Neil Halpin
October 26, 2018
The Grains Research and Development Corporation has tipped “a significant” peanut planting this season across Queensland and NSW.
But the industry body has reminded growers to keep it simple when it comes to agronomic management to maximise yield and quality.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal agronomist Neil Halpin said recent research had highlighted the importance of factors such as time of sowing, row configuration and plant population.
“With this year’s peanut season about to begin, it’s important for growers to start with soil testing pre-plant to help determine their soil ameliorant and fertiliser programs and from there, optimise sowing time and plant population,” he said.
“At the end of the day, if growers can focus on getting the agronomic basics right, especially in terms of ground preparation, planting and in-crop pest and disease management, then the gross margin returns can be extremely attractive.”
GRDC noted that favourable market prices for peanuts have been partly underpinned by Bega Cheese’s acquisition of PCA and its pledge to increase the domestic supply of peanuts by expanding plantings and production.
