unpredicted forecasts when it comes closer to planting time, we make sure we are flexible with other cropping options.” Peter believes that seed germination is the number one opportunity for ground prep in the broadacre cropping system. “By having a level seedbed, you can get better plant germination. Deep ripping country is another key. We rotate paddocks every year with deep ripping and even on heavy black soil we still see benefits with better root biomass. Root biomass gives you more yield, where the plants access important nutrients, therefore more ground cover, reducing competition with weeds and retaining moisture.” Peter says, “A major key to our farming and contracting success is that my wife and I work well together as a team. Before purchasing our farm together as a partnership, we were both working
hard on our own parents’ properties individually. We both value hard work and appreciate that everything we have is because of solid decision making, good management and the never give up attitude. Get in and get it done is our approach to getting a lot of tasks completed around the farm. Even though it may seem expensive or time consuming, we outsource where we need to, to ensure the machinery or equipment is in good working order, so it’s ready to go when we need it or if a contracting job arises. Our well-established contracting business helped us get through the worst drought in history from 2017 to 2020, financially, physically and mentally.” Peter and Belinda have always owned Case IH tractors and currently have a STX450 tractor.
Through their contracting business, they have been able to see a lot of the countryside in the Central West NSW region, and their children are growing up with a lot of travelling and escorting under their belt. At times, it has been a major challenge for Peter and Belinda to source good labour, which seems to be a common issue in the agricultural industry. They have found that it is more beneficial and efficient for them to pay for the more experienced employees, rather than to put less skilled workers on. Another challenge the couple face is the weather, which also has a major impact on their farming operations. Peter says “The seasons are harder to forecast these days. At the start of each year we create a plan for the upcoming sowing season. To adjust to the
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