Riverine Plains Blog

Key messages

• The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) is a global certification system that verifies sustainability principles for biobased food, feed and renewables.
• ISCC certification is voluntary, however, growers can gain export advantages and access premium prices.
• Participating farmers can be audited, so it’s important to be able to produce documentation that supports your declaration if required.

Key messages

• monitor now for fungal diseases including stripe rust, septoria and sclerotinia
• despite predictions for a drier-than-average spring, disease outbreaks could still occur 
• rotate fungicide groups to reduce the risk of resistance developing and investigate the potential of new fungicide products

Key messages

• electronic identification (EID) technology underpins NLIS traceability, biosecurity and market access
• mandatory EID tagging of sheep and farmed goats begins on 1 January 2025
• using EID technology for performance monitoring and record keeping can enhance livestock management and decision making

EID technology has many applications beyond its role in traceability and represents a real opportunity for farmers looking to improve their livestock management.

Although many farmers are already familiar with EID technology, there are many who may be feeling overwhelmed by the cost and upskilling required. So, what are the additional benefits of using EID technology and where can you get help if you need extra support?

Key messages:

• check the efficacy of your pre-emergent herbicide applications – poor results may mean you need to reconsider your post-emergent spray program or other control options
• overall herbicide efficacy can be affected by a range of factors including plant stress, moisture and inadequate coverage
• delays or failures in weed control can be costly, so monitor now to manage the risk

Many Riverine Plains growers are still busy finishing their sowing programs, while also managing time-sensitive issues like slugs. Despite time constraints, it’s important to prioritise weed monitoring, including the effectiveness of pre-emergent herbicide applications, especially in earlier sown crops.

Key Messages