(From left) Craig Chapman, Greg Giblett, Gordon Cumming and Sam Simons at a pulse best management practice workshop. PHOTO: Courtesy of The Courier
Pulse professional development
Registration is now open for the 2016 pulse crop training courses. The northern region chickpea courses are confirmed and the southern region lentil and faba bean courses will be confirmed soon.
The development of pulses as major crops in Australia hinges on comprehensive agronomy packages that can guide growers in all aspects of crop management.
Pulse Australia, in collaboration with pulse researchers and with GRDC funding, plays a pivotal role in providing information that supports this industry growth.
A major component of this collaboration has been the development and delivery of best management practice (BMP) training courses.
The courses, which commenced with mungbean and chickpea modules in the northern region 13 years ago, have been extended to the southern and western regions over the past five years.
Gordon Cumming, Pulse Australia national development manager, says the courses not only provide a platform for research extension, but also put new research into context with the entire crop production and marketing chain.
“Everything comes together at the BMP training courses,” Mr Cumming says. “Information is presented to growers and agronomists who are able to contribute their field experience and ask questions of the experts.
“Through the courses, participants, key industry contacts and researchers develop lasting network contacts that promote better communication between the field, laboratory and marketplace.”
New developments are always a feature of the pulse agronomy courses and give participants access to the most up-to-date advice, as well as the opportunity to help researchers gather information and focus their efforts on overcoming immediate problems in the field.
A comprehensive manual – available only to BMP workshop participants – provides support and information as the season progresses.
Growers are encouraged to choose agronomists who have completed the training courses to provide planning and in-crop advice on pulses.
Proposed training dates (to be confirmed)
Lentil, faba bean, and chickpea will feature in the 2016 Broadleaf Crop BMP training program, funded by GRDC and starting in February. Growers and advisors wanting to know more about these workshops can contact their Pulse Australia industry development manager.
Faba bean (1-day training courses)
Maffra, Vic – 7 April Follow this link to register. Contact Mary Raynes (0408 591 193) for more information.
Lentil (1-day training courses)
Cummins, SA – 21 March Pinnaroo, SA – 23 March Swan Hill, Vic – 5 April Follow this link to register. Contact Mary Raynes (0408 591 193) for more information.
Chickpea (2-day training courses, 1-day up-skilling)
Emerald, Qld – week of 22 February Dalby, Qld – week of 14 March Narrabri, NSW – week of 4 April Follow this link to register. Contact Paul McIntosh (0429 566 198) for further information.
More information: Pulse Australia