As the 2024 draws to a close, the Liebe Group are reflecting on another busy year and looking forward to 2025 where a number of exciting activities are already being planned.
The 2024 growing season has been mixed with generally good winter rains that were bookended by a variable start and a warm dry finish. Areas to the North received some good falls early in May whilst further south significant falls didn’t occur until the start of June. Harvest rain is now causing headaches for many farmers as well.
The Group’s Main Research Site in Maya was highly successful with handy May rainfall allowing the trials to get established. Canola establishment was one of the sites focus areas in 2024, with trials looking at different times of sowing and Nitrogen placements showing some interesting effects during the growing season. Canola yields have ranged from 2.6 t/ha to 3.6 t/ha with earlier sowing again proving the rewards are there if good establishment can be achieved.
Further to the canola trials, a Liebe Group barley variety trial looked at range of new and existing Barley cultivars some acid tolerance lines, with yields ranging from 5.2t/ha to 5.8 t/ha.
The GRDC Riskwi$e project entered its second year, with this project having a focus on Nitrogen management which is being unpacked in a long term rotational trial hosted at a Liebe satellite site near Pithara.
This trial is proving timely with farmers continuing to look at improving their Nitrogen decisions, particular in seasons like the last 5 which have been increasingly variable. The trial looks at fallow, legume and brown manure rotation options compared to continuous wheat, with different Nitrogen strategies overlayed. Wheat yields in this trial have ranged between 2.5 t/ha and 3.7 t/ha at this site with the different strategies playing a significant role in both yield and quality outcomes.
Results from other trials conducted in the region continue to roll in with Brome Grass management, Clay application x Nitrogen, Soil Amelioration, Stubble Management and many others all providing quality information that will continue to be unpacked over the next few years.
In addition to the trial program, The Liebe Group hosted several key events throughout 2024, including the Women’s Field Day and Spring Field Day. These events brought together local farmers to discuss business management and industry issues essential to the ongoing success of farm businesses. Smaller events such as Pinot in the Paddock, the Driest Rain Gauge Bus Tour, and Post-Seeding Field Walks provided more intimate opportunities for farmers to connect and discuss topical issues on the land.
Looking to 2025, The Liebe Group is excited to announce that the Main Trial Site will be moving south to Nudagong, hosted by the Cail Family. Preparations are already underway for this site, with many of the 2024 research topics continuing, along with new initiatives in development. Key events for 2025 include the GRDC Grains Research Update on March 13th in Coorow, Women’s Field Day on June 10th, and Spring Field Day on September 11th. A full list of events will be released soon, featuring a range of business skills workshops through the newly developed Liebe Group member development program, Carbon Farming Information Workshops through the Grower Group Alliance Carbon Farming Outreach Program, agronomy workshops, and regular field walks and local bus tours.
About the Liebe Group: The Liebe Group’s purpose is to facilitate collective local knowledge that advances, unites and reduces risks for farming businesses in the region.
The group is a leading grower force in agricultural research and community development, committed to advancing farming practices, fostering innovation, and empowering local communities. Through collaborative efforts and cutting-edge local research, the group continues to be a catalyst for positive change in the agricultural landscape. For more information, visit www.liebegroup.org.au
