REMINDER: Take a walk on the trial side!

Far north Queensland growers – are you interested in seeing and hearing first-hand about the progress of newly imported varieties being trialled at the DAF South Johnstone Research Station?

This unique opportunity will be available to you this Friday (June 21), when Jeff Daniells gives a tour of the trial site, inspecting plant crop bunches of each variety. Many of these varieties are also being screened against Panama disease tropical race 4 in the Northern Territory.

There will also be an opportunity to see the new nutrient rate trials which are aiming to determine the optimal range of nitrogen fertiliser rates, taking into consideration agronomic and environmental factors.

The field walk will commence at 9am and finish with lunch. Gumboots will be provided to enter the research station therefore RSVP is essential – Tegan.Kukulies@daf.qld.gov.au– 0459 846 053 or click here.

This field walk is being organised by the National Banana Development and Extension Program BA16007. The project is funded by Hort Innovation using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Duranbah trial site visit

The Coffs Harbour BGA is bringing growers to visit the Duranbah subtropical variety evaluation trial site on Friday July 5 and welcomes all growers from the Richmond, Brunswick, Tweed and SEQ along as well.

The day will kick off at 10am with an inspection of the new, imported varieties being tested for race 1 Panama wilt resistance, followed by some interesting varieties the team are having a ‘look see’ at and the four best bet varieties in the semi-commercial plantings. All of the ‘best bet’ varieties are bunching so this is a great chance to see how these varieties are performing.

Lunch will be provided so RSVP is essential for catering. Please email Leanne Davis at leanne.davis@dpi.nsw.gov.au by Friday June 28.

NSW NextGen go north!

As part of BA16007, the subtropical development and extension project, there’s funding allocation for up to 10 subtropical NextGen growers from NSW or SEQ to travel to North Queensland. Departing the Gold Coast Airport on Wednesday July 24 and returning on Saturday July 27, the trip will take in QDAF research trials and biosecurity protocols at South Johnstone, the Tully Show banana weigh-in plus other, as yet to be decided sites and events – suggestions are welcome!

The trip will be limited to 10 growers with airfares, accommodation and bus hire included. You will have to pay for your food and drinks. All attendees will have to present to their respective BGA, contribute to an article in Australian Bananas magazine and also to the project final report. You’ll also have to get yourself to the Gold Coast Airport for an early morning departure on July 24.

The project hopes to take a few growers from each region. If you’re interested contact Matt Weinert on matt.weinert@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0438 644 136.

Banana levy reduction soon

A reminder to growers and agents that the Banana Levy will be reduced by 0.75 cents per kilogram to  2.19 cents per kilogram on 1 July 2019, as a result of ABGCs request to stop the deduction for the Freckle Emergency Plant Pest Response.

Further information can be found here.

Report biosecurity concerns in NSW

If you’ve got a biosecurity concern you’re keen to report to the NSW Department of Primary Industries – there’s a simple online form to do so.

Click here if you want to make a report.  

Fast track your NSW farm business

The New South Wales based Young Farmer Business Program is gearing up for their 6-month long group coaching program with the Agri-Business Development Institute, aiming to help farmers get the most out of their business.

Monthly online modules will cover topics like the fundamentals of managing staff, becoming a price setter, managing time effectively and finding out where you make the real money in your business.

The program will also offer group coaching calls and two face-to-face workshops.

The Lismore based event kicks off 6-7 July, with some assistance available for travel and accommodation for those travelling a long way.

More details and registration information here.