OVER the past two weeks, the Elders Mackay branch hosted a series of meetings from Proserpine to Sarina and inland to Nebo to bring both cane and cattle producers up to date on the latest in chemical weed control and cattle management.
At the sixth and final meeting at Sarina on March 12, those attending were presented with information on cattle nutrition; control of diseases in cattle that cause poor fertility and calving percentages; how to improve breeding outcomes by using gene markers; new tropical grasses and legumes for increased production; the advantages of using coated seed; herbicide selection for weed control in sugarcane; and managing risks on-farm.
Pre-emergence herbicide use in cane is widespread, but it needs to be applied correctly so the chemical forms a barrier at the depth the weed seeds germinate.
As not all chemicals are soluble, the mix should be kept in suspension to ensure an even application rate across the target area, as there could be only two kilograms or less of active ingredient needing to be applied to each hectare for incorporation in the 700,000 tonnes of soil in the top 5cm.
The topics discussed by Pfizer Animal Health Townsville representative Andrew Bodycoat, were BVDV (pestivirus), vibriosis and leptospirosis. All are capable of seriously reducing the fertility of the herd by causing abortions and ill thrift or deaths in calves, but all are preventable with inexpensive vaccinations.
Heritage Seeds northern Australian representative Garry Dogao pointed out using coated seed guaranteed not only a better germination and quicker growth when establishing a pasture, and even though it came at a cost as less seed was needed, it was usually cheaper than planting uncoated seed.
Elders insurance agent at Mackay, Steve Cross, made the point you should always insure any equipment you couldn't afford to replace if it were lost, even if it were only an old tractor used as an anchor for an irrigator or to pull a molasses mixer.
Pfizer Animal Genetics Rockhampton representative Charlotte Fox explained the way gene markers work.
Currently, using 56 gene markers for three traits ? feed conversion, marbling and tenderness ? they identify animals with superior potential, but within a few months, GeneStar will be using 50,000 markers to identify 13 traits, which Ms Fox said they estimate amounts to between 30 percent and 50pc of the markets that could be there for each trait.
So they are getting closer to knowing the full story all the time.
Also at the meeting was a representative from Reid Rural at Rockhampton, who introduced the audience to a new galvanised steel rail and post product, Anglestonegal and Anglestonerail, which are galvanised both inside and out and are perfectly square or rectangular, making them easier to weld than bowed rails or those with curved corners.
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