture strategies aimed at improving long-term productivity and profitability. OpRx NDVI Stacking Tool Nutrien’s OpRx NDVI Stacking Tool is one example, using up to 10 years of growing season imagery to create biomass maps and identify production zones across a farm. These zones can then be used to develop variable rate application maps for nitrogen, gypsum and other soil management strategies. OpRx is particularly beneficial where historical yield or protein data is limited, as it combines satellite imagery with local grower and agronomist knowledge to better reflect paddock variability and production trends. Yield mapping also plays an important role in precision agriculture. When combined with soil testing, grid mapping, NDVI imagery and historical management records, yield data can guide decisions around nutrient replacement, soil amelioration and future input allocation. Over time, consistent yield data helps identify stable high- and low-performing areas across paddocks and whole farms. Set up files: Harvest & Yield Maps Preparing machinery ahead of harvest is essential to ensure accurate yield data collection. Loading setup files in advance, including paddock boundaries, crop types and guidance lines, can improve operator efficiency and data quality. It is also critical that yield recording systems are functioning correctly during harvest, as missed data cannot be recovered later. Following harvest, yield data should be cleaned, calibrated and processed to remove overlaps and recording errors, creating reliable maps for future decision-making. Accurate paddock boundaries are increasingly important as farming systems become more automated. Combined with production zoning, variable rate nutrition and quality yield data, these tools help growers build a stronger digital understanding of their farming operations and support more informed management decisions.

For more information about yield mapping, boundary mapping, OpRx, setup files or precision agriculture services, contact your local Nutrien Agronomist to see how we can best assist with your operation. Nutrien Deniliquin | (03) 5881 1777 Nutrien Finley | (03) 5883 1733 Nutrien Corowa | (02) 6033 3833

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