Salvaging stem frosted cereal crops
Frank Mickan
Pasture and Fodder Conservation Specialist
DEPI Ellinbank
Crops in areas of Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales have been affected by recent frost
. Temperatures have been measured at -5ºC near the base of the plants during some of the frost events. Whilst frost is a common feature at this time of year, it is unusual to see crops in the very early to late stages of head development affected. Many questions are being asked whether affected crops can be salvaged. (Pictured right: Frosted oats from northern Victoria).
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Costing Standing Feed
Putting a price on a standing crop for hay or silage presents a real challenge to both the buyer and the seller. The process of valuing ‘standing feed’ before actual harvest in terms of dollars per tonne of hay or on a per bale basis can be a nightmare but there are steps you can take to make it more effective.
The first step should always be to ensure that both the buyer and seller have a clear understanding of the terms of the deal, and this should be in writing. A written agreement on trading standing feed can involve the following; how the standing feed will be valued, measured and traded, as well as how you deal with who does what, and how risk is managed (i.e. rainfall or fire)
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