Horsham Durum Pre-Seeding Forum

Attendance at the Pre-Seeding forum at the Longerenong College at Horsham was very encouraging for the Durum Industry in this area. About 50 people attended with a very good mix of Agronomists, growers and Industry representatives.

Speakers covered a wide variety of topics ranging from results from some of the trial work currently undertaken, future trials to be undertaken in 2017 season, marketing our grain, Highlights from Durum Breeding Program, Durum Agronomy, How to grow quality Durum, Finance management for Debt repayment, surplus funds and new machinery purchases, New weed control solutions and Production Wise – PA Source Imagery and innovation Generation.

Many questions were asked during the forum with responses given. At the close of the forum lunch was provided at Longerenong College, Horsham with the Pasta kindly donated by San Remo and Drinks supplied by Glencore Grain.

SADGA is very appreciative of the support we gain from our very valued sponsors each year.

Some of attendees at Durum Forum Longerenong College, Horsham

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Positive Outlook for Durum was very evident at the Tarlee Forum

It was great to see 55 farmers, sponsors, and agronomists at the Tarlee Durum Forum. The morning was action packed with great speakers presenting on a broad range of topics that impact on growing Durum. Attendees came from Lower North, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, West Coast of South Australia and Victoria.

Attendees at SADGA Pre-Seeding Forum at Tarlee.

The Chairman of Southern Australia Durum Growers Association welcomed everyone to the action packed agenda.

Agronomist Craig Davis caught up with durum breeder Jason Able and research scientist Mike Sissons.

Dr Jason Able presented the highlights of the 2016 Durum Breeding Programme and SAGIT reports. Jason was able to present a very positive outlook for Durum into the future with 3 lines being built up for stacking against Aurora. 2 of these lines will be bulked up at Roseworthy in 2017 and the other one a year later.

Benn Oliver, Glencore followed on from Jason by outlining Durum Marketing on the world scene, while Justin Wilks, ADM presented marketing wheat and barley. Mike Sissons, Principal Research Scientist, NSW DPI provided and update on the quality of the DBA material and discussed the new dough instrument and predictive tools.

San Remo’s Fil Ciancio at the SADGA Pre-Seeding Forum at Tarlee

Fil Ciancio, San Remo spoke on the ideal Durum seed which makes the better past – ‘Milling qualities of the current varieties, especially Aurora.

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San Remo 2017/18 Area Based Contracts

San Remo area based contracts will be released in the next few weeks

Steve Millington has released a fact sheet DS205.02 2017 Area Program Fact Sheet SA with important information relating to the 2017/18 Area Based Contract Program.

To register for the program it is essential to complete the expression of interest at mellco.com.au/registration

Neville Sharpe Recognised for Contribution to Durum Industry

The Southern Australia Durum Growers Association facilitated an appreciation dinner for Neville Sharpe to acknowledge his contribution to the Durum Industry. An inscribed silver tray was presented to Neville during the evening.

L to R: Alwyn Dyer (Chairperson), Neville Sharpe, Jeanette Sharpe

Neville was one of the pioneers in establishing the Durum industry in South Australia and approximately 60 guests attended to celebrate and reflect on the work and passion that Neville has undertaken over the last 28 years. All the past Chairpersons of the Southern Australia Durum Growers Association were present at the dinner to assist Neville with the celebrations and to recognise his significant involvement, commitment and dedication to the Durum Industry in South Australia.

Past Chairmen of SADGA
L to R:
Allan Kelly, John Rohde, Neville Sharpe, Michael Jaeschke (hidden), John Lush, Alwyn Dyer, John Green, Mark Hill, Leith Cooper.

Neville with his wife Jeanette, son Matthew and daughters Bronwyn and Susan were able to hear many speakers, past Chairpersons, Harley Milling representative, Plant Breeder Dr Jason Able reflect on Neville’s contribution to the industry.

The Chairperson Alwyn Dyer spoke of Neville’s work within the Durum industry over many years. He highlighted that one on the major achievements was Neville assisting the industry work through contamination issues a decade ago.

Neville during this period has been Chairperson, Treasurer and Seed Manager until recently.

Current SADGA Committee with Plant Breeder Dr Jason Able and Neville Sharpe who is currently still a committee member.
L to R:
Mark McInerney, Dr Jason Able, Michael Jaeschke, Neville Sharpe, Adrian McCabe, Jan Crawford (Treasurer), Ben Hunt, Nick May, Alwyn Dyer (Chairman), Malcolm Eastwood, Simon Mildren, John Green, Ann Price (Secretary), Leith Cooper, Mark Hill.