07/10/2024

As the harvest season approaches, Australian grain producers are preparing for a bumper winter crop, thanks to favourable weather conditions, expanded planting areas and strong yield forecasts. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) projects a 9% rise in winter crop production to 51.3 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season, driven by a larger planted area and expected higher margins for all winter crops, thanks to lower production costs.

A recent Rabobank report into Australia’s winter crop gross margins forecasts that the 2024/25 wheat crop will achieve the largest gross margins on record at approximately 34%, a 14% increase from the previous year, with winter barley also showing nearly 10% higher margins.  These projections indicate a very promising season for Australian cereal farmers.

As harvesting begins, marking the culmination of months of hard work and careful management, grain is vulnerable to various threats. The transition from field to storage introduces significant risks, particularly to pest infestations, which can severely impact quality and market value.

In preparing for harvest and effective storage of grain, we suggest considering the following:

1. Clean and prepare storage facilities: Prior to harvest, ensure all grain handling equipment including silos, augurs, grain bins and harvesters are thoroughly cleaned and free of any old grain residues. This helps to eliminate any existing pest populations and reduces the risk of infestation.  
   Clean out equipment by removing grain deposits and blowing or hosing out grain residues. Good practice at this stage would be to combine the use of a structural treatment to manage any stored grain pests that may have been missed.
   
2. Inspect and repair storage structures: Check storage facilities for any structural damage, such as broken seals, cracks or holes as these can serve as entry points for pests. Repair any damage to create a sealed environment that is difficult for pests to penetrate. 
   
3. Rotate chemistry for resistance management: While K-Obiol is a powerful tool in grain protection, it’s important to consider the long-term sustainability of pest control strategies. Rotating the chemistry used for grain protection is vital to manage pest resistance to a particular active ingredient. By alternating between different classes of insecticides, you can reduce the risk of resistance buildup, ensuring that your grain protection methods remain effective over time.
   The first step is to choose between either K-Obiol (containing the active ingredient deltamethrin) OR a product containing the active ingredient spinosad as your base product. Rotate between these two chemistries every one or two seasons to avoid resistance.
   The second step is to select either fenitrothion or chlophyrifos methyl as a mixing partner. The selection of which mixing partner to use will depend on the grain type, withholding period and the intended market in which the grain is to be sold. 
   
4. Apply K-Obiol directly to grain: Apply K-Obiol directly to uninfested grain using 1 or 2 flat fan nozzles mounted in the auger as it is loaded into the storage. The protectant should be applied uniformly to ensure all grain is covered. 
   
5. Monitor grain regularly: After the grain is in storage, regular monitoring is essential. Check for any signs of pest activity, such as damaged grain or the presence of insects.
   
6. Maintain proper storage conditions: Grain should be stored under optimal conditions to minimise the risk of spoilage and pest infestation. This includes controlling temperature and humidity levels, ensuring proper aeration to prevent high moisture content conducive to insect pest development. 

K-Obiol EC Combi Grain Protectant is a highly effective insecticide designed specifically for stored grain protection. When combined with an approved organophosphate mixing partner, K-Obiol provides broad-spectrum efficacy against a wide range of stored grain pests, including lesser grain borer, flour beetle, rice/granary weevils and moths, ensuring long-lasting protection and maintaining grain quality throughout storage.

K-Obiol can be conveniently applied to grain stored in both sealed and unsealed silos. Suitable for all cereal grains, including malting barley, rice, sorghum and maize, K-Obiol adheres to safety and compliance regulations when applied according to label instructions, helping you meet food safety standards with confidence.

With a promising winter crop on the horizon, protecting your grain with K-Obiol Grain Protectant is a wise investment. This safeguard ensures your grain is protected from pests and remains in peak condition, ready for sale or further processing. Nurture what nature provides with K-Obiol EC Combi grain protectant.

Between October 1^st & December 31^st, purchase a bottle of K-Obiol® EC Combi from your local Nutrien store, for your chance to win a Complete Grain Spray System for the treatment of your stored grain. Follow this link to find out more!

For more information on K-Obiol EC Combi insecticide visit the Envu website. Always read the label before use.

*DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.