Using technology to resow an oats paddocks has worked a treat for the Moore family, Jerrys Plains near Singleton.
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On prime Hunter River flats an Outback oats crop sown in late summer was cut for silage with the expectation the crop would regrow to produce oaten hay in Spring. Unfortunately the silage took longer to cure due to rainy weather and the crop never recovered despite have a topping of Aftergraze fertiliser at 200kg/hectare.
With the Outback failing the decision was made to use their tractor's GPS system to resow the paddock between the existing crop rows with Express oats at 70kg/ha.
The photo above shows the new crop flourishing beside the trash from the previous oats crop. GPS systems more widely used in major western cropping districts has proven to be a most worthwhile investment for the Moores who are now using the system for harrowing, rolling, as well as sowing and spraying.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
