XAVIER, Heather and Angus Martin of “Bourbah” Mullaley, on the Liverpool Plains in northern NSW, have been awarded "The Australian Mungbean Association Production Award for Excellence 2010/11".
While there were many quality contestants once again, it was ultimately Xavier’s extensive experience in the industry and
proactive approach to mungbeans in his farming rotations that was the deciding factor.
“Preparedness is the key - have your seed, inoculant and fertiliser ready to plant when the rains come, order the chemicals and have the fuel tanks full,” Xavier said. “The ideal planting opportunity often occurs at Christmas or New Year when all your support staff and suppliers are on holidays!”
The Martins have a great relationship with their consultant - Adam Bench, Pursehouse Rural - and are firm believers in the benefits of using an AMA Accredited Agronomist. “Last season Adam made us aware of a new fungicide permit within hours of him becoming aware of its approval. We were able to use the product straight away. It did a fantastic job controlling the Powdery Mildew,” Xavier said.
Associated Grain from Dalby are regular buyers of “Bourbah Beans”.
“Given the difficult season, this crop was exceptionally high quality,” Todd Jorgensen, managing director of Associated Grain and current president of the AMA said. “It made No 1 processing and required little grading. Xavier, Heather and Angus are always committed to growing the best quality beans to maximise they returns.”
The Martins have a strong focus of on-farm research. Over the years they have conducted their own Mungbean trials
with various rates of nitrogen, experimented with different methods of inoculation and currently are researching the benefits and pitfalls of back to back beans. “While I’m aware that the practice of back to back beans isn’t currently recognised as industry best practise, overseas data suggests that it is not only possible but generational mungbeans can be highly productive and profitable,” Xavier said.
“As we grow them more and more, mungbeans are increasingly becoming the mainstay of our rotation.”
The Queensland finalist was from the Darling Downs – Damien Cooke, “Homeward Vale”, Jondaryan.
The judges, Gordon Cummings from Pulse Australia, Julie Ferguson and Jayne Gentry from DEEDI, said Damien’s entry was outstanding with his on-farm practises being top notch.
“We would encourage Damien to keep up the good work and look forward to his application again Julie said.
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Sponsorship for the 2010/11 competition made by; |
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Regal Seed & Grain |
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Blue Ribbon Seed & Pulse Exporters |
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Mt Tyson Seeds |
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Champion Seeds |
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Associated Grain & Gosden Jorgensen Seeds |
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Bean Growers Australia |
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B&L Seed & Grain |
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Selected Pulse Foods |
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Colquhoun's |
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Additional Support by; |
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Pulse Australia |
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Queensland Government - DEEDI |