March 5, 2025
South Burnett growers had the opportunity recently to learn more about new options available when they consider their next summer crop.
The “Alternative Summer Crops” field day, part of the joint Federal / State Farm Business Resilience Program, was held at the DPI’s Kingaroy Research Station at Taabinga late last month.
Growers were invited to inspect trials of 18 crops, including sorghum, soybean, cowpea, pigeon pea and millet varieties.
Two new releases of mungbean were also discussed.
There were also forage crops, include multi-species covers and lab lab.
A special focus was an update on growing sesame, with both US and Israeli “non-shattering” varieties planted in trial strips.
These non-shattering varieties are not only high yielding but are also easier to harvest mechanically, leaving less lost crop in the paddock.
Andrew McDonald, from AgriVentis Technologies, said there was a strong global demand for sesame seed, most of which was still harvested by hand.
He was also impressed about the way the trials had withstood the heavy rain earlier this year in Kingaroy – 140mm in one day – without lodging or suffering other damage.
This is the third year the DPI has hosted an “alternative” crops field day, and the second in which sesame has been featured.
Tim Scott, from Kandanga Farm Store, also had a demonstration plot of his special summer 13-variety seed mix, which is grown as a cover crop to improve the soil as well as provide forage.
A focus on regenerative agriculture also included a demonstration of a “crimper roller” tractor attachment.
This piece of equipment will flatten a cover crop for zero-till re-planting or grazing.
- Related article: Field Day Opens Eyes To Sesame
