Minimum tillage farmers to benefit from new book: Minister

29/8/00
Western Australian minimum tillage farmers will have access to the latest information with the launch today of the Min Till Drill book at the Dowerin Field Days by Primary Industry Minister Monty House.
Mr House said the book explained minimum tillage from a systems approach, with practical guidelines to help farmers improve their management and tillage practices.
Min Till Drill has been developed by the Kondinin Group and focusses on new methods and improved ways of minimum tillage farming; it offers farmers technical articles, case studies and machinery updates.
"This State's farmers have earned an enviable reputation for their efficiency and resourcefulness. They are world leaders in sustainable agriculture production and dryland farming," Mr House said.
"Cereal growing is the largest of WA's agricultural industries and it is imperative we encourage sustainable practices that will take the industry into the future.
"Minimum tillage has become increasingly popular largely due to the efforts of the Western Australian No-Tillage Farmers' Association whose members have had the foresight and vision to initiate a new method of conservation farming.
"Already, we have seen a significant shift over the past decade from five per cent to 40 per cent of farmers now adopting minimum tillage."
The system has the potential to prevent soil degradation by protecting it with plant residues and improving the soil structure by retaining organic matter, which promotes the growth of soil organisms.
Mr House commended the Kondinin Group, which is renowned for offering a diverse range of information to farmers.
He said he was pleased to launch Min Till Drill because it would make a valuable contribution to sustainable agriculture in WA.
Min Till Drill costs $71.50 for Kondinin members and $88 for non-members and is available from the Kondinin Group on 9478 3343.
Media contact: Julie Cole - 9481 2044