‘Barley Crop Management’ is just one of many workshops which the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) will be delivering to arable growers this season. The half day sessions are targeted at both new growers and those returning to the crop after a break in the last few years.
The greater demand for food worldwide has been the main cause of increased prices. This has been led by the giant developing countries India and China, exacerbated by a drought in Australia, floods in the US and China, cyclones in SE Asia shortening supply of cereals and the increase in biofuel production using grain stocks, particularly maize.
The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is an applied research organisation responsible to New Zealand arable growers and invests grower levy funds in arable research and technology transfer.
With 20% of FAR’s income supporting extension activities, FAR is keen to ensure that anyone growing crops for grain or seed take advantage of its invaluable research.
Rachel Greenwood, FAR’s Communications Manager says “it is vital that FAR is aware of all farmers growing crops for grain and seed, plus those growing maize for silage. FAR is committed to providing information transfer to all these growers by way of technical Arable Updates, information booklets, workshops, field days and conferences.
“In addition, growers are entitled to access the members’ area of the FAR website which contains all current and archived literature which can be accessed easily through the online search facility.
“We urge all new growers to contact the FAR office so they can be added to the FAR database; we can then ensure that they are recipients of all future FAR information which we strongly believe will add value to their farming business.”
To be added to the FAR database and to receive a welcome pack, growers should contact Melanie Bond at the FAR office on 03 325 6353 or emailfar@far.org.nz. For more information or an informal chat, please contact the FAR office on 03 3256353.