BASF Australia’s Tamworth research farm plays a pivotal role in testing crops and soils, combatting weeds and diseases on a national scale. Recently, BASF welcomed 16 agronomy graduates to the research farm to understand more about the efficacy of various applications on a range of soil and crop types.
Elders Graduate Agronomy Cohort 2023 with BASF Australia representatives (L-R); (back) Alex Thompson, Broadacre Specialist, David Cram, Broadacre Specialist, and (front) Russell Ison, Research Agronomist and AgSolutions Farm Manager.
Established in 2014, the Tamworth research farm now conducts between 80 – 120 trials annually.
These can be undertaken in the seven different soil types native to the site, with trials extending across both summer and winter broadacre and horticulture crops. The farm provides BASF Australia the unique space and freedom to test early phase products to ensure they help combat the issues Australian grower’s encounter.
Georgia Readett, BASF Australia’s Broadacre Specialist for Northern NSW, said training days are an invaluable opportunity for relationship building amongst customers and budding agronomists.
“These events provide a comfortable platform for those we service to ask questions and seek support from our experts. This can even extend to take the form of one-on-one dedicated product discussions,” said Ms Readett.
However, it is not just the variety of crops at the BASF research farm which offer a wealth of knowledge to those undertaking tours at Tamworth.
Russell Ison, BASF Australia’s Research Agronomist and AgSolutions Farm Manager, has worked for the company for over nine years and has been active in the industry for over 20.
“People like Russell, who have been a dedicated part of the business and field of agronomy, are able to provide customers a well-respected voice with considerable knowledge and experience,” Ms Readett said.
When asked what the focus of current research being undertaken on the farm has been Ms Readett discussed the recent release of Versys® into the broadacre market.
“The development of Versys® saw us really focus on products with minimal impact on beneficials, making them an ideal fit in a IPM system,” Ms Readett said.
“Taking this a step further, where possible we want to extend the usage of our products to provide growers with flexibility with what they stock in their shed.
“A current registration application pending is for our seed treatment cereal product Systiva, which we want to extend for use beyond cereal and barley and launch into oats” Ms Readett said.
Graham Page, Head of Agronomy and Technical Services at Elders, spoke about the value of young agronomists having access to the latest education and training.
“Having the ability to work with global companies like BASF provides an invaluable opportunity in building capability amongst our up-and-coming agronomists, said Mr Page.”
“With global research farms at our back door, we are provided with an incredible opportunity to bring firsthand action learning and insights of global research locally. This gives our people the knowledge and understanding they need to help our clients make the best decisions in the field.”