Today was a travel day from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and then by air to Rockhampton. It was pouring when we arrived and very windy. One person told us that they had 100mm (4 inches) today and that is in saturated conditions. Needless to say there is a lot of water around. After years of drought this is a new experience. They are having trouble getting winter crops off and getting summer crops seeded.
The road to Emerald is flood in three places so we will be not get out there. However, Tim has arranged some other farm visits.
We visited with several members of the Fitzroy Basin Association. The Fitzroy River and its basin is about ¼ the size of Alberta and the second largest drainage basin in Australia.
The group’s purpose is to protect the Great Barrier Reef by reducing erosion and sedimentation. They promote sustainable development and also CTF as a means of reducing runoff. They are also involved in other projects such as BMPs for grazing and zero till.
Tim Neale our guide and one of the principles of Precision Agriculture usually goes through at least a 12 month process with clients that are planning to switch to CTF. He gets them to look at:
- Tractor front and rear axles – are they strong enough and long enough to go to a 3 meter stance
- Getting the combine set up for 3 meter trams and then the tractor
- Row spacing and seeder widths, usually multiples of 30 or 40 feet
- Ways to improve efficiencies – usually the longest discussion
- Developing a 5-10 year plan, where they want to go
- Lastly and a fairly easy process is the air cart and sprayer setup
As well Tim develops topography maps and helps the farmer design the most efficient system for their fields. This normally includes running trams up and down hills. Length of runs and water, drainage and erosion issues are addressed.
I am told that the blog is too clinical so I’ll try get some good Australian humor for tomorrow.
Our new logo
Gold Coast, a major tourist destination
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