Area Soil Conservation, PFRA

And Advisor to the Board

Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association

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Following the ISCO Conference in Sydney and several days of visiting Farm Groups in New South Wales (as reported by Ron Bell and Dennis Haugen) I had the privilege of visiting Western Australia for a week.

Kevin Bligh, W.A. Department of Agriculture had visited Manitoba in June 1991 at which time I had hosted him and his son and arranged for visits to Zero Till Farmers. Kevin invited me to attend several meetings and field days and speak to the people about where we are at, what are our experiences etc. in Zero Tillage in this part of the world. Although the schedule was rather hectic, the excellent planning, and generous hospitality of the local hosts made the mission pleasant and enjoyable. This action packed week included travelling 2300 kilometers while attending events ranging from large community or group sponsored field days to local gatherings of 15 to 25 farmers in a shearing shed or machine shed.

It was obvious that being on the other side of the world does not necessarily make things a whole lot different. Farmers are very committed and determined to adopting the Zero Tillage Crop Production System for the same reasons as farmers in North America.

Another important similarity was that the farmers themselves are playing a leading role in modifying and manufacturing equipment as well as identifying other concerns and seeking answers to problems. There are differences in soil and climatic conditions but the basic concept and challenge is the same. We are all trying to make a sustainable and economically viable system work.

The two most frequently asked questions were:

1. What is better for Zero Tillage Seeding, a disc opener or a tyne (hoe) opener?
2. Do you have a problem with rhizoctnia?

My answers, in brief were:

1. We have successful zero tillage farmers using either type of opener. Several personal factors on each individual farm will play a large role in deciding which is used. Soil and residue will also be important considerations.
2. We certainly recognize disease concerns and are very strict in recommending proper crop rotations.

When Australia has already organized a Zero Tillage Farmers Association and are most interested in maintaining close communication with our Association. There is no doubt that exchange of information, be it in person or by mail, is of great mutual benefit. We can expect to have continued contact with our friends form down under - not only W.A. but also from Victoria, New South Wales and possibly other states in their country. I would encourage anyone to accept any opportunity you may have to host a zero till visitor from down under. I would be most pleased to further discuss in detail any aspect of this visit with interested individuals.

I wish to sincerely thank my employer (PFRA), the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Association, The Saskatchewan Soil Conservation Association, and soil conservation staff in W.A. and N.S.W. for making this trip possible, useful and most enjoyable.