New Clearfield variety
THERE is a new Clearfield wheat variety on the market, with Australian Grain Technologies releasing Razor CL Plus.
The Clearfield production system involving cereal varieties that are tolerant to Intervix herbicide is an important weed management tool, especially in Victoria and South Australia.
With Razor, AGT believes it has narrowed the yield gap between Clearfield and conventional varieties.
Previously, the Achilles Heel of Clearfield varieties was their lower yields in comparison with other lines.
Razor has ASW quality classification.
Kirkegaard takes out award
NSW-based researcher John Kirkegaard has taken out a Grains
Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Recognising and Rewarding Excellence Award for his agronomic work, including improving the productivity of no-till systems, work on canola and water use efficiency.
The award comprises a travel bursary aimed at extending the professional networks and collaborative research opportunities of key Australian research scientists for the benefit of the wider grains industry.
GRDC Northern Panel chairman John Minogue said Dr Kirkegaard was widely renowned for his outstanding ability to develop practical and effective crop management packages to help growers address the enduring challenge of producing more crop with less inputs.
New marketing manager
Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) has appointed Douglas Lush as its marketing and production manager in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
Based in Toowoomba and working closely with AGT’s Narrabri Breeding Centre, Mr Luch will help in managing AGT breeding trials in Queensland before assuming marketing responsibilities into the future.
Mr Lush has worked with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries (DAF) in Queensland for over 18 years
Insecticide win
Bio-Gene Technology is delighted with the trial results of one its new insecticides.
The trial, conducted by Cesar, found Flavocide, which has the active ingredient flavesone, was effective in controlling Russian Wheat Aphid (RWA).
The trial was designed as a pilot to examine the efficacy of the molecule against RWA, and to suggest future direction of research.
China / Russia port
The first stage of a massive new logistics project that will link China and Russia will be completed by September according to Chinese media.
A new grain transportation port is being built at Fuyuan in north-eastern China, with the first stage to have annual throughput capability of 150,000 tonnes, rising to 650,000 tonnes when the second stage is completed.
It will connect with Russian ports at Khabarovsk and Nikolayevsk in Siberia.
In recent years, Chinese agribusinesses have planted grain in Russia, increasing the demand for logistics to bring the grain across to Chinese ports.
Mill certification
CENTRAL NSW mill MSM Milling has won accreditation to produce certified non-genetically modified (GM) canola oil at its Manildra mill.
The Non-GMO Project, a non-profit organisation committed to preserving and building sources of non-GM products, has given the green light for the business to market its products as GM free.
“MSM Milling has always been an independently certified non-GMO operation,” said MSM Milling director Bob MacSmith.
“The step to apply for additional ‘Non-GMO Project verification’ displays the company’s dedication to ensuring end consumers know the origin of their food and have the information they need to make healthy and safe choices,” he said.