Agricultural
14 April, 2022
Impact of the war in Ukraine
The Russian attack on Ukraine will have an impact on farmers in Australia according to local Nutrien Ag Solutions agronomist Hugh Reardon-Smith.
Mr Reardon-Smith, who specialises in crop nutrition addressed the issues related to the war during an event for primary producers at Allora.
He was upbeat about the sunflower market, indicating that there would be a massive increase in sunflower prices.
Mr Reardon-Smith said this has come about because of the decimation of crops
in Ukraine.
Another impact on local farmers is the significant increase in the cost of fertiliser.
Over the past twelve months, the cost of fertiliser is reported to have risen more than 200 per cent, in part due to Russia being
a big supplier of the commodity.
Mr Reardon-Smith said the cost of fertiliser makes it more important for farmers to undertake soil testing.
Speakers at the Allora event were drawn from a wide area.
Sarah Halleen, an animal production specialist gave cattle and sheep producers a rundown on the use of feed supplements, emphasising the importance of nutrition for stock.
The Northern Regional Sales Manager for Datamars Livestock, Rob Doro, gave an update on the range of products currently available from the global company.
Mr Doro explained how harnessing data would help primary producers make more sense of what they do and often enable them to find better ways to do it.
One of the products that garnered the attention of those in attendance was a remote walk over weighing system for cattle.
These units are based on cattle crossing scales as they enter a fenced area to seek water, with the weight able to be seen remotely from the farm office or homestead.
The afternoon included Nutrien finance team member Alex Morison who outlined options for funding which supplemented bank finance and Nutrien’s National Animal Health Training Manager David Homer who discussed various aspects of the use of drenches and vaccines.
