Category: KCGO News
The latest news from Kalamia Cane Growers and Kalagro for Members Only.
Wilmar Daily Loading Advice
Loading Advice – 12 September 2017
Invicta 19 184
Kalamia 12 263
Pioneer 10 235
Inkerman 11 919
TOTAL 53 601
CSA Critical Dates for Growers
Burdekin Equity Summaries – Week 13
2017 Burdekin Water Forum – Managing Irrigated Agriculture in Great Barrier Reef Catchments
Wilmar Daily Loading Advice
Loading Advice Monday 11th September
INVICTA 22,007
KALAMIA 12,395
PIONEER 12,555
INKERMAN 12,816
TOTAL 59,773
Kalamia Members Notice – Water Sampling
Water Sampling Information – Nitrogen Impact
At our recent AGM an issue was raised by a grower in relation to outcome of RP20 Nitrogen Trials and in particular the positive around improved environmental footprint. Grower enquired as to avenues available to undertake surface water sampling in the Delta to determine individual farm nitrogen impact and to what extent. For any growers interested I have had discussions with BBIFMAC who have provided the following guidelines/procedures.
Sample collection: Growers can either take a grab sample of runoff at the end of the row once the water comes through or BBIFMAC sells KP samplers which if set up correctly automatically start taking a sample when the water first comes through and stops when the water stops. This is a more accurate way of taking samples as the amount of nutrient can vary throughout the runoff period however the KP samplers sell for $550. Farmacist and BPS have purchased several KP samplers from BBIFMAC and use them throughout the Burdekin. The KP samplers do need to be set up correctly and maintained properly and BBIFMAC suggests a trained person deploy them each time.
Sample storage: samples are best placed into an appropriate sample bottle (1L from lab supplier), making sure that the bottle is triple rinsed before used, and that gloves are used so that there is no contamination of the bottle neck or lid (the bare skin of fingers/hands can contain quite high levels of Nitrates which will contaminate the sample!). There should be no air gap in the bottle after being filled with the sample and it needs to be refrigerated or frozen immediately after collection (very important!). Samples sitting in the sun or in a hot vehicle will degrade very rapidly.
Sample analysis: samples can be sent off to a laboratory for analysis however this is costly (up to $150 depending on the analysis required plus freight), especially as they need to be transported cold! If just testing for Nitrogen/Nitrate BBIFMAC can analyse the samples for $30/sample and can provide the appropriate collection bottles. Phosphorus and pesticides will need to be sent away to a lab. BBIFMAC can do this but it will cost upwards of $150 per sample.
QSL – Election of Grower Representative
Wilmar Daily Loading
Loading Advice Friday 8th September, 2017
INVICTA 23,707
KALAMIA 11,957
PIONEER 12,101
INKERMAN 10,585
TOTAL 58,350
Wilmar Daily Loading Advice
Loading Advice – Thursday, 7th September
Invicta 15 573
Kalamia 11 569
Pioneer 6 732
Inkerman 9 363
TOTAL 43 237