Agricultural Science Commons^™

Glyphosate Resistant Weeds - Beat Them Before They Beat You, Sally Peltzer

Grain and other field crops published reports

Herbicide resistance develops if the weeds exist in the population and set fertile seed. Being vigilant, keeping weed populations low and stopping seed set is the best way to prevent glyphosate resistance development:

• know the herbicide use history of each paddock. If glyphosate has been the dominant knockdown and spray-topping product used, it's time to change
• conduct herbicide resistance testing to determine what herbicides are effective on key weeds
• aim for maximum control
• establish a more diverse rotation to increase the number of control tactics available
• use non-herbicide control tactics at every opportunity
• always monitor the success of each control …

Final Evaluation Of The North East Agricultural Region (Near) Strategy, Andrew Blake, Don Burnside, Vicki Williams

All other publications

No abstract provided.

Planning Ahead - A Guide For Your Cropping Program, Janet Paterson

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

It is difficult to think logically and make rational choices when under extreme pressure.

The seasonal break between harvest and preparation for seeding is a good time to get some rest and take some time to consider the position of your enterprise.

This is your best opportunity to assess risks and make important decisions when the demands on your time are few.

Most people, farm managers included, struggle to make sound decisions if they are extremely stressed-this is only natural. If you feel that you are struggling to make decisions, counselling services are a valuable resource to help you plan …

Carbon Farming In Wa, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia, Department Of Regional Development And Lands, Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

Fact sheets:

1. Applying biochar to improve soil quality and crop productivity

2. Reducing methane emissions from cattle using feed additives

3. Cattle breeding for lower greenhouse gas emissions

4. Managing genetic codes to reduce methane emissions from cattle

5. Managing pastures and stocking rate to reduce methane emissions from cattle

6. Claying as a method of increasing soil carbon content

7. Green and brown manuring as part of carbon farming

8. Permanent environmental plantings to earn carbon credits

9. Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils

10. Sheep genetics in methane reduction

11. Managing sheep pastures to reduce methane production …

Situation Statement: The 'Prickle Bush' Weeds (Mesquite, Parkinsonia And Prickly Acacia) In Western Australia, Jon Dodd, Andrew Reeves, Richard Watkins, Linda Anderson

Biosecurity published reports

The term 'Prickle bush weeds' refers to weedy trees and shrubs of Mesquite, Parkinsonia and Prickly acacia. All are present in Western Australia.

Mesquite and Parkinsonia are widespread, well established woody weeds in various parts of the WA Rangelands. Prickly acacia is a recent introduction and has a relatively restricted distribution in the East Kimberley. All three impact mainly on the pastoral industry and have considerable potential for further spread and greater impact within the Rangelands. All are Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and are high priority Declared Plants in WA.

The purpose of this situation statement is to describe …

Land Systems Of The Kimberley Region, Western Australia, A L. Payne, N Schoknecht

Technical Bulletins

The Land Systems of the Kimberley Region Report describes and maps the landscapes, soils and vegetation of the Kimberley region. This report is a consolidation of surveys carried out by different organisations, across different areas of the Kimberley, since the 1940s. The Kimberley region, as defined in this bulletin, covers 330 070km². The report categorises the Kimberley region into 111 land systems. Under each land system, the report identifies the vulnerabilities of those areas, and provides recommendations on how to achieve sustainable use. The report also publishes pasture types for the entire region and the grazing potential for each pasture, …

Growing Biserrula To Improve Grain And Livestock Production, Angelo Loi, Natalie Hogg, Clinton Revell, Diana Fedorenko

Bulletins 4000 -

Biserrula pelecinus is a new genus of pasture legume which was developed for commercial agriculture by a team of Perth-based legume pasture scientists in the early 1990s. Biserrula is an annual pasture legume that is found in natural grasslands of the Mediterranean Basin, frequently on acidic soils derived from granite. It was this feature that first caught the eye of researchers who were attempting to develop species that could tolerate the soil stresses of acidity and low moisture-holding capacity. These stresses are common in WA and when they occur together they are problematical for the survival of annual medics and …

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Western Australian Part Of The Nullarbor Region, Peter-Jon A. Waddell, A K. Gardner, P Hennig

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of the Western Australian part of the Nullarbor region, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 2005 and 2007, describes and maps the natural resources of the region. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the area's natural resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The Nullarbor region has …

Current And Future Food Demand In Western Australia. Module 1 Scoping Study, Andrew Weinert, Robert R. Rouda

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

Maintaining and growing our food industries are priorities of the Western Australian Government and its Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA). Understanding our current food consumption levels, imports, exports and production limitations is critical to the formulation of effective agricultural and food polices.

The WA food industries are affected by several factors that include previous domestic policies and market instruments; general lack of scale; geographical isolation; access to suitable land and water; the availability and use of new technology, communication, processing and transport infrastructure that facilitate efficient marketing; sales and administration; social factors; international tariffs and other trade …

Can R&D Investment Offset The Negative Impact Of Climate Change On Agricultural Productivity?, Nazrul Islam, Ruhul A. Salim

Climate Science Published Reports

Productivity growth in agriculture helps maintain the nation's economic prosperity. However, long-run productivity growth in agriculture faces several challenges such as the potential worsening of climate due to global warming and the loss of productive land due to land use competition, salinity, wind erosion and soil acidity. Strategic policy making and appropriate funding for sustained productivity growth in agriculture is therefore crucial.

Research and development (R&D) to drive innovation is an acknowledged main source of productivity growth. The development and application of technologies generated through R&D boosts agriculture's productivity. Agricultural R&D activities in Australia and in most other developed economies …

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Lower Murchison River Area, Western Australia, P Hennig

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of the lower Murchison River area, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 2002 and 2003, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. This survey report presents …

Plan To Support Horticulture Industry Development 2009-2012, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Horticulture published reports

The Plan to Support Horticulture Industry Development ('the Plan') recognises that healthy and profitable Western Australian agricultural industries are integral to the economic wellbeing of regional and rural communities. The Plan promotes a progressive and productive horticultural industry through efficient use of natural resources, high standards of biosecurity, modern marketing, value-adding and research to enhance continuous improvement throughout the supply chain from producer to consumer.

Plan To Support Horticulture Industry Development 2009 - 2012 - For Discussion, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Horticulture published reports

The State Government's increased investment in agriculture and food recognises the integral contribution this sector makes to the economy of Western Australia.

It is a key industry which will support Western Australia's growth beyond periods of boom and through the economic rebuilding phase ahead. Ensuring the State remains highly competitive in both domestic and international markets is vital to the future of our economy

Public funds must be 'money well spent'. This means ensuring the right direction, efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture and Food's programs. The department must focus its efforts on economic development - this is …

Wheat Invest. A Compelling Business Case For Investment In The Western Australian Wheat Industry, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

Western Australia (WA) is an ideal location for wheat production. It has competitive advantages including:

• A proven track record in wheat production accounting for approximately 50 per cent of Australia's production. Based on a five year average from 2003/04 to 2007/08*, WA produces around 7.7 million tonnes of wheat per year.

• Over the past five years, the top 25 per cent of farmers averaged 10 per cent return on capital excluding changes in land value.

• Export focussed due to WA's small population. 90 per cent of WA's wheat is exported

• Abundant land at competitive prices and …

Pastoral Profits Guide, A Paddock Guide To Achieving Sustainable Livestock Productivity, Mark Alchin, Jim Addison, Valarie Shrubb, Zac Cockerill, Matthew Young, Tim Johnson, Greg Brennan

All other publications

Most pastoralists appreciate the need to deliver an economic, environmental and social 'profit' from their business. Achieving these profits can be a real challenge given the comparatively low productive potential and the substantial seasonal variation in the WA Southern Rangelands region. This guide was written to assist pastoralists to meet their specific livestock production, financial and range condition objectives through the better alignment of feed demand (stocking rate) to feed supply (carrying capacity). We provide nine basic steps that simplify the process of managing the feed supply, equipping pastoralists with the tools to make· decisions and to critically assess the …

Landholder Information For The Safe Use And Management Of Strychnine For Emu Control, Renee Donovan, David Goodall

Biosecurity published reports

Farmnote 34/2003 - Guide to safe use of strychnine poison for emu control included.

Strychnine is a highly poisonous substance that is used in Western Australia for the control of Wild Dogs and Emus. Its use is restricted by law.

This manual outlines your roles and responsibilities in regard to Strychnine use for emu control. In particular this manual outlines the essential information you need to know in regard to:

• The legislative requirements for Strychnine control in Western Australia
• The properties and mode of action of Strychnine
• How to apply to have a strychnine emu baiting program carried out on …

Landholder Information For The Safe Use And Management Of 1080, Renee Donovan, David Goodall

Biosecurity published reports

This manual outlines your roles and responsibilities for using and managing 1080. In particular this manual outlines the essential information you need to know in regard to:

• The legislative requirements for 1080 control in Western Australia
• The properties and mode of action of 1080
• How to lodge an application to lay 1080 baits How to safely store and transport 1080
• The procedures and notification required to carry out a baiting proposal
• Personal safety, identifying signs of poisoning & effecting appropriate first aid treatment
• Your responsibilities for notifying DAFWA and the Police of any accidents or incidents
• Methods for evaluating the …

Facilitating The Development Of The Strawberry Industry In Western Australia, Dennis Phillips, Aileen Reid

Horticulture research reports

Horticulture Australia Project No. BS05001 Annual report 2005/06

This is the first of three annual reports for the Horticulture Australia project BS05001 — ‘Facilitating the development of the strawberry industry in Western Australia’. This project is managed by the Strawberry Growers Association of WA Inc. and the work is being done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA). The project has been funded by voluntary contributions from the W.A. Strawberry Producers Committee, Toolangi Strawberry Runner Growers Co-operative and DAFWA with matching funding from Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). The project has been funded for three years, 2005, …

Excavated Tanks And Hillside Dams, Martyn Keen

Natural resources published reports

An excavated tank is an earth structure on near level land used to impound water, in which a percentage of the storage capacity is below ground level. It includes similar structures constructed on sloping land, referred to as 'hillside dams'. These are specific types of the group of water-impounding structures known as 'farm dams'.

Site Assessments, Martyn Keen

Natural resources published reports

The processes of collecting and recording site data as part of the preliminary tasks leading to a landscape or project design.

This standard applies to landscape and project designs for catchments of any size. Designs include: the installation of conservation earthworks; revegetation; land use planning; or implementation of erosion and sediment control practices. The design may also include any combination of the above

Perennial Grasses - Are They For Me? Workshop Manual For Participants, Department Of Agriculture And Food, Wa, Grains Research And Development Corporation

Agriculture reports

This workshop is part of a series of workshops looking at dryland salinity and options to manage it. These ‘Million hectares’ workshops have the common themes of environmental improvement. They provide information to help participants identify the risks within the catchment and at a farm level, assess both the likelihood of the risk occurring and consequences if the risk is not managed and determine the best course of action for individuals. This perennial grass workshop builds on information and understanding developed from other Million hectares workshops. Participants will determine their course of action based on their specific circumstances and goals. …

An Inventory Of Rangelands In Part Of The Broome Shire, Western Australia, W E. Cotching

Technical Bulletins

The inventory of rangelands in part of the Broome Shire in Western Australia was undertaken by DAFWA between 1989 and 1990. It describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the natural area’s resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The survey of part of the Broome Shire …

Miscellaneous Publication 19/2004 - Ord River Irrigation Area 2003 - Gross Margin Budget Guide For Horticultural Crops, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics research reports

Replaces Bulletin 4414

In 2000, Joanna Embry and Peter Gartrell, put together a Budget Guide for the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA). This document is an update with the objectives of updating some of those budgets to reflect current prices and yields. The two types of crops analysed are annual crops (cucurbits, field crops) and perennial crops (mangoes, bananas, and red fleshed grapefruit).

The analyses are prepared as guides of likely cost types and may not relate to individual growers. There is a wide range of fruit production systems, management techniques, varieties and market options making for a wide variation …

Groundwater Trends In The North Stirling Pallinup Sub-Region, Ruhi Ferdowsian, Lisa Crossing

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region of Western Australia into six sub-regions. This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management in the agricultural district of the North Stirling Pallinup sub-region.

This sub-region encompasses the Stirling Range National Park, the North Stirling Basin to the north-east of the Park, and the middle and upper catchments of the Pallinup River. Almost 90% (500,000 ha) of the sub-region's alienated land has been cleared for agriculture, and salinity has been identified as an important issue.

Soil-landscape zones are …

Groundwater Trends In The Fitzgerald Biosphere Sub-Region, Adam Lillicrap

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region into six sub-regions. The Fitzgerald Biosphere sub-region is located in the centre of the South Coast region of Western Australia (Figure 1). It is bounded by the Pallinup River to the east, Jerdacuttup River to the west, and includes the catchments of the Gairdner, Fitzgerald and Phillips Rivers. The sub-region encompasses the Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve and just over half (730,000 ha) has been cleared for agriculture.

This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management in the soil landscape …

Miscellaneous Publication 8/2004 - Midas User Manual. Version 1, Ross Kingwell, Felicity Flugge, Emma Kopke, Michael O'Connell

Farm Systems and Economics published reports

What is MIDAS?

It's a computer model of dryland farming in Western Australia. MIDAS is an acronym (Model of an Integrated Dryland Agricultural System). Currently there are five versions of MIDAS, each describes a representative farm in a particular farming region of Western Australia. Versions exist for the following regions (see Figure 1):

• the Eastern Wheatbelt;
• the Central Wheatbelt;
• the West Midlands;
• the Great Southern; and,
• the South Coast.

Each of these versions is a mathematical programming model of a representative farm.

Groundwater Trends In The Albany Hinterland Sub-Region, Arjen Ryder

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region of Western Australia into six sub-regions The Albany Hinterland is in the western portion (see Figure 1). It is bounded by the Pallinup River in the east. Stirling Ranges to the north and the Kent River catchment boundary in the west. Two-thirds (580.000 ha) of the sub-region has been cleared for agriculture This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management within the agricultural land

Soil-landscape zones are spatial units based on geology and geomorphology. Since most groundwater processes …

Spectacular Recovery In The Ord River Catchment, A L. Payne, I W. Watson, P E. Novelly

Agriculture reports

Regeneration work on severely damaged country in what is now known as the Ord River Regeneration Reserve (ORRR) commenced in 1960. The ORRR is in the East Kimberley area of Western Australia with an associated small area in the Northern Territory. The work included strip contour cultivation and seeding (which proceeded at various levels of intensity during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s), fencing and destocking of cattle by mustering over many years, and the eradication of donkeys.

Characteristics Of Perrennial Grasses [Poster], T M. Lacey, Geoff Allan Moore

All other publications

Growth Characteristics of perennial C3 grasses: this table presents information on a range of perennial grass species but it is not a recommendation for them. Consider species characteristics in relation to local conditions and then source specific variety information before making decisions. It is suggest you grow trial plots of grasses before planting large areas (see key below for rating system).

Groundwater Trends In The Kent-Frankland Sub-Region, Arjen Ryder

Natural resources published reports

The South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team (SCRIPT) has divided the South Coast region of Western Australia into six sub-regions. Kent-Frankland covers the catchments of the Frankland, Gordon and Kent' Rivers. Approximately two-thirds (450,000 ha) has been cleared for agriculture. This publication describes the groundwater trends, risk of shallow watertables, and technical feasibility of salinity management on agricultural land.

Soil-landscape zones are spatial units based on geology and geomorphology. Since most groundwater processes in WA are controlled by the geologic and regolith properties, these zones can be used for allocating hydrological attributes, such as groundwater characteristics and trends. The hydrological …