Winter-active lucerne transforms farming operation
Case study: Ken Schmidt
Location: Chincilla, Queensland
Property size: Two properties: Nine Mile — 750ha with seven centre pivot irrigators. Tandamere — 185ha with four pivots
Average annual rainfall: 675mm plus irrigation
Soils: Nine Mile — self mulching clay Tandamere — sandy clay
Enterprises: Lucerne and winter cereal hay production
Ken Schmidt is ramping up production with winter-active lucerne varieties (Photo supplied by AusWest Seeds).
Key messages:
- Winter-active lucerne varieties are producing up to 2t/ha of dry matter with each hay cut.
- Dry matter yields are dependent on soil type, with heavier soils producing higher yields.
- A proactive spray program and regular cutting is helping to control heliothis.
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