BREAKING: Over 500 farmers, advisers, and industry representatives gathered today at BCG’s Main Research Site on Sunraysia Highway, Birchip, for the highly anticipated 2025 Main Field Day. This annual event, crucial for the agricultural community, showcased the latest innovations and research impacting the sector.
One of the most significant moments of the day was the induction of the Hunt family as BCG life members. Bronwyn and Geoff Hunt received this honor, while their son, Dr. James Hunt, was awarded the prestigious Harm Van Rees Award by Harm Van Rees himself. The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, acknowledging the family’s deep-rooted contributions to both agriculture and the Birchip community.
In an inspiring address, local farmer and agronomist Spencer Weir shared insights into his family’s agricultural journey, discussing their transition from fine wool Merino sheep to continuous cropping. He emphasized the importance of hands-on experiences, stating, “It is great to see the trials and results in your own backyard, including the soil pit, which has provided some great insight and learnings for us.” His remarks were met with appreciation from the attendees, who valued the opportunity to engage directly with practical farming knowledge.
The day also included interactive trial tours, expert presentations, and discussions covering critical topics like disease control, herbicide innovation, yield optimization, and soil management. Participants explored a 20-metre-long soil pit to understand better what lies beneath their crops and how it impacts production.
Alongside the educational sessions, attendees enjoyed a hot lunch prepared by Mrs. Kristy Knights and students from Birchip P-12 School, further enriching the community spirit of the event. The day served as a vital networking opportunity, with numerous trade stalls set up to facilitate connections among participants.
This collaborative gathering not only highlighted advancements in agricultural practices but also showcased the strong community ties that define the Birchip region. As the event concluded, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable, setting a positive tone for future agricultural initiatives.
A full report and photographs from the event will be featured in next week’s issue of Buloke Times.
