New agricultural facility near Mullewa

A new agricultural research facility will be set up near Mullewa, Agriculture Minister Ernie Bridge announced today.

Mr Bridge said farmers in the north and north-eastern wheatbelt would reap the benefits of research trials at the Ardingly site, 10 kilometres west of Mullewa.

"The 77-hectare Mullewa Research Annexe fits the Agriculture Department's approach to target resources at specific agricultural systems which will benefit from research," Mr Bridge said.

"The annexe will cater for those who farm the hard-setting, red, sandy clay loam soils in areas extending from Ajana in the north to Kalannie in the north-east."

The annexe site has been leased for a 10-year period from Ardingly farmer, Kevin Thomas, with a further option to extend.

Mr Bridge said the research site would be welcomed by local farmers who, until now, had to rely on the Merredin Research Station as the only major research station catering for heavier soils in the drier northern and central wheatbelt.

He said the annexe could follow in the footsteps of the East Chapman Research Station where 10 years of research on yellow sandplain soils virtually doubled crop yields.

Research undertaken at the Mullewa site would focus on management of soils which were adversely affected by cultivation and stubble removal.

"The emphasis will be on wheat, medic pasture and grain legume production and integrated farming systems research," Mr Bridge said.

"Research will help to develop sustainable production systems capable of attracting market premiums from production of high quality wheat."

Experiments planned for this year included crop and pasture rotations, tillage and stubble management, medic evaluation, wheat growth and plant water use.

Wheat, barley, oats, lupins, field peas, and chick pea varieties would be evaluated. Trials would gauge nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer responses and wheat quality assessment.

Mr Bridge said the Department of Agriculture was committed to research into effective production and marketing, working alongside farmers.

"The department will continue to address research priorities identified in close co-operation with the farming community," he said.

"This year statewide, department research and advisory staff will conduct about 2,500 field experiments. About half of these will be carried out on research stations and the remainder on farms throughout the State. In addition, a large crop-breeding research program will be carried out, mainly on research stations."

For further information contact Rob Delane, Officer in Charge, Geraldton on (099) 210 555 or Research Station Manager, John Milligan on (099) 205 021.