Jess Sampson

In a year where we have seen well above average rainfall and widespread flooding across the country, it is important to manage your summer weeds. On the east coast, we expect to see a significant weed seed carry over into 2023 and beyond.  Uncontrolled weeds can have many ongoing effects, including contributing to the soil seed bank. This can cause ongoing problems with crop rotation, weed management, nutrient availability, and increased costs. Effectively managing summer weeds can reduce ongoing weed numbers and run down the seed bank.  Controlling summer weed growth can help prepare for next year’s crop by: Retaining plant available nitrogen - nitrogen stores are not being used up by weedy biomass. Increasing plant available water. Reducing weed diseases and nematodes.  Reduced levels of rust inoculum. Pest reduction (aphids, etc.).  Assist in crop establishment from reduced competition. Double Knock In tough seasons like this one, a double knock strategy is most effective in summer weed control. A double knock method has many benefits, including assisting with reducing glyphosate resistance risks, reducing the weed seed bank and aiding in the control of hard to kill weeds, such as windmill grass, feathertop rhodes and fleabane. For best results in a double knock, the first spray should be a systemic herbicide (eg: glyphosate , atrazine , 2,4-D Amine ) to maximise translocation, followed by a contact herbicide (eg: paraquat , glufosinate , saflufenacil) shortly after. Other methods such as heavy grazing or burning could also be used as a “second knock.” Tips for controlling Summer Weeds: Keep water rates high (above 70L/Ha). Use AMS when using hard water. Add a surfactant to increase uptake and translocation on tough weeds. Spray actively growing weeds that are not stressed. Spray weeds at the correct size, according to label specifications.  If you have livestock, spray grazing can be really effective. Summer grasses may need a higher rate of Glyphosate to control - keep an eye on ARG resistance and double knock or mix sprays as needed. Follow the correct mixing order when filling your tank. Harvest Weed Seed Control  The best time to start controlling your weeds is at harvest. During harvest, weeds that have grown in the crop and still contain weed seeds in the head are picked up by the harvester and are then spat back out and spread across the paddock in straw or chaff. Destroying these seeds, or “relocating” them to an easy to control area at harvest time is a great way to get a head start on managing your weed burden. A great place to look for information on this is WeedSmart Australia - Industry Voice On Weed Control . Identifying your target weeds will greatly assist in getting a good kill. Some common summer weeds to look out for may include: Afghan melon ( Citrullus lanatus ) Paddy melon ( Cucumis myriocarpus ) Caltrop ( Tribulus terrestris ) Feathertop Rhodes grass ( Chloris virgata ) Flaxleaf fleabane ( Conyza bonariensis ) Windmill grass ( Chloris truncata ). Sowthistle ( Sonchus oleraceus ) Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma) Spear Grass If you are unsure or after some more advice always consult your agronomist or reach out to one of our agronomists: Anthony Stibbard or Jess Sampson . Shop for Herbicide Products  Find the herbicide products you need at FBN Direct®. We have a diverse portfolio to provide product options for growers like you to support plant health. References Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", "Farmers Business Network", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/territory law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered chemical product is a violation of federal and/or state/territory law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, territory and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must be authorised to use restricted chemical products under applicable state or territory law. Please consult your applicable state or territory authority for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted chemical products as some products require specific record-keeping requirements. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Australia PTY Ltd nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

Mother Nature has thrown Aussie farmers another curveball. With recent strong winds, storms and heavy rain across the east coast, harvest won't come easy this year.  Recent weather events combined with higher than average expected yields — resulting in heavy heads — means we should be on the lookout for lodging in our cereal crops.  Lodged cereal crops Lodged crops can remain wet for long periods of time following rain, heavy dew or fog. This can become the breeding ground for foliar diseases and Fusarium Head Blight (FHB).  FHB is a fungal disease that can cause yield losses of 20-100%, along with impacts on grain quality. It is generally noticed in the florets or heads of wheat and barley, which can appear to look bleached white instead of yellow or green. Grains can appear chalky and low weight.   Weather conditions during and after flowering play a huge role in FHB outbreaks. FHB likes warm, wet weather during and after flowering. Spores can be spread by splash droplets or wind, infecting susceptible wheat or barley heads, and can travel long distances.  Mold growth is also something to pay close attention to in lodged wheat. Under favorable warm and wet conditions saprophytic fungi will readily colonise in wheat heads, resulting in a dark mold forming over the heads. To reduce the risk of mold, try to get the wheat dried down as low as possible prior to storing.  Lodging can also cause low test weights if the grain is prevented from fully maturing or filling completely and drying naturally in the paddock. This occurs mostly when the grain is rewetted in the paddock after maturity but prior to harvest. When grain is rewetted the germination process begins, thus causing a reduction in test weight. During a wet season such as this one, it is a good idea to look at pre-harvest options for quicker dry-down. The two main methods used are windrowing or glyphosate application. There are pros and cons to each method, so find what works for you and discuss with your local agronomist.  Windrowing Windrowing can speed up crop dry-down, but if adverse weather causes delays, grain in the windrow can be at a higher risk of pre-harvest sprouting.  Pre-harvest windrowing  Advantages Disadvantages Less susceptible to hail damage Second pass on the paddock Faster dry-down compared to straight cutting Regerm damage if late rain persists Glyphosate application Glyphosate application during the hard dough stage can hasten dry-down in wet conditions. However, there is a seven-day pre-harvest interval, so at most you gain a couple of days. Always follow label directions and use a glyphosate that is registered for pre-harvest over the top (OTT) application.  Pre-harvest glyphosate applications Advantages  Disadvantages Fast application Spray drift potential Even maturing  Poor perennial weed control Good annual weed control Fast dry-down  Strategies to make harvest easier despite lodging Lodging can make harvesting an adventure, but there are a number of things we can do to make harvesting a little easier.  Limit paddock traffic to avoid the wheat sticking to the mud. Harvest in one direction against the grain and, if possible, use crop lifters.  Adjust the reel far enough down to lay the head on the platform. You want to get as low as you can when picking up the wheat to get as much of the plant cut and through the combine as possible. Go slow — the reel should turn just faster than ground speed. Facing the reel forward and down will help to lift a lodged crop.  Don't delay your harvest too long. If there is a break in the weather and the crop is ready, get it off the paddock to reduce possible disease pressures. There are a number of ways to keep an eye on your crops for disease and lodging, so that you can implement the best practice for your harvest. Consult with your agronomist to ensure you harvest a high yielding, high quality grain.  Shop for herbicide products Find the herbicide products you need at FBN Direct®. We have a diverse portfolio to provide product options for growers like you to support plant health. Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", "Farmers Business Network", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty. Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/territory law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered chemical product is a violation of federal and/or state/territory law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, territory and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must be authorised to use restricted chemical products under applicable state or territory law. Please consult your applicable state or territory authority for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted chemical products as some products require specific record-keeping requirements. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Australia PTY Ltd nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

More than 1.3 mmt (million metric tonnes) of sorghum is grown each year in Australia, and a majority of that is grown in Northern NSW & QLD. Grain sorghum in Australia is mainly grown on heavy clay soils with a high water holding capacity. Growing sorghum as part of a rotation can play an important part in disease and weed control for the following winter cereal season.  In Australia, we have the ability to grow grain sorghum that both yields extremely high and contains high protein. To grow high quality and high yield grains we need to apply the appropriate amount of fertiliser at the right time. Source: https://www.pacificseeds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ADS241019-Grain-sorghum-nutrition-guide-1.pdf With global shortages, logistics delays and increased pricing, your farm can only benefit from understanding what nutrients your crop requires and the optimum window to apply.  There are a range of nutrients that can affect grain quality or limit production, but the main ones are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) . Second to that under some growing conditions is sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn). As a rule I say nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for roots and shoots and potassium for fruit and flower.  To calculate the uptake for each nutrient we multiply the nutrient uptake by the grain/yield (t/ha). The calculation will also represent the quantity of nutrient likely to be removed if the crop was to be harvested as silage or hay. Nutrient uptake is approximately: N - 30 kg/t P - 4.5kg/t K - 16.3kg/t S - 5.2kg/t Zn - 24g/t  * Fertiliser rates will vary depending on location, soil type, and paddock history Application timing is also key in optimising fertiliser uptake. Sorghum requires 75% of its total nitrogen requirement during the vegetative stage ( 6 leaves open). If nitrogen is short during this period it will significantly reduce the stem growth. The remaining 25% of nitrogen is required during flowering, this timing is key in optimising grain quality and protein content.   Sorghum will utilise most of its phosphorus requirement during booting and early flowering. The P plays a vital role in early root development, energy storage and water use efficiency.  During the vegetative stage (6 leaves open) sorghum will use around 50% of its potassium requirements. Adequate potassium is required for a multitude of reasons from protein synthesis and assisting in the translocation of carbohydrates to increasing disease resistance and improving the plants hardiness.  K-Fulvate 10% can be applied with NPK fertilisers during growing season to quickly correct micro and macro nutrient deficiencies.  Fulvic acids can assist in reducing leaching, providing carbon to the soil and can be used as a chelating agent to ensure that micro nutrients are quickly converted to a form that is readily available to the plant.   As with any crop we grow we need to be aware of the amount of nutrients that are removed when we harvest the crop, either for grain, or hay/silage. To optimise yields in the following crop rotation we need to ensure that we replace what we remove.  The easiest way to calculate replacement rates is to double the rates we removed during harvest.  Typical removal rates for grain sorghum are as follows: NUTRIENT N P K S Zn REMOVAL 15 kg/t 2.9 kg/t 3.3 kg/t 1.3 kg/t 18g/t % OF Uptake removed 50 65 20 25 75 Along with good nutrition we need to manage weeds, pests and diseases in the crop.  Keeping up to date with spray application timings and pest numbers will play a vital role in optimising harvest yields and quality.  Good weed control in sorghum is essential for producing profitable crops. Weeds can cause problems a number of ways, most importantly by competing with crops for available nutrients, sun and water, as well as causing weed seed contamination at harvest. Again, spray application timing is key in weed control.  Source: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/146355/grain-sorghum.pdf  With soil temperatures on the rise and water tables full, we have the ability to grow a fantastic sorghum crop this year on Australia’s east coast.  Shop for Crop Nutrition Products  Find the crop nutrition products you need at FBN Direct®. We have a diverse portfolio to provide product options for growers like you to support plant health. References https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/146355/grain-sorghum.pdf https://www.pacificseeds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ADS241019-Grain-sorghum-nutrition-guide-1.pdf Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", "Farmers Business Network", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty. Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/territory law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered chemical product is a violation of federal and/or state/territory law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, territory and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must be authorised to use restricted chemical products under applicable state or territory law. Please consult your applicable state or territory authority for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted chemical products as some products require specific record-keeping requirements. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Australia PTY Ltd nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

Crops require trace elements to grow, thrive and survive, but only in small amounts. As a result, these are often overlooked when we are looking at our yearly crop inputs.  A healthy addition of trace elements is just as important for producing profitable crops as nitrogen and phosphorus, especially because many Australian soils are deficient in trace elements in their native condition. Because we are producing such high quality grain and large yields, we are at constant risk of not replacing enough micronutrients back into the soil.  The use of foliar sprays will usually correct a problem in the crop. However, for long term correction of the deficiency we need to boost the nutrient reserves in our soils.   Trace Elements applied as a foliar have the benefit of being easily absorbed and translocated readily within the plants. They are also easily decomposed within the plant so that they can become available straight away.  Using a foliar as a Soil Application is highly stable and will not easily allow the nutrient to be replaced by other elements within the soil.  Micro-Nutrient Soil Type Susceptible Crop Zinc Heavily eroded soils, acid soils, coarse sands, Waterlogged soils. Beans, Soybeans, Corn, Sorghum, Rice, Cereals Boron Coarse sandy soils, High Acid soils, peats Lucerne, Lupins, Peas, Clover, cotton, corn, canola Cobalt Essential for nitrogen fixation  Pastures Iron  Alkaline Soils, waterlogged soils Beans, Soybeans, Corn, Sorghum Molybdenum Weathered Acidic soils Canola, Legumes Manganese Sandy soils, Calcareous soils Legumes, Cereals, Cotton, Canola Copper Sandy loams, acidic soils Cereals If crops are deficient in any one of these micronutrients it can cause the crop to struggle with the production of carbohydrates for energy, reproductive growth and seed development, thus leading to reduced crop yields. Yield losses can also occur when crops are only marginally deficient and before symptoms of deficiency are seen.  The best way to diagnose a trace element deficiency is to complete a plant tissue test in crop or as part of your regular soil sampling. OmniTrace is a chelated form of trace elements. A chelate is an organic compound that protects the metallic elements, such as Fe, Zn & Cu. Chelated trace elements are also resistant to micro-biological decomposition, and are soluble in water, therefore mix with a wide range of chemical inputs.  Note: A jar test is always recommended prior to mixing large quantities.  The infographic below from the International Year of Plant Health shows the importance of these nutrients in plant growth. Click here to enlarge the infographic. Shop for Crop Nutrition Products  Find the crop nutrition products you need at FBN Direct®. We have a diverse portfolio to provide product options for growers like you to support plant health. Sources: Grain Research and Development Corporation Nutrimin.com Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", "Farmers Business Network", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty. Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/territory law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered chemical product is a violation of federal and/or state/territory law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, territory and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must be authorised to use restricted chemical products under applicable state or territory law. Please consult your applicable state or territory authority for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted chemical products as some products require specific record-keeping requirements. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Australia PTY Ltd nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

Zinc deficiency in Australia is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies in crops. Zinc deficiencies can occur on a wide range of soils, from heavy alkaline clay soils to light sandy acidic soils.  In crops, zinc is vital for the formation of chlorophyll and carbohydrates. It plays an important role in the movement of water in plants, aiding in root development and starch formation. Zinc is also essential in aiding the production of growth hormones such as Auxins.  The total amount of zinc in your soil can be directly related to the parent material, for example,  basalt soils can contain high levels of zinc, whereas sandy soils can be low in zinc. Although zinc in organic matter is fairly immobile and very little is leached from the soil, it is often not in a readily available form in the soil. There are many factors that can play a key role in the availability of zinc for plant uptake, such as: Organic matter - Zinc can interact with soil organic matter by forming both insoluble and soluble zinc complexes. It can be mineralised and made available to plants from decomposing organic matter.  The amount of chelating agents in the soil have a direct impact on the movement of Zinc. Chelating agents increase the solubility of zinc from the soil and aid its movement through to the roots of the plants. Climatic conditions can also play a role in zinc availability. A wet winter-spring season, like the one we are experiencing in Australia, can result in zinc deficiency in plants, this is a result of reduced microbiological activity. Microbiological activity is important to assist in releasing zinc from organic matter. Because of this waterlogging can tend to increase zinc deficiency. High levels of available iron can adversely affect the plants ability to take up zinc.  The incorrect application of phosphorus fertiliser may induce zinc deficiency, by affecting the physiological availability of zinc in plant tissues. It has been found that Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) colonisation of plant roots is reduced in crops growing in soils high in phosphorus. That is why it is really important to know your soils and apply the correct fertiliser types and rates.  High water tables or soil compaction can affect plant root development. This can directly affect the dispersion of zinc in the soil, leading to zinc deficiency. VAM is a beneficial fungi which infects the roots of most crops (except canola). The mycelium (fungal threads) assist the plants ability to uptake immobile nutrients such as phosphorus and zinc, It does this by increasing the root surface area. VAM relies on plants for survival. Fallowing land for a long period, e.g. 12 months, or growing non-host crops (canola), can cause populations to decline, thus increasing the risk of zinc deficiency.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhiza Some symptoms of zinc deficiency are: Brown or yellow patches on the new growth Patchy appearance of the crop Brown necrotic spots on the leaves Poor seed set – young tillers may die before setting seed Poor yield/low protein Zinc toxicity is uncommon, and is more likely to occur in acid soils. High levels of zinc can inhibit a plant's ability to uptake P and Fe.  Zinc as a foliar spray should be applied in small amounts, more regularly. Early in the morning or early evening to reduce evaporation and maximise the intake of zinc into the plant. Best results occur when applied before symptoms of deficiency are noticeable.  OmniZinc is a fully chelated form of zinc, making it both more efficient and effective to use. It mixes well with a wide range of liquid fertilisers, humates and chemicals. Crop Rate L/Ha Timing Water L/Ha Cereals 0.5 - 2.5 3-5 leaf stage 50-100 Canola 0.5 - 2.5 4-9 True leaves 50-100 Legumes 0.5 - 2.5 10-14 days before flowering, sooner if a deficiency is known. 50-100 Pasture 0.5 - 2.5 Good leaf cover 50-100 Cotton 1 - 2.5 Prior to flowering 50-100 Grapevines 1 - 3 Flower bud visible & flower bud separated. 200-1000 Citrus 2 - 4 Spring, Summer, Autumn flush 500-1000 2 - 5 Soil application Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhiza https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24205708_Soil_factors_associated_with_zinc_deficiency_in_crops_and_humans GRDC.com.au https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhiza Impact Fertilisers Trace elements 1999 Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", "Farmers Business Network", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty. Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and state/territory law to use any pesticide other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered chemical product is a violation of federal and/or state/territory law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, state, territory and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must be authorised to use restricted chemical products under applicable state or territory law. Please consult your applicable state or territory authority for complete rules and regulations on the use of restricted chemical products as some products require specific record-keeping requirements. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Australia PTY Ltd nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

With La Niña in full swing in Australia for the second year, the 2022 season has seen an incredible amount of rainfall across Australia. In April alone, our rainfall was 27% above average as a whole, putting much of Australia into the 10th decile for rainfall.  In a wet season it is really important to keep an eye on our crops' nutrition program. Many of the micronutrients our crops require can be easily leached in wet years. This can result in stunted crops, lower yields or lower protein and oil percentages in crops.  Over the coming weeks we will have a look at these micronutrients, their roles within the plant, and the benefits of proactive application. Boron  Boron is a micronutrient that plants require for healthy cell wall production, it plays an important part in healthy pollination & fruit/seed development. Boron is also instrumental in the translocation of sugars and carbohydrates within the plant.  Along with other micronutrients such as zinc, copper and manganese, it is important to be proactive when applying Boron. Unfortunately, once a deficiency is noticeable, yield has already been affected. For best results it is recommended to apply a small amount, often.  Some indications of Boron deficiency in crops include: Yellowing and death of growing points (Chlorosis) Thickening and cracking of stems (Distortion) Root development anomalies Dropping of buds Discoloration and the crinkling of leaves. As Boron is stored in soil organic matter, its availability will fluctuate according to microbial activity. Boron becomes available as organic matter decomposes. As a result, it can be easily leached, particularly during a wet season.  Calcium, potassium, and nitrogen concentrations in both the soil and plant can affect boron availability and plant function, the calcium:boron (Ca:B) ratio relationship being the most important. Therefore, soils high in calcium will require more boron than soils low in calcium.  As Boron requirements are low it is best to check your crop requirements. Doing a soil test or tissue test is the best way to find out how much Boron is readily available. Higher rates of Boron may be required in heavy clay soils, or soils that have a higher water pH/calcium content.  Boron toxicity is a greater risk on low calcium-content soils. Some symptoms of Boron Toxicity may include: Leaf tip yellowing Leaf necrosis and drop - beginning in the leaf tip Brown & stunted root tips It is best to apply foliar B either in the early morning or evening, when the evaporation rate is low. This will maximise the length of time that the leaves will remain damp, allowing the plant to absorb the most Boron.  OmniBor is compatible with a wide range of agricultural herbicides and pesticides. Check the Compatibility Guide as a reference. Always do a small jar test before preparing a full tank mix. Crop  Rate L/ha Timing Water L Cereal 1 - 2 Mid - late tillering 50 - 80 Legu mes 1 - 2 10 - 14 days before flowering 50 - 80 Canola 1 - 2.5 Prior to flowering 50 - 80 Citrus 1 - 2 Spring flush  500-1000 Grapes 0.5 - 2 Flower clusters visible 200 - 800 Pasture 1 - 2 10 - 14 days before flowering 50 - 80 Lucerne 1 - 2 10 - 14 days before flowering 50 - 80 Source: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/maps/rainfall/?variable=rainfall&map=totals&period=month&region=nat&year=2022&month=04&day=30 Copyright © 2021 - 2022 Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. The sprout logo, "FBN", "Farmers Business Network", and "FBN Direct" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmers Business Network Australia Pty. Ltd. and are available only where Farmers Business Network Australia Pty Ltd. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice.  Terms and conditions apply. All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Australia PTY Ltd nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.