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Rural Industries
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Farmers are likely to make greater use of computers for quick Internet access to technical and financial data and services such as prices, weather, purchasing and banking once a number of limitations have been resolved, a study predicts.
The study, commissioned by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, shows that while farmers have a high awareness about the potential of personal computers and a high rate of ownership, the majority severely under-utilise their computers due to:
Mr Stubbs, along with Nadine Markham and Warren Straw, detail the findings in their report Personal Computers for Farmers for RIRDC.
Farmers’ views
"This study provides an insight into farmers’ current views on personal computers for farm management and communication and details the problems and concerns they face", Mr Stubbs says. "It recommends action that could be considered by suppliers to encourage increased adoption of the technology".
Mr Stubbs says the project used farmer discussion groups to obtain in-depth views on factors affecting computer and software usage, perceived problems, support systems, future needs and strategies for training.
Generational Barrier
Mr Stubbs says one of the factors affecting PC use in farm management is the age of farmers. "The majority of current farmers are of the non-computer generation," he said.
"They have farmed for many years without computers, using paper records and accounts, obtaining information through conventional channels like person-to-person, listening, viewing or reading.
"They make judgments on farm management from experience and general knowledge, and can’t see a clear reason to change present habits, preferring to leave computers to the kids. This attitude is comfortable and involves no disruption to their routines."
No time to learn
Mr Stubbs says some farmers also perceive computers as "time wasters". "A significant proportion of farmers are aware of the potential benefits of computers but don’t have, or aren’t prepared to devote, the time to learn more about computers and programs, set them up, enter data and use them as a fully effective tool in farm management."
Inadequate support and courses
Mr Stubbs says the general image of support services for programs, apart from some specialist farm and accounting programs, is that they are "inadequate, distant and costly", forcing great reliance on fellow farmers and user groups for help.
"Farmers recognise the need for initial training in computer operation and how programs work but need practical examples of computer applications to make the training relevant and interesting." he said.
‘Farm Pack’ computers
"If we want to increase the acceptability of computers to farmers, manufacturers and suppliers should provide "farm pack" computers, which are compact, mobile and particularly suited to the outdoor farm environment", Mr Stubbs recommends.
Researcher: Arthur Stubbs, phone 03 9844 1135.
To order report, phone RIRDC on 02 6272 4819. $10, plus $4 p&h.
Board Member: Virginia Greville
Virginia Greville is RIRDC’s newest Board member, appointed on 7 April 1998.
She is an Assistant Secretary in the Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries and Energy and has extensive experience in and knowledge of government policy processes, public administration and management.
Virginia replaces Mr Ian Cronshaw, who was the Government Director from 27 November 1996 until 6 April 1998.
Staff Member: Dr David Evans
David Evans manages our New Plant Products, Essential Oils and Plant Extracts, and our Wildflowers and Native Plants programs.
Having worked for RIRDC for five years full-time, David joined our team of externally based, part-time managers in February this year. He also does some consulting, spends more time with his family, and tries to catch fish!
An entomologist by profession, David has researched the pests of coffee (Kenya), cotton (Sudan), sugarcane (Trinidad) and stored grains (Australia). He has held management positions with CSIRO’s Division of Entomology and has served on the former Wheat Research Council and the Grains R&D Corporation’s Marketing & Services Committee.
One of our major achievements over the last few months has been the runaway success of two research publications released earlier this year: ‘The Australian Farmer’s Guide to the Internet’ and ‘The New Rural Industries Handbook’.
Both books have ‘hit the spot’ with the rural community, far exceeding our expectations and highlighting the tremendous demand for such information. Due to the popularity of these books, we are already planning reprints.(See our website for the full text of the Handbook).
This rapidly growing demand for our research reports led us to look at electronic commerce. Buying and selling on the Internet is the world’s fastest growing industry. In fact, the Tax Office has predicted that up to 20% of household purchases may be made over the Internet in the year 2000.
We are exploring this new area by trialling on-line purchasing of our 180 research reports through the Commonwealth Bank. We are very excited about this new initiative, which should be available in the next couple of months.
On the planning front we’ve finalised, in collaboration with industry, five year R&D plans for the egg, chicken meat, fodder, and organic produce industries. These will be available on our website from early August. - Peter Core
Innovative Solutions to Salinity Problems
A pilot groundwater salinity project in South Australia has revealed an innovative and profitable approach to addressing Australia’s rising saline groundwater problems by using what is an emerging problem and turning it into a resource.
The project, run by the Coorong District Council, SA, and funded by RIRDC, lowered the saline groundwater table by pumping the water into poly tunnels which accelerated evaporation.
End products
The stored saline water was found to be suitable to grow fin fish, brine shrimp, Beta-Carotene (a food additive) as well as salt and bitterns.
The project involved pumping saline water from the ground and running it into standard PVC covered horticultural tunnel structures. These tunnels have a shallow pool liner in the base to allow high evaporation rates. (For instance, on a 25°C day, temperatures in a PVC tunnel could reach 40-50°C).
Multiple use equipment
The process was comparatively cheap to set up and uses solar energy which allows for extended months of operation. During winter, the tunnel structures can be used to propagate plants and for other experiments.
Inland aquaculture has the potential to be one of the biggest growth industries in Australia, as the saline water is relatively cheap to obtain and at the same time it addresses the effects on the land.
Furthermore, inland aquaculture will not be affected by the problems such as toxic algae and tidal fluctuations.
The cost of setting up an inland aquaculture industry would be relatively cheaper than a sea based aquaculture due to access during all types of weather and supplying fin fish all year round to markets.
The project was also supported by the South Australian Research and Development Institute
Researcher: Mr Clarry Fisher, ph 08 8572 3611.
World-Class Crocodile Facilities
New, specially designed research facilities for ‘grower’ crocodiles (one year old to harvest size of 1.5 -2 m) will be used to identify improved farming techniques in the Australian crocodile industry.
This industry has a capital investment of $30-$40m with exports of raw products about $5m per annum (of which skins represent about 85%).
In fact there is high export potential for the industry as our saltwater crocodile skins are regarded as among the best in the world.
However, the value of skins has fallen due to increased production of less-valuable alligator skins from the US where research has improved farming technology.
For the industry to remain viable, research must be aimed at:
l reducing the costs of growing an animal to slaughter size (most skin damage occurs at adult size).
The two facilities enable researchers to target the priority research areas identified by Australian crocodiles farmers (mainly production issues).
This should result in more farmers being encouraged to move into crocodile farming.
Contact: Steve Peucker, QDPI, ph 07 4722 2608.
Details of the project are in the RIRDC report Designing a Research Facility for Grower Size Crocodiles. ($10 + $4 p&h. Phone 02 6272 4819 to order).
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is now calling for applicants for Australia’s premier rural leadership development program from men and women who will lead rural Australia into the next century.
Applications for Course 6 (April 1999 – September 2000) close on 31 July 1998.
The Program, now in its sixth year, is a unique Australian innovation that prepares individuals from a wide range of interests at senior management or elected levels to move into higher positions.
It provides opportunities for these people to develop the knowledge, skills and networks needed to be effective leaders.
For each course between 30-32 participants are selected and they attend eight sessions over a two-year period. This includes an outdoor leadership activity in northern Australia and an overseas study tour.
Initially supported only by RIRDC, the Program is now funded by a range of major rural corporations and organisations through scholarships which may be general or targeted to specific industries or organisations.
Further Information
For an application form or information about nominating or sponsoring candidates for the Program, contact the Foundation on phone 02 6281 0690, fax 02 6285 4676. Or write to PO Box 289 Deakin West ACT 2600.
Export Markets for Japanese Ginger
RIRDC is funding a project by the University of Tasmania to assess the commercial feasibility of Australian myoga (Japanese Ginger) production and marketing for export to Japan.
The researchers are establishing a network of growers across at least two states of Australia to supply myoga in the off season for local Japanese production.
The research results will be used to assist Australian food producers to better appreciate the specific requirements of Asian customers for high value, niche market foodstuffs.
At the start of the project plant material had been imported into Tasmanian from Japan and multiplied into approximately 10,000 small plants following quarantine clearance.
Since 1994, plants have produced flower buds which have been assessed as acceptable quality by Japanese importers and local Japanese restaurants.
A production protocol has now been established for production of Japanese ginger, including cultural aspects such as site, propagation, mulch, shade and climate.
Site
The choice of a suitable production location is of utmost importance to the successful cultivation of ginger. The ideal location should be frost free from mid spring through to mid autumn. Exposed, windy areas should be avoided. Soils should be deep and friable.
Propagation
Ginger is propagated vegetatively from dormant rhizomes. Material can be propagated from pieces as small as 1 node, but pieces weighing approximately 50 grams should be used. Rhizomes should be sown into beds with two rows of plants per bed spaced 40 cm apart both along and between the rows.
Mulch
Mulch has been shown to be important to ensure optimum coloration of ginger flower buds and hence, flower bud quality. Open mulches such as wood shavings and tree leaf litter should be maintained at a depth of 10cm at all times.
Shade
Shade is also vital for successful growth of the crop. Shade levels between 30% and 50% were found optimal.
Climate
Research has shown that Japanese ginger requires very specific climatic conditions for successful production of export quality flower buds. Ideally, summer temperatures should be warm with minimal diurnal fluctuations while winter should be cool.
Researcher: Robert Clark, ph 03 6226 2619.
Marketing Chinese Waterchestnuts
Australian horticulturists are well placed to capitalise on opportunities to provide traditional Asian foods such as Chinese waterchestnut for expanding local and export markets, according to a study commissioned by RIRDC.
Professor David Midmore, of Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, and Greg Cahill, of the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Bendigo, detail their findings in the RIRDC report The Chinese Waterchestnut Industry.
"Australia’s ability to produce aquatic vegetables, particularly waterchestnuts, will enable import substitution with employment opportunities, particularly in the small-scale, owner-operator horticultural farm sector," Professor Midmore said.
"However, we will need to promote a unified front to achieve volumes of production suitable for the export market, and raise Australian consumer awareness for the local market," he said.
Professor Midmore says four key features of the industry make this a real possibility:
Demand
Demand exists for waterchestnuts in Australia, with about 15-20 tonnes of fresh produce being marketed annually. Tinned produce from Thailand and China sells for about half to two-thirds the price of locally-produced fresh waterchestnuts. But discerning consumers prefer fresh produce. A weekly supply of fresh waterchestnuts would eliminate the use of tinned produce.
Larger scale operations
With new market opportunities producers could increase their operations because the major limitation to waterchestnut production - labour-intensive harvesting - has been overcome by the development of mechanical harvesters. This alone should allow Australian producers to dictate price and command a large proportion of the world fresh market.
Export opportunities
Export opportunities are increasing, especially for fresh produce. Both Japan and Taiwan have experienced declines in local production - largely due to the high labour requirements for harvesting - opening up opportunities for export.
Collaboration and unity
Producers of waterchestnuts in Australia have come together under the Australian Aquatic Vegetables Development Committee. This Committee will share resources and knowledge to create a big enough industry to leverage R&D opportunities, to institute and maintain quality assurance, and to promote waterchestnut and aquatic vegetables.
Researcher: Prof David Midmore, ph 07 4930 9770.
To order: phone 02 6272 4819. $15 +$6 p&h.
Native flower power fights Eucalyptus dieback
By planting more native flowering shrubs on your farm you could control Eucalyptus dieback - a major cause of rural tree decline.
According to recent research, native shrubs provide shelter and food for parasitoids, the natural control agents of insects such as Christmas and pasture beetles, which cause repeated tree defoliation.
These were among the conclusions of researchers Mr Gus Campbell and Dr Graham Brown who detail their findings in the RIRDC report Biological Control of Scarabs Causing Eucalyptus Dieback.
"Most people feel that tree loss is the major cause of most rural environmental problems. But tree planting in pasture areas to fix the problem is costly and risky with no assurance the trees will survive in the long term," he said.
A new theory
Anecdotal evidence suggests maintaining or recreating the natural biodiversity (plants and animals) would slow down tree loss by allowing natural control agents of these insects to function normally.
Mr Campbell’s research supported this theory through his sampling of two developed properties next to undisturbed forest on the New England Tablelands near Armidale.
Major finding
Hi study found that remnant vegetation, with shrubs, supported a wide range of parasitoids.
Native shrubs such as Leptospermum, Baeckea (and potentially Eucalyptus species) seemed to be the most popular food sources, particularly for wasps and larger Tachinids.
"Therefore, planting these native shrubs on farms would increase the available food source, and hence the useful activity of these adult parasitoids," Mr Campbell said. "You could extend the flowering season of the shrubs by planting them under trees (in shade conditions) as well as in the open."
Recommendations
Mr Campbell also recommends that farmers:
