Digital Commons Network^™

Re-Thinking The Summer Drenching Program, Brown Besier

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The summer drenching program has provided highly effective sheep worm control in Western Australia for many years - but recent research challenges its long term sustainability.

Trial results suggest that in large parts of the State, summer drenching is the main factor leading to the development of drench resistant worms. Alternative programs less likely to lead to drench resistance will require greater monitoring of worm burdens and panning pasture moves.

Yellow Lupins For The Pig Industry, Bruce P. Mullan

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

There is no doubt that Yellow lupins are suitable as an ingredient in the diet of pigs from weaning through until slaughter. While no research has been conducted on feeding this variety to breeding stock, there is no reason to believe that it would not be a suitable source of energy and amino acids. Whether it will become a significant ingredient in pig diets will depend on its availability and price.

Crimson Seedless Promise Wa Table Grape Boon, Ian Cameron

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Five years of research and development into growing Crimson Seedless table grapes in Western Australia has produced a product of international quality. Berry sizes are 20 per cent larger than those being exported by both California and other Australian States. Overall, Crimson Seedless is expected to provide enormous opportunities for Western Australia's table grape industry.

Ecological Sustainability For Pastoral Management, Hugh Pringle, Ken Tinley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Pastoralists and rangeland bureaucracies are now required to operate within the limits of ecological sustainability. However, while the concept of ecological sustainability has been enshrined in law and policy at State and Commonwealth levels in Australia, there has been little translation into pastoral management objectives. The introduction of the 'EMU (Ecosystem Management Unit) process', as an equal partnership between ecologists and pastoralists, promises to bring pastoralists into close dialogue with the landscapes they manage on their stations, and to acknowledge and manage for values other than pasture production. In doing so, pastoralists are likely to increase production, reduce costs, and …

Bugs By The Million For Medfly Eradication, Bill Woods

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

As a first step towards nation-wide eradication of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), a pilot project was undertaken in Broome using Sterile Insect Technique in an attempt to eradication the Medfly population. The results have been promising, and further investigation of eradication for Western Australia is underway.

Wa Soil Erosion Under Investigation, George Richard Dr

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A survey of soil erosion at 70 sites throughout Western Australia, recently completed as a part of a National Reconnaissance Survey, has shown that erosion is occurring at an unsustainable rate. While still to be compiled into a national publication, Dr Richard George reports on the Western Australian results, and discusses options for management and further investigation.

Comparing Size In Lime, Mark Whitten

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Extensive research into the management of soil acidity in Western Australia is increasing farmer awareness that lime use can reduce soil acidity and improve crop yields. However, as lime use increases, the question of lime performance and particle size is becoming more critical. Chris Gazey from the Department of Agriculture is heading up the soil acidity project, with the team comprising members from the department, CSIRO and the University of Western Australia. Mark Whitten reports on project outcomes relating to lime particle size.

Investigating Teeth Eruption And Eating Quality, Sarah Weisse, Rob Davidson, Brian Mcintyre, David Pethick, John Thompson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In Australia, a sheep ceases to be a lamb as soon as the eruption of its first permanent incisor teeth is evident. As part of a wider program to investigate a number of aspects of sheep meat eating quality, a project was undertaken to determine whether lamb eating quality would be compromised if sheep with partially erupted teeth continued to be classified as lamb.

Overall, the results indicated that meat from young sheep with partially erupted teeth was unlikely to be inferior in eating quality than the meat currently classified as lamb.

Testing The Efficiency Of Broadacre Farms, Ben Henderson, Ross Kingwell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A study of 93 broadacre farms has revealed that most farms display high levels of technical efficiency. On average, technical efficiency is improving, although a small proportion of farms remain relatively inefficient due to a number of factors.

Protein Plus : Increasing Summer Milk Protein Levels

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Protein Plus has commenced as a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the CSIRO Division of Livestock Industries. The project is aimed at investigating the causes of Western Australia's problems with low summer milk protein levels, and finding management solutions for farmers.

Contents

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

No abstract provided.

Improving Irrigation For Ord Sugar Cane, Jim Engelke, Joe Sherrard, Gae Plunkett, Tim Triglone

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Major changes are underway in irrigation practices for the Ord sugar industry as it moves to implement recent findings on improving irrigation efficiency and managing rising groundwater. Significant improvement in efficiency is expected by more accurately matching water application with crop water requirements and by minimising drainage losses through improved water application techniques.

Based on findings from this work, drying off may not be an appropriate strategy for the ORIA as a means of improving crop sucrose content, but could allow for some reduction in water use towards the end of the crop cycle without adversely impacting on sucrose yield. …

Planning For Protection Of Western Australian Agricultural Industries

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Recent incursions of pests, diseases and weeds into Western Australia have demonstrated the need for agricultural industries to be better prepared for the future. A protection planning program introduced by Agriculture Western Australia has provided the process through which government and industry can come together to plan for potential threats on an industry by industry basis. HortGuard™, GrainGuard™, BeeGuard™ and StockGuard™ have been introduced to assist sectors within each industry to develop protection plans. Significant progress has already been made.

Supply-Chain Alliances Offer Strategic Focus For Agriculture, Ashley Manners

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

With the development of strategic supply-chain alliances between producers and other agri-business sectors becoming a common trend worldwide, it is time for Western Australian primary producers to break with tradition. Strategic alliances have the potential to add value to agricultural products, and to guarantee food safety and quality for consumers. Ashley Manners reports on the benefits of strategic alliances, and some of the successful alliances currently being developed within Western Australia.

Investment Attraction Adds Value To Wa Agriculture, Paul G. Frapple

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Agriculture Western Australia's Agri-Industry Opportunities Project recognises that value adding to the State's agricultural products offers significant long-term economic advantages. The project therefore seeks to identify and evaluate opportunities for investment in agri-industry enterprises, particularly those involved in further processing, and to promote these opportunities to potential investors. Reports on a range of specific investment opportunities currently being promoted within Western Australia's cereals, pig and dairy sectors to attract processing and other value adding companies to the State.

Ofda2000 Brings Major Changes For Wool Industry, Andrew Peterson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The classing of any wool clip into lines of uniform quality is a crucial step in optimising the value of the wool. Objective Clip Preparation (OCP) standards and training of wool classers lave led to the Australian wool clip being internationally recognised as the best classed and prepared wool in the world. However, adherence to OCP standards of clip preparation still leads to a substantial range in diameter and crimp frequency of fleeces within the main lines. Therefore, an opportunity has existed to develop improved technology to reduce the variation in quality within any main line, create lines of even …

Raised Beds Prevent Waterlogging And Increase Productivity, Greg Hamilton, Derk Bakker, David Houlebrook, Cliff Spann

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Permanent Raised Beds are proving to be a revolutionary means of preventing waterlogging and a substantially increasing the productivity of wet and poorly productive land in Western Australia. In just three years, a research project has seen significant improvements in yield and reductions in waterlogging.

Wa Beef Industry And Consumers Benefit From Meat Standards Australia (Msa), John Lucey

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Western Australian beef industry confirmed its world-class status when it became the first to implement the national beef grading scheme Meat Standards Australia.

Managing Ascochyta Blight, Ian Pritchard

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The first outbreak of Ascocbyta blight in commercial chickpea crops in Western Australia was detected in July 1999. By the end of 1999, over 7C crops were found to be infected. Due to difficulty in detecting low levels of the disease, it is expected that many parts of the wheatbelt that now appear free of the disease may have a low level of infection. Ian Pritchard reports on the disease symptoms, its spread, and the management principles now in place to minimise the impact of Ascocbyta blight for the 2000 season.

New Sheep Meat Breeds For Western Australia, Matthew Young

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The continuing decline in wool prices and the arrival of several new meat sheep breeds from South Africa are being seen as an opportunity for pastoral wool growers to diversify into sheep meat production, or to add value to their Merino flocks. Since the arrival of the Damara, Dorper and South African Meat Merino, the interest in these breeds has spread not only across the sheep areas of Western Australia, but also to many parts of Australia. Matthew Young reports on a number of demonstrations undertaken in recent years to assess the performance of these new breeds both on the …

Land Monitor Plays Important Role In Salinity Battle, Brian Beetson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

As Machiavelli observed in the 16th century, Knowledge is power, and few have disputed this since. So it is not surprising that in the battle against salinity, considerable resources are being used to understand the extent of the problem and its spread. Brian Beetson reports on one of the initiatives undertaken to expand these resources - the Land Monitor project.

Better Business Sets Direction For Farming Families, Terry Laidler

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Helping farm families develop a common vision for their business and family life is a key building block in sustaining farm businesses and rural communities. The Better Business program is a process through which farmers can face the challenge of change, and is already providing a unique whole-of-farm, whole-of-family strategic approach to assist farm families look forward to their future.

South-West Medlfy Study Highlights Improved Control Strategies, Sonya Broughton, Francis De Lima

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Mediterranean fruit fly has become an extremely important pest of commercial orchards in recent years, with there being numerous reports of control problems from fruit growing districts in the South-west of Western Australia. To assist in finding a solution to the problem of effective Medfly control, a study commenced in July 1995 to develop further understanding of Medfly ecology and to evaluate control strategies under varying climatic and management conditions in the South-west region. Sonya Broughton and Francis De Lima report on the outcomes of the three-year study.

Weevil Management In Orchards And Vineyards Looks Promising, Stewart Learmonth

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Research and monitoring undertaken by Agriculture Western Australia is showing that the management of weevils in Western Australia's orchard crops and vineyards is improving. A number of alternative management strategies are being implemented, and future research will assess the effectiveness of non-chemical approaches to weevil management.

Taking The Sqf 2000cm Quality Code To The World Stage

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Statewest Achievement Award in 1999 recognised the outstanding contribution of Agriculture Western Australia's SQF 2000^cm Project Team to the quality and safety of the state's food products. SQF 2000^cm is now being taken to the world, with the Project Team continuing to assist other States and countries to implement the quality assurance system. Paul Ryan reports on the increasing international recognition of SQF 2000^cm, its benefits to food and fibre industries, and the economic returns being achieved for Western Australia.

Tagasaste Revolutionises Production In The West Midlands, Emma Davey

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The need to find a sustainable and profitable alternative to annual pasture systems for the poor sands of the West Midland area led to the development and adoption of tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus). Today, tagasaste is seen as having an integral role in the expansion of the cattle industry in the West Midlands. Emma Davey highlights the evolution of tagasaste research from producers experimenting with growing the fodder tree, to a funded research program looking at optimising cattle production on tagasaste.

Quarantine Checkpoints Keep Pests And Diseases Out Of Wa, John Van Schagen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Border quarantine checkpoints are an integral part of the Agriculture Protection Program - aimed at minimising introductions of unwanted pests, diseases and weeds into Western Australia. Checkpoint staff have the difficult task of seizing fruit and vegetables from travellers, while at the same time portraying a welcome face for visitors to Western Australia. A recently completed upgrade of the Eucla checkpoint on the Western Australian and South Australian border has addressed this contradiction by creating an attractive and welcoming entry point for travellers. John van Schagen reports on the recent upgrade, and the role of quarantine checkpoints in protecting Western …

Rusts Revist After Another Wet Summer, Rob Loughman, Jat Bhathal, Kith Jayasena, Robin Wilson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Wheat leaf and stem rust occurrence in 1999 resulted in a rust epidemic estimated to cause $20 million in lost production in 1999. Despite the awareness of rust-risk today, inflexibility in switching production to resistant varieties will again result in high rust disease levels for some areas in 2000. Rob Loughman, Jat Bhathal, Kith Jayasena and Robin Wilson report on the levels of resistance in various cereal varieties and the management options open to those growers who find rust in susceptible varieties this season.

The Australian Mango Breeding Project, P R. Johnson, I S.E Bally, V Kulkarni, R I.S Brettell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The Australian mango industry is currently dominated by Kensington Pride which comprises some 80 per cent of all plantings. This is in contrast to other countries with modern export industries such as South Africa, Israel and Mexico, which are based on three to five cultivars. A joint venture between Agriculture Western Australia, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPIF) and the CSIRO commenced six years ago to generate a wide range of promising new mango hybrids that can meet both domestic and export market requirements. There has been considerable success …

Improving Productivity With Dairy Farm Performance, David Windsor, Ken Crawford, Stuart Gallagher, Vicki Staines

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

How productive can a dairy farm be? What options are available to dairy farmers to increase their productivity and profitability? How can you reduce milk production costs effectively? These are the kinds of questions that dairy farmers are, or should be, asking leading up to and immediately after deregulation. These questions, and many more, can be answered by participating in Agriculture Western Australia's (AGWEST) Dairy Farm Performance (DFP) Program. David Windsor, Ken Crawford, Stuart Gallagher and Vicki Staines report on DFP and the benefits being generated for dairy farmers in Western Australia.