Boosting Yield in the Western Murray Field Day
When: Tuesday 19th September
Where: "Tiquito" (Dhuragoon) & "Northdale" (Moulamein)
Twenty one people attended the WMLIG/ Moulamein Cropping Group combined field day, showcasing local trials around the Moulamein district.
Damian Jones (Irrigated Cropping Council) kicked off the day with 2016-17 trial results for irrigated pulses at both the Kerang and Moulamein sites. "2016 was the first year we had a go at growing lentils and chickpeas, as you know it was a very wet year and most of the plants suffered from waterlogging. So really this year is our first real crack at successfully growing these legumes on heavy ground and fingers crossed, they are still fairly healthy." He went on to describe the trial aims; which included the assessment of waterlogging tolerance in varieties, differing irrigation techniques (overhead irrigation, flood irrigation, beds & subsurface drip) and optimal timings of fungicide application.
Damian then moved over to the Durum wheat trial and gave some background information on site selection. "We have been growing Durums in Kerang for a couple of years now. The key is to maintain protein levels of 13%, otherwise it's just feed grain. In our experience, using a legume stubble is a good way to do that." He also explained that the market for Durum wheat can also be tricky, prices fluctuate depending on supply and can go from $600 back to $300 quickly. An important consideration is the proximity of your farm to a milling company, the closest currently is in South Australia. Although this can be an issue, he encouraged growers to look further into marketing opportunities in the future. The focus of the ICC 'Irrigated Durum Trial' is to test different products and fertiliser rates to find the best way to consistently achieve 13% protein in Durum grain.
After Damian's presentations, attendees moved to the soil moisture monitor site where Alleena Burger (Moulamein Cropping Group ) compared brands of moisture monitoring equipment. "There are a lot of options to monitor your soil moisture content these days, you can have something to read in the paddock, to download onto your computer or even access remotely via the internet."
Referring to the handout she gave to attendee, Alleena explained how to read each graph from the moisture monitors and what the recommended depths of data loggers were: "We usually try and have a couple at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm in a wheat crop so that you can see where the roots are drawing water". She suggested that her personal preference was the 'Plexus' system.
Laura Kaylock (MCG/WMLIG) followed Alleena's presentation with an overview of the 'Improving Structure in Sodic Soils' trial. In this, six treatments were applied to a mildly sodic rice bay: compost, manure with and without stubble, mulched stubble, gypsum and a control. Using comparisons of establishment, yield and the paddock cut and fill map, she explained that the gypsum treatment had resulted in the best growing conditions for the plant and hence higher yield. She cautioned that "there was a lot of paddock variation within this trial. The yield map still mirrors the cut and fill map pretty closely, this suggests that treatments have not strongly influenced yield overall". She suggested that it could take up to 3-5 years to see any changes from the treatments.
After lunch presentations were held at Northdale, where the Mid-row Banding Nitrogen trial is being conducted. Leigh Vial (Deakin University) started his talk with a description of the nitrogen cycle and explained why this was important to the banding trial. "When Urea is placed in a concentrated band it forms a toxic environment to the soil bacteria which would usually break down fertiliser into a plant available form. So if you are applying that fertiliser at sowing, our research has shown it will take 10 weeks for the plants to start accessing". Leigh continued "the bacteria can only break down this fertiliser slowly so most of the nitrogen stays in a form which is safe from waterlogging and volatilisation, our previous results suggest that banding nitrogen is just as efficient as topdressing in a good season". A plot walk followed, with the banded and early topdressing treatments standing out starkly against the control treatments.
Sam North (NSW DPI) summed up the day with a discussion of yield constraints in the Western Murray and management considerations in irrigation layouts. Surprisingly, he suggested that in some years farmers were reaching their estimated yield potential in the region. "Yield potential changes from year to year based on sunlight and temperature, it can range from 7-9t/ha based on the growing season". He also outlined the importance of good irrigation layout and scheduling irrigations using soil moisture monitors. As part of his work the NSW DPI and partners have been creating guides on how to minimise yield constraints, improve layout and reduce paddock variation. One key message displayed on these guides was when to irrigated high yielding wheat. Sam described the critical drought period as between when awns first appear through to milky dough stage in grains. Overall he described it as an economic consideration rather than an agronomic suggestion, inputs should be planned to be appropriate for the yield potential of the paddock.
WMLIG & MCG would like to thank Michael Gorey and Leigh Vial for the use of their properties for the field day, as well as the Barham Bakery and the Wattle Café for their catering. This event was made possible through funding from the GRDC, Murray Irrigation Limited and the Murray LLS through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme.
Where: "Tiquito" (Dhuragoon) & "Northdale" (Moulamein)
Twenty one people attended the WMLIG/ Moulamein Cropping Group combined field day, showcasing local trials around the Moulamein district.
Damian Jones (Irrigated Cropping Council) kicked off the day with 2016-17 trial results for irrigated pulses at both the Kerang and Moulamein sites. "2016 was the first year we had a go at growing lentils and chickpeas, as you know it was a very wet year and most of the plants suffered from waterlogging. So really this year is our first real crack at successfully growing these legumes on heavy ground and fingers crossed, they are still fairly healthy." He went on to describe the trial aims; which included the assessment of waterlogging tolerance in varieties, differing irrigation techniques (overhead irrigation, flood irrigation, beds & subsurface drip) and optimal timings of fungicide application.
Damian then moved over to the Durum wheat trial and gave some background information on site selection. "We have been growing Durums in Kerang for a couple of years now. The key is to maintain protein levels of 13%, otherwise it's just feed grain. In our experience, using a legume stubble is a good way to do that." He also explained that the market for Durum wheat can also be tricky, prices fluctuate depending on supply and can go from $600 back to $300 quickly. An important consideration is the proximity of your farm to a milling company, the closest currently is in South Australia. Although this can be an issue, he encouraged growers to look further into marketing opportunities in the future. The focus of the ICC 'Irrigated Durum Trial' is to test different products and fertiliser rates to find the best way to consistently achieve 13% protein in Durum grain.
After Damian's presentations, attendees moved to the soil moisture monitor site where Alleena Burger (Moulamein Cropping Group ) compared brands of moisture monitoring equipment. "There are a lot of options to monitor your soil moisture content these days, you can have something to read in the paddock, to download onto your computer or even access remotely via the internet."
Referring to the handout she gave to attendee, Alleena explained how to read each graph from the moisture monitors and what the recommended depths of data loggers were: "We usually try and have a couple at 5cm, 15cm and 30cm in a wheat crop so that you can see where the roots are drawing water". She suggested that her personal preference was the 'Plexus' system.
Laura Kaylock (MCG/WMLIG) followed Alleena's presentation with an overview of the 'Improving Structure in Sodic Soils' trial. In this, six treatments were applied to a mildly sodic rice bay: compost, manure with and without stubble, mulched stubble, gypsum and a control. Using comparisons of establishment, yield and the paddock cut and fill map, she explained that the gypsum treatment had resulted in the best growing conditions for the plant and hence higher yield. She cautioned that "there was a lot of paddock variation within this trial. The yield map still mirrors the cut and fill map pretty closely, this suggests that treatments have not strongly influenced yield overall". She suggested that it could take up to 3-5 years to see any changes from the treatments.
After lunch presentations were held at Northdale, where the Mid-row Banding Nitrogen trial is being conducted. Leigh Vial (Deakin University) started his talk with a description of the nitrogen cycle and explained why this was important to the banding trial. "When Urea is placed in a concentrated band it forms a toxic environment to the soil bacteria which would usually break down fertiliser into a plant available form. So if you are applying that fertiliser at sowing, our research has shown it will take 10 weeks for the plants to start accessing". Leigh continued "the bacteria can only break down this fertiliser slowly so most of the nitrogen stays in a form which is safe from waterlogging and volatilisation, our previous results suggest that banding nitrogen is just as efficient as topdressing in a good season". A plot walk followed, with the banded and early topdressing treatments standing out starkly against the control treatments.
Sam North (NSW DPI) summed up the day with a discussion of yield constraints in the Western Murray and management considerations in irrigation layouts. Surprisingly, he suggested that in some years farmers were reaching their estimated yield potential in the region. "Yield potential changes from year to year based on sunlight and temperature, it can range from 7-9t/ha based on the growing season". He also outlined the importance of good irrigation layout and scheduling irrigations using soil moisture monitors. As part of his work the NSW DPI and partners have been creating guides on how to minimise yield constraints, improve layout and reduce paddock variation. One key message displayed on these guides was when to irrigated high yielding wheat. Sam described the critical drought period as between when awns first appear through to milky dough stage in grains. Overall he described it as an economic consideration rather than an agronomic suggestion, inputs should be planned to be appropriate for the yield potential of the paddock.
WMLIG & MCG would like to thank Michael Gorey and Leigh Vial for the use of their properties for the field day, as well as the Barham Bakery and the Wattle Café for their catering. This event was made possible through funding from the GRDC, Murray Irrigation Limited and the Murray LLS through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme.
Resources:
Doghouse Training Clinic with Ian O'Connell
When: Monday 4th- Tuesday 5th September
Where: Cropwell Shearing Shed
Eleven people attended the 2 day Dog Handling Workshop with Ian O'Connell in early September.
The clinic was initiated by local farmer Mark Martin, who wanted to improve his animal husbandry- starting with his dogs.
Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Central Murray Bestwool Bestlamb enlisted the services of 'Doghouse Training' to run a clinic in Wakool, NSW using funding from Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme.
Participants were asked to bring their own dogs to work with sheep provided. These sheep were separated into two yards of differing size so that dogs could be worked according to their training level.
Ian started the Dogs in a small yard with 4-6 sheep to build their confidence, giving constant praise for any interest shown by the dog toward the sheep. "You've got to judge a dogs temperament and train accordingly, it's a real balancing act to get it right".
Throughout the clinic, Ian demonstrated the importance of 'pressure and release' tactics while training a dog.
"Sometimes you have to use a lot of pressure to get the response you need, but this should always be followed with a big reward", he explained while using short, sharp tugs of the lead to get a dog's attention. As soon as the dog relaxed, Ian responded with an excited "Good boy, good boy!" during pats.
Once the dogs were confident around sheep, participants were asked to use a rake to start guiding their dog around, creating corridors between the dog and the wall. Ian suggested this tool was to be an extension of the participant's arm and should follow behind the dog as a guide. "They have to get used to the training aid, you just can't guide them without it. The small amount of pressure from the rake keeps them from going where they want to go, they are incredibly aware of it".
Lastly, Ian emphasised the importance of forming a bond with your dog, "It doesn't matter if you only do sheepwork a few months per year, just make sure your dogs sees you at least 2 times a day and gets used to you calling them and teaching little things."
Participant Robert Grant praised the clinic, saying "we should be doing this type of thing more often, maybe once or twice a year, it's so important".
Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Central Murray Bestwool BestLamb would like to thank Mark Martin for the venue and use of his sheep, as well as the Barham Bakery and the Riverside Café for the delicious morning tea and lunch provided.
Where: Cropwell Shearing Shed
Eleven people attended the 2 day Dog Handling Workshop with Ian O'Connell in early September.
The clinic was initiated by local farmer Mark Martin, who wanted to improve his animal husbandry- starting with his dogs.
Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Central Murray Bestwool Bestlamb enlisted the services of 'Doghouse Training' to run a clinic in Wakool, NSW using funding from Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme.
Participants were asked to bring their own dogs to work with sheep provided. These sheep were separated into two yards of differing size so that dogs could be worked according to their training level.
Ian started the Dogs in a small yard with 4-6 sheep to build their confidence, giving constant praise for any interest shown by the dog toward the sheep. "You've got to judge a dogs temperament and train accordingly, it's a real balancing act to get it right".
Throughout the clinic, Ian demonstrated the importance of 'pressure and release' tactics while training a dog.
"Sometimes you have to use a lot of pressure to get the response you need, but this should always be followed with a big reward", he explained while using short, sharp tugs of the lead to get a dog's attention. As soon as the dog relaxed, Ian responded with an excited "Good boy, good boy!" during pats.
Once the dogs were confident around sheep, participants were asked to use a rake to start guiding their dog around, creating corridors between the dog and the wall. Ian suggested this tool was to be an extension of the participant's arm and should follow behind the dog as a guide. "They have to get used to the training aid, you just can't guide them without it. The small amount of pressure from the rake keeps them from going where they want to go, they are incredibly aware of it".
Lastly, Ian emphasised the importance of forming a bond with your dog, "It doesn't matter if you only do sheepwork a few months per year, just make sure your dogs sees you at least 2 times a day and gets used to you calling them and teaching little things."
Participant Robert Grant praised the clinic, saying "we should be doing this type of thing more often, maybe once or twice a year, it's so important".
Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Central Murray Bestwool BestLamb would like to thank Mark Martin for the venue and use of his sheep, as well as the Barham Bakery and the Riverside Café for the delicious morning tea and lunch provided.
Photos & videos of the event:
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Ian O'Connell of Doghouse Training demonstrates how to start guiding a dog around sheep using a training aid.
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Bredwell Fedwell Workshop
When: Wednesday 2nd August
Where: Mooloomoon Shearing Shed
Thirty people from around the Western Murray region attended a Meat and Livestock Australia “Bredwell Fedwell” workshop on Wednesday the 2nd August.
The workshop at was a joint initiative of Central Murray BestWool BestLamb and the Western Murray Land Improvement Group. The participant fee was generously supported with funds from Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
This workshop was presented by Jason Trompf and Tim Leeming and covered topics ranging from breeding objectives and visual assessments of rams, to nutritional requirements of lactating ewes and common areas of profit wastage in the enterprise.
“As an industry, when people ask what we do, we say ‘I’m a wool grower son’ but wool is only 30% of profit in most modern sheep enterprises. It is important to be aware of that, to acknowledge the meat and surplus stock sides of your business too, Jason began.
We need to assess the whole business performance to identify current wastage and have a clear view of future targets specific to each enterprise. That’s why defining a breeding objective is so important.”
Andrew Dowling and Tarsh Rodda of ‘Kerri Kerri Merinos’ provided stud rams registered to the Merino Select database for attendees to use in conjunction with Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) to give a better understanding of structural and genetic assessments of sires. Nick McKindlay of ‘Mooloomoon’ provided the terminal sire rams for this exercise.
“Wool is highly heritable and easy to pick out but things like lamb birth weight or post weaning eye muscle depth are near impossible without using an ASBV.”
Tim Leeming then explained the importance of having sheep that are ‘FedWell’. He pointed out that the impact of good nutrition starts before joining and ends after lactation.
“I always scan for multiples in around 85 days post joining. The singles and twin bearing ewes are separated and fed according to their energy requirements. You can undercook a multiples and overcook singles throughout pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
You need to keep track of your scanning vs marking percentage; this is the time when the most wastage in your business occurs. I condition score my sheep regularly, the only time you can visually assess how they are doing is straight after shearing".
Central Murray BestWool Bestlamb Group would like to thank Nick McKindlay for the venue, Caroline Ellis for her skilled photography and The Moulamein Café catering team for the great meal.
Where: Mooloomoon Shearing Shed
Thirty people from around the Western Murray region attended a Meat and Livestock Australia “Bredwell Fedwell” workshop on Wednesday the 2nd August.
The workshop at was a joint initiative of Central Murray BestWool BestLamb and the Western Murray Land Improvement Group. The participant fee was generously supported with funds from Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
This workshop was presented by Jason Trompf and Tim Leeming and covered topics ranging from breeding objectives and visual assessments of rams, to nutritional requirements of lactating ewes and common areas of profit wastage in the enterprise.
“As an industry, when people ask what we do, we say ‘I’m a wool grower son’ but wool is only 30% of profit in most modern sheep enterprises. It is important to be aware of that, to acknowledge the meat and surplus stock sides of your business too, Jason began.
We need to assess the whole business performance to identify current wastage and have a clear view of future targets specific to each enterprise. That’s why defining a breeding objective is so important.”
Andrew Dowling and Tarsh Rodda of ‘Kerri Kerri Merinos’ provided stud rams registered to the Merino Select database for attendees to use in conjunction with Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) to give a better understanding of structural and genetic assessments of sires. Nick McKindlay of ‘Mooloomoon’ provided the terminal sire rams for this exercise.
“Wool is highly heritable and easy to pick out but things like lamb birth weight or post weaning eye muscle depth are near impossible without using an ASBV.”
Tim Leeming then explained the importance of having sheep that are ‘FedWell’. He pointed out that the impact of good nutrition starts before joining and ends after lactation.
“I always scan for multiples in around 85 days post joining. The singles and twin bearing ewes are separated and fed according to their energy requirements. You can undercook a multiples and overcook singles throughout pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
You need to keep track of your scanning vs marking percentage; this is the time when the most wastage in your business occurs. I condition score my sheep regularly, the only time you can visually assess how they are doing is straight after shearing".
Central Murray BestWool Bestlamb Group would like to thank Nick McKindlay for the venue, Caroline Ellis for her skilled photography and The Moulamein Café catering team for the great meal.
Event photos:
Three-tiered Approach Drives Profit
When: Monday the 19th of June 2017
Where: The Wakool Services Club
The annual 'Wakool sheep night' is a well anticipated community event hosted by WMLIG at the Wakool Services Club. In 2017, we encourage you to take a three-tiered approach to your sheep enterprise with presenters Damian Jones, Tim Leeming and Andrew Kennedy.
Topics included-
This event was hosted by Central Murray BestWool BestLamb and Western Murray Land Improvement Group and funded by Australian Wool Innovation Ltd and the Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare programme.
Where: The Wakool Services Club
The annual 'Wakool sheep night' is a well anticipated community event hosted by WMLIG at the Wakool Services Club. In 2017, we encourage you to take a three-tiered approach to your sheep enterprise with presenters Damian Jones, Tim Leeming and Andrew Kennedy.
Topics included-
- Single cycle lambing.
- Lamb survival.
- Husbandry.
- Multiples.
- Genetics – modern merino.
- Animal welfare.
This event was hosted by Central Murray BestWool BestLamb and Western Murray Land Improvement Group and funded by Australian Wool Innovation Ltd and the Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare programme.
Resources:
Event photos:
Where are they now: Bitterns in Rice
When: Friday the 15th of June 2017
Where: Barham & District Services Club
Popular wildlife ecologist, Matt Herring has been tracking endangered Australasian Bitterns in the Riverina to see how they utilise rice crops for breeding and determine where they go after rice is harvested. Find out about this fascinating story, and how rice is being used as a surrogate wetland for this species.
For a hard copy of the 'Bitterns in Rice' project, contact Erika Heffer: eheffer@rga.org.au
Where: Barham & District Services Club
Popular wildlife ecologist, Matt Herring has been tracking endangered Australasian Bitterns in the Riverina to see how they utilise rice crops for breeding and determine where they go after rice is harvested. Find out about this fascinating story, and how rice is being used as a surrogate wetland for this species.
For a hard copy of the 'Bitterns in Rice' project, contact Erika Heffer: eheffer@rga.org.au
Ewes for the Future: lambs, wool & profit
When: Monday the 22nd of May 2017
Where: The Moulamein Bowling Club
Presented by Kieran Ransom (former DEDJTR consultant) and Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting).
The night compared the merits and a profitability analysis of five alternative sheep types, with particular focus on lambing percentages, lamb growth rates and wool production.
Topics included-
This event was funded by Victoria Ag, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and Murray Local Land Services and hosted by the Central Murray BestWool-BestLamb Group and the Western Murray Land Improvement Group.
Where: The Moulamein Bowling Club
Presented by Kieran Ransom (former DEDJTR consultant) and Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting).
The night compared the merits and a profitability analysis of five alternative sheep types, with particular focus on lambing percentages, lamb growth rates and wool production.
Topics included-
- Summary of Elmore Field Days trial
- Lambing percentage, lamb growth and wool production of different sheep breeds
- Yearly returns per ewe
- Benefits of dual purpose
This event was funded by Victoria Ag, the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and Murray Local Land Services and hosted by the Central Murray BestWool-BestLamb Group and the Western Murray Land Improvement Group.
Resources:
Photos from the night:
On-Farm Grain Storage and Handling Field Day
Site 1-
When: Monday the 20th of March from 3.00pm - 6.30pm
Where: 'Glenallen', Stony Crossing VIC. Hosted by Barry Richardson.
Site 2-
When: Tuesday the 21st of March from 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 'Dhuragoon', Moulamein NSW. Hosted by Mitchell Redfearn.
Presented by Peter Botta of PCB Consulting.
Topics included–
· Grain Storage options- Pros & Cons
· Pest Management
· Grain Hygiene
· Aerating grain for cooling/drying
· Pressure Testing Silos
Supported through the Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Moulamein Cropping Group via funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and Murray Local Land Services.
For further information visit: http://storedgrain.com.au/
When: Monday the 20th of March from 3.00pm - 6.30pm
Where: 'Glenallen', Stony Crossing VIC. Hosted by Barry Richardson.
Site 2-
When: Tuesday the 21st of March from 9.30am - 12.30pm
Where: 'Dhuragoon', Moulamein NSW. Hosted by Mitchell Redfearn.
Presented by Peter Botta of PCB Consulting.
Topics included–
· Grain Storage options- Pros & Cons
· Pest Management
· Grain Hygiene
· Aerating grain for cooling/drying
· Pressure Testing Silos
Supported through the Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Moulamein Cropping Group via funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and Murray Local Land Services.
For further information visit: http://storedgrain.com.au/
Resources:
Full documents and hard copies available at the Western Murray Land Improvement Group office
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Below: Photos from 'Glenallen', Stony Crossing March 2017
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Below: Photos from 'Dhuragoon', Moulamein March 2017
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Video: Peter Botta explains the importance of using best practice when applying grain protectants, to minimise risk of residues, speed of breakdown and insect resistance.
Field Day : Murrabit Dryland Pasture Walk and Talk
When: Tuesday the 22nd of March from 2017
Where: 'Murray View', Cobramunga Rd NSW. Hosted by David, Simon & Carly Ettershank. 4.00pm
Murrabit Football Grounds (dinner and presentations). 6.00pm
Presented by EVORIL agronomist Damian Jones (Agresults) and animal nutritionist Geoff Duddy (Sheep Solutions).
Topics include –
· Native and improved pasture quality and utilisation
· Review site feed test results
· Matching feed supply to animal requirements & productivity
· Maximising pasture longevity
· Establishing pastures - do's and don'ts
· 2016 Swan Hill Show carcase competition results
Supported through the Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Central Murray BestWool BestLamb Group via funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme, Murray Local Land Services and the Victoria Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
Where: 'Murray View', Cobramunga Rd NSW. Hosted by David, Simon & Carly Ettershank. 4.00pm
Murrabit Football Grounds (dinner and presentations). 6.00pm
Presented by EVORIL agronomist Damian Jones (Agresults) and animal nutritionist Geoff Duddy (Sheep Solutions).
Topics include –
· Native and improved pasture quality and utilisation
· Review site feed test results
· Matching feed supply to animal requirements & productivity
· Maximising pasture longevity
· Establishing pastures - do's and don'ts
· 2016 Swan Hill Show carcase competition results
Supported through the Western Murray Land Improvement Group and Central Murray BestWool BestLamb Group via funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme, Murray Local Land Services and the Victoria Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
Resources:
Below: Photos from "Murray View" Cobramunga, March 2017
Community Response to Hypoxic Blackwater Event
Edward-Wakool River Aerators - A Community Initiated Response to Fish Deaths
In the 2016 flood events a hypoxic blackwater event resulted in widespread fish kills in local waterways. As the 2016 hypoxic event spread through the Edward-Wakool system and reports of fish deaths, in particular large cod, increased the community held fears of a repeat of the 2010/11 hypoxic event. Many landholders spoke of feeling obligated by their conscience to “not stand by and do nothing” - and felt compelled to act.
The community responded with the installation of a various array of improvised homemade and borrowed aeration systems, an idea first trialled during the fish kills in 2010-11 by a Wakool River landholder, Tim Betts, in an attempt to create small, fish refuges by temporarily raising the level of dissolved oxygen.
A report was completed documenting the collective endeavours, observations, experiences and suggestions in relation to the community response in the hope that it improves the knowledge and understanding of the impacts fish deaths have on rural communities as well as what practical actions might be taken in the future to counter the impacts of hypoxia. Click on report here: e-w_aerators_-_report_v1.1_final_3.pdf
The WMLIG is a member of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office Edward-Wakool Environmental Water Reference Group and Murray Local Land Service Edward Wakool Stakeholder Group. The WMLIG, along with other stakeholder groups have input into local environmental water initiatives, natural land management projects, funding opportunities and two way knowledge sharing. In relation to this project we are passing on community concerns re the knowledge gaps into cause and prevention of hypoxic blackwater into the future.
The WMLIG assisted the community response to the hypoxic blackwater event with funding support from Murray Local Land Services to assist community members involved and to develop the report.
Edward-Wakool River Aerators - A Community Initiated Response to Fish Deaths
In the 2016 flood events a hypoxic blackwater event resulted in widespread fish kills in local waterways. As the 2016 hypoxic event spread through the Edward-Wakool system and reports of fish deaths, in particular large cod, increased the community held fears of a repeat of the 2010/11 hypoxic event. Many landholders spoke of feeling obligated by their conscience to “not stand by and do nothing” - and felt compelled to act.
The community responded with the installation of a various array of improvised homemade and borrowed aeration systems, an idea first trialled during the fish kills in 2010-11 by a Wakool River landholder, Tim Betts, in an attempt to create small, fish refuges by temporarily raising the level of dissolved oxygen.
A report was completed documenting the collective endeavours, observations, experiences and suggestions in relation to the community response in the hope that it improves the knowledge and understanding of the impacts fish deaths have on rural communities as well as what practical actions might be taken in the future to counter the impacts of hypoxia. Click on report here: e-w_aerators_-_report_v1.1_final_3.pdf
The WMLIG is a member of the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office Edward-Wakool Environmental Water Reference Group and Murray Local Land Service Edward Wakool Stakeholder Group. The WMLIG, along with other stakeholder groups have input into local environmental water initiatives, natural land management projects, funding opportunities and two way knowledge sharing. In relation to this project we are passing on community concerns re the knowledge gaps into cause and prevention of hypoxic blackwater into the future.
The WMLIG assisted the community response to the hypoxic blackwater event with funding support from Murray Local Land Services to assist community members involved and to develop the report.
