Huge field day program as Hart celebrates 40 years of leading trials research
In its milestone 40th year, the Hart Field Day returns on Tuesday, September 20, with a huge program showing exactly why it has cemented itself as the leading agronomy field day in Australia over four decades.
An extensive rolling program, with leading researchers and industry professionals will give visitors an insight into the latest trials research and results all right there, in the field.
Lunchtime speakers will be Dr Allan Mayfield and Dr Andy Barr looking back over the 40 year evolution of the Hart Field-Site Group and key game changers in agriculture, taking us back to the very roots of Hart and its beginnings.
Hart’s first ever trial undertaken in 1982, focussed on herbicide tolerances to medic pastures.
These herbicide tolerance trials have remained on the program ever since, and will feature as a highlight of the 2022 event, having now grown to include up to 50 herbicides and 17 varieties across 11 crop types.
For durum growers, Mark McInerney from the South Australian Durum Growers Association will speak about durum management including varieties, disease and weed research.
Hear about the use of new glyphosate and glufosinate technologies to control annual ryegrass in canola from Hart research and extension manager Rebekah Allen.
Canberra-based CSIRO scientist Dr Greg Rebetzke will lead sessions on new genetics for long coleoptile wheat with an insight into a new tool for drier and earlier sowing with options to sow deeper into subsoil moisture.
Newer pre-emergent herbicides and their performance in 2022 will also be in the spotlight.Hart intern Declan Anderson will speak about optimising vetch grazing and hay production, including the importance of variety selection, hay options and quality and the effects of plant growth hormones on biomass production.
And how healthy is your soil? Hear from local consultants about pH and liming, and some tips for better understanding your soil from SARDI’s Amanda Schapel.
See static displays, and take the opportunity to wander amongst the machinery and chat to our major sponsor of 18-years, Rocky River Ag Services about all your equipment needs.
Hart chair Andre Sabeeney, pictured right, said this year’s ruby celebration was the ideal opportunity to get out onto the trial site, have direct access to researchers, industry and network with like-minded farmers.
“There’s something new to see every year at the Hart Field Day and this season is no exception, it has enabled us to experience trial results that are less consistent than some other years,” he said.
“The later start and the favourable winter conditions have produced some really interesting in-field examples within the trials and we welcome everyone along to see firsthand how the trials are performing.”
The Hart Field Day gets underway on Tuesday, September 20, with gates open at 9am and an official opening at 10am. First sessions start at 10.30am sharp.
Admission is $44 (students $15), and includes access to all sessions and guest speakers, as well as a comprehensive, full colour Hart Field Day Guide with articles and information from each of the sessions.
Full catering is available throughout the day (some vendors taking cash only).
The Hart trial site is 10 kilometres north of Blyth, just off the Blyth to Brinkworth Road.
Bus and group tours are welcome and are encouraged to contact organisers now.
Early ticket purchase is encouraged, and will remain open online until lunchtime on the 20th, so even if you only decide on the day to head along it is easy to sign up before you arrive and fast track your way through the gate.
To purchase a ticket, or for more information take a look at the website or contact Sandy Kimber on 0427 423 154, or email admin@hartfieldsite.org.au.