facey group newsletter · from your grower group, you can simply follow facey group with the click...

The Facey Group would like to acknowledge and thank our valued sponsors Agrimaster, AWB, Landmark, Ballard Seeds,

Wickepin Rural Services, Australian Grain Technologies, CBH Group, CSBP, Syngenta, Tincurrin Rural Services, Pacific Seeds,

Farmanco, Jilakin Downs, Viterra, Canola Breeders & WFI

FACEY GROUP

NEWSLETTER July 2013 www.faceygroup.org.au Phone (08) 9888 1223

The Facey Group is an Association incorporated in Western Australia comprising broadacre farm businesses based in and around the

Shire of Wickepin. The Group is committed to improving the economic, social and environmental sustainability of its members. It

aims to access and provide knowledge to its members that will assist them in improving the profitability of existing enterprises while

identifying and evaluating profitable additional enterprises.

Welcome...

Contents From The SAC's Desk ..................................................................................................................................... 2

App of the Month ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Taking the Twit out of Twitter ...................................................................................................................... 3

Facey Group Seek Creative Administration Manager ................................................................................... 4

Events, Workshops & Forums ....................................................................................................................... 6

Further Funding Announced for GGA ........................................................................................................... 7

Syngenta: Broad Spectrum Coverage Now Available for Key Cereal Crops ................................................. 8

Richard Brake Joins The Farmanco Narrogin Team .................................................................................... 10

Local Government Elections 2013 ................................................................................................................ 6

Facey Group Newsletter July 2013

www.faceygroup.org.au 2

FROM THE SAC'S DESK

Unusual coming from the girl that grew up near Wandering.....brrrr!!! There has been some chilly weather over

this last month and its showing.

All the trials are progressing well at the moment and monitoring of sites steady.

Some highlights of what has been going on in the field......

Frost work is well underway! The Western Agribusiness Trial looking at stubble retained v burnt v cultivated

has been logging temperatures since 19th

June and we have recently downloaded our first lot of data. A total

of 8 events (up until 8th

July) where temperatures have dropped below zero, as expected the lower landscape

is showing colder temperatures than that in the higher landscape – however temperatures. With differences

minimal on some dates and temperatures dropping to -4.5 degrees, the difference is insignificant when it gets

that cold. No real noticeable differences between treatments as yet! At this point in time the crop canopy is

not high enough to be above the loggers so it will be later season events that will be more scrutinized so watch

this space!

Simulated Grazing Crops cuts have been completed at 2 timings so far, with some reasonable growth between

the cuts in different scenarios (ground level and trimmed back). There are 2 more simulated cuts to be

completed over the next 6 weeks and the final yield information will provide us with more details on how hard

we can graze. In a season like this it may be an option for those that are struggling to keep the feed up to stock

in their traditional pastures. A field walk is being held at Ledwith’s on 31st

July – see Grazing Crops poster

included in the newsletter.

Following on from one summer sowing site in 2012 there have been 3 sown in 2013. We have a site of each

sown to Margurita Serradella and Bartolo Bladder Clover. The germination counts are a little below ideal

(100ppm2) however have provided grazing over the Autumn/Winter period. Another summer sowing site this

year looked at DBS sowing and spreading + incorporation with prickle harrows at 2 separate seeding dates. The

DBS sown treatments have germinated well with between 103 -150 ppm2 in comparison to the prickle harrow

treatments with germination at between 38-59 ppm2, although ideal this is at least double the volunteer

pasture treatment within the same site showing germination of 17ppm2. Summer sowing does not fit

everyone’s situation however we have had some good results over the past 2 seasons.

Unfortunately due to a dry June we were unable to put in a planned mouldboard ploughing site – this is now

scheduled for 2014. If there is any interest in mouldboard ploughing please let me know and we may be able

to arrange a visit with nearby Corrigin Farm Improvement group who have put in a site in 2013 and also have

some work that was completed in 2011 and 2012.

Plenty of interesting things happening on-ground this season and now on the countdown to Spring Field

Day!!!! Keep an eye out for the posters and email updates closer to September!

Cheers,

Sarah Hyde

Sustainable Ag Coordinator

M: 0428 882 828

E: [email protected]



APP OF THE MONTH

TAKING THE TWIT OUT OF TWITTER

Cheryl Groom

With social media's popularity soaring over the last few years, it has become an important tool for the

extension of news, information and research. Nowadays most of the big companies are using social media as a

form of advertising , with the general public using it to share ideas and voice opinions - just look at the live

export debate and the Animals Australia Coles bags incident. There is just no ignoring this powerful tool, no

matter how hard you try (guilty). With its swift development it is not hard to understand why many of us have

been "left behind" (guilty again). After Catherine Marriott's inspirational presentation at the Facey Group's

Women in Agriculture event "New Horizons" in June, this was plain to see with many of the attendees

requesting workshops on social media. For those of us who get a little confused with all the technical jargon

surrounding social media, here's a quick guide to Twitter.

The Basics

What is Twitter? Twitter is a social networking service, which allows users to publish messages for the world to

see. These messages are known as "tweets". People on Twitter are able to choose who they would like to see

"tweets" from by "following" those people. For example, if you would like to keep updated with all the latest

from your grower group, you can simply follow Facey Group with the click of a button.

APP

OF THE

MONTH

This newsletter, Facey Group Committee member, Kelly

Manton-Pearce has recommended the Twitter app.

According to Kelly it is the app to have if you want to

keep up-to-date with all the latest news and goings on in

the ag industry.

With the ability to choose who to follow, you can tailor

your news feeds to receive the information you want.

If you would like to download this app or if you already

have this app be sure to follow us @FaceyGroup. If you

would like to know more about Twitter, read the article

below.

To download the Twitter app, go to the app store.



Who Can Use Twitter? Anyone can and does use Twitter, from the media to celebrities, businesses and the

general public. All you need in order to sign up is an email address and an internet connection - go to

www.twitter.com to get started.

What's With All The @#? Whilst they might look like components of cyber profanities, the @ and the #

symbols are actually used as tools to identify who and what people are talking about.

# is the subject of your Tweet. For example, you could tweet "I love #farming". By using the # symbol Twitter is

able to recognise you are talking about farming. It then tailors your newsfeed to include similar tweets, so you

are kept up-to-date with information relevant to you. You can also see the most talked about topics in the

world each day.

@ is the who of your Tweet. If you would like to mention a person or a business who is also on Twitter in your

tweet you can use the @ symbol so Twitter can identify who you are talking about. For example, you could

tweet "Looking forward to @FaceyGroup Spring Field Day in September".

So get on Twitter to keep up-to-date with all the latest or make your voice heard for the ag industry. If you

have a smart phone why not download the Twitter app and have all the latest news and information at your

fingertips? If you have been inspired and would like more information on Twitter or help with getting started

contact the girls at the Facey Group office who will be more than happy to help. Watch this space for future

social media workshops...And don't forget to follow us @FaceyGroup.

Happy Tweeting!

FACEY GROUP SEEK CREATIVE ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

JOB TITLE: Administration Manager

REPORTS TO: Executive Officer

Interested applicants to contact Felicity Taylor [email protected] or 9888 1223 for copy of Selection

Criteria.

Applications close 2nd August 2013.

JOB SUMMARY

The Facey Group Administration Manager oversees the key secretarial, reception and project administration

tasks. The administration manager is the secretary of the group and as such is responsible for incoming & out

going correspondence, membership management, committee management and assisting in the promotion of

the group in collaboration with the group’s Marketing Manager.

The administration manager is also one of the key drivers behind the Facey Group Women in Ag committee

and as such the annual Women in Ag Event This position is a priority role for the Facey Group to co-ordinate

staff administration requirements, the committee, sponsorship administration and the membership. In

partnership with the Executive Officer and the Treasurer the administration manager will also be required to

prepare the monthly financial administration process for the group.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administration

In charge of checking and setting dates, updating Critical timeline document and monthly calendar on whiteboard and DropBox.

mailto:[email protected]



Preparation of annual membership survey and membership renewal correspondence. Manage membership database. Maintain general correspondence procedures. Ordering of office supplies and equipment. Equipment management. Secretary for General Meetings. Preparation of monthly financials in collaboration with Executive Officer and Treasurer.

Events and Promotion

Assist the Marketing Manager and Executive Officer in the production of the Facey Group bi- monthly newsletter

Co-ordinate the Facey Group fortnightly E-newsletter Prepare local paper updates monthly Assist in the preparation of flyers, adverts etc of field days, workshops etc Organisation of catering and infrastructure for field days (ie Trials Night, Spring Field Day, Women’s

Field Day and other field days/events throughout the year)

Committees

Perform secretarial duties for the group. Committee: formulate agenda with staff input, Women in Agriculture Group: sit on sub group and assist with planning and implementing the

associated events.

Research and Development

Assist in the organisation of workshops/courses that are a priority to the membership - ensure the membership is being serviced and up skilled.

Assist in the organisation study tours.

Financial Sustainability

Funding opportunities: keep an eye out for funding opportunities and if appropriate, write a proposal or try to link in with other proposals.

Team

Meetings: Attend team (staff) meetings. Contribute to the meeting and take responsibility for allocated actions.

Assist other staff members when required and when you are able to considering your own work load. Attend and participate in major Facey Group events wherever possible: including Trials Review

Evening, Women in Ag Day and Spring Field Day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Administration Manager will operate primarily out of the Facey Group office in Wickepin. The applicant

may be required to travel to trial sites and field day sites and visit farmers. All resources required to complete

the Administration Managers duties will be provided by the Facey Group. A minimum of 24 hours per working

week will be required with the opportunity to increase should the work require. The actual working days and

contact hours will be flexible and can be discussed with the employee and the Facey Group.



EVENTS, WORKSHOPS & FORUMS

For more information on the events below, please contact the people listed.

July

Wed 31st Grazing Crops Field Walk Dudinin Sarah Hyde 9888 1223

Kolindale Merino Ram Field Day Dudinin Luke Ledwith 0427 890 046

August

Thur 1st ABARES Regional Outlook Northam ABARES Events Team (02) 62723051

[email protected]

Fri 2nd Corrigin Dining Divas Corrigin Shire of Corrigin 90632203

Tue 13th Wheatbelt Women "The Big Bang" Bruce Rock Bruce Rock Shire 90611377

Wed 14th Get to Know Soils Deeper Wickepin DAFWA [email protected]

Tue 20th - Thur 22nd Pasture Updates

Mt Barker, Dongara, Perth

Erin Gorter 0429833752 [email protected]

Mon 26th - Tue 27th SPAA PA Symposium Perth Nicole Dimos [email protected]

Fri 30th AG Institute: Busting the

Productivity Barrier Como [email protected]

September

Fri 6th UWA Future Farm 2050 Pingelly Christine Shervington

[email protected]

Wed 18th Facey Group Spring Field Day Harrismith Facey Group 9888 1223

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 2013

Local government elections play an important role in our democratic system and are an excellent opportunity

for people to contribute to, and be involved in their local community.

Ordinary local government elections are held on the third Saturday in October every two years, generally for

50% of the members of every council.

There are many benefits of being involved in your local council, the main benefit being the sense of

satisfaction you will gain from serving your community.

Being involved in local government will also give you the opportunity to increase your knowledge about the

operations of all levels of government, improve your confidence in public speaking and play an important role

in the changes occurring in your district.

If you want to make a difference in your community and have a say in local decision-making, vote or stand for

election as a councillor in your local government elections.

For further information please visit www.dlg.wa.gov.au.

http://www.ioa.uwa.edu.au/future-farm-2050/news-and-events/open-day-2013

http://www.dlg.wa.gov.au/



FURTHER FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR GGA



SYNGENTA: BROAD SPECTRUM COVERAGE NOW AVAILABLE FOR KEY CEREAL CROPS

If you’re currently planning your 2013 wheat, barley or oats crop, you’ll also be considering the best ways to

protect those crops from disease and maximise yields. Fortunately, there is a new broad-spectrum and cost

effective control option.

Syngenta is about to release Cogito, a new fungicide that‘s set to be a game-changer for cereal crop

protection. By bringing together and combining the strengths of two active ingredients, propiconazole and

tebuconazole in one high quality formulation, Cogito affordably offers peace of mind that you’re covered

against all major diseases, even in medium to low rainfall areas. This gives a more flexible control option.

Effective control made simple

Stripe Rust is a major financial risk for Australian farmers, and has caused significant loss to wheat yield and

grain quality in the past. Meanwhile, the Yellow Leaf Spot epidemic in 2010 also highlighted the need for more

effective fungicides to help farmers minimise their risk.

“Our recent dry summer means there hasn’t been a lot of stubble breakdown, so we may see increased

pressure from Yellow Leaf Spot again,” says Garth Wickson, Solutions Development Lead at Syngenta.

“So, with Cogito we’re bringing what could be called a ‘super-tebuconazole’ to the market. It offers

tebuconazole levels of stripe rust control, with the added benefits of effectively controlling other key diseases

such as Yellow Leaf Spot.”

He likens it to an umbrella, with full coverage against all major pathogens, including Barley Leaf Rust, Yellow

Leaf Spot, blotches, Barley Scald and Powdery Mildew, and explains that if you're relying on only propiconazole

or tebuconazole right now “your umbrella may have a few leaks.”

Syngenta’s focus on building rural prosperity through better crops, better returns for growers and improved

farm productivity is underpinned by a global $1.2billion investment in R&D. Proven protection and

performance



In registration trials, Cogito demonstrated it could provide control over key diseases equal to, or in some cases

better than, individual actives.

The severity of stripe rust dropped from 92% (untreated) to 25% with 250ml/ha Cogito – and the yield more

than doubled.

The reason for this high performance lies in Cogito’s unique formulation, that provides consistent strength in

treating a wider range of fungal pathogens.

Peace of mind throughout the growing season

Cogito can therefore offer more effective control than conventional tebuconazole and propiconazole

formulations. It’s also easier to use and manage. With one fungicide protecting all, you’ll no longer need to buy

and store separate products for different cereal crops or pathogen risks. And that makes it a cost-effective

alternative as well.



Furthermore, Cogito is ready to use, with no other additives needed, and includes a unique adjuvant system to

boost efficacy.

Syngenta sees Cogitio being used at growth stage 30 – 32 as an inoculum management tool, suppressing early

disease development. Additionally, it equally supports flag leaf protection in situations where growers are

looking to use a cost effective treatment.

Greg Giblett of Agromax Consulting in the Liverpool Plains attended a recent presentation on Cogito’s trial

performance.

“The preliminary research indicates that the combination of dual actives, propiconazole and tebuconazole,

may give slightly better control over Yellow Spot and Stripe Rust than either active alone,” he said. “We’ll be

keen to give Cogito a trial on cereal crops this winter.”

Syngenta will launch Cogito in May 2013, just in time to give your crop the best possible start. Please contact

your local sales representative for more information, call the Syngenta Technical Product Advice Line on 1800

067 108, or visit www.syngenta.com.au.

RICHARD BRAKE JOINS THE FARMANCO NARROGIN TEAM

I was born in the UK, the son of an agricultural management consultant who

consulted to farm businesses across the south of England.

I have specialist skills in farm business analysis, cash-flow management and a

wide range of business skills as well as a passion for the agricultural industry.

I studied Rural Estate Management at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester

from 1990 to 1993 which provided me with a broad base of knowledge to

manage a ‘traditional English estate’.

After completing the three year diploma at Cirencester I immigrated to New Zealand where I established my

own consultancy business involved in beef, sheep, dairy, forestry, horticultural and commercial enterprises

across the top of the North Island which I operated for 13 years. I also established a laboratory with my then

wife testing soil, plant tissue, water and microbiology. The laboratory covered all of New Zealand, parts of

Australia and we also received samples from the UK. I sold my share in 2008 and went on to manage a kiwifruit

lease portfolio for a South Auckland pack-house with 130 productive hectares and 30 owners.

In 2010 I fulfilled a long held ambition and moved to Australia with my three children, arriving in Geraldton in

the middle of January to work as a sales agronomist for CRT. This gave me a great introduction to broadacre

farming. After 16 months the need to have a more business management role saw me move to the Indigenous

Land Corporation where I oversaw the financial management of seven cattle stations and one export depot in

the Kimberley for two years.

I live with my West Australian partner and her three children (yes, there are six kids in the house! whose ages

range from 10 to 16). In my spare time I coach an U11 soccer (that’s real football!) team, support two other

soccer teams, two netball teams and still find time to renovate our house.

I am looking forward to meeting you all as we continue the relationship between Farmanco, the Facey Group

and farming families throughout the upper Great Southern region.

http://www.syngenta.com.au/

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