Farmanco Facts - October 2026 Edition
In early September, Farmanco’s Kate Witham coordinated a GRDC co-invested drainage tour in the eastern states of Australia. Kate’s article Great Southern Growers Explore Sub Surface Drainage Innovation in Tasmania and Victoria, provides an update and outline of what the group experienced.
Other articles include Get Your Firearms House in Order, by Eric Nankivell. The Discipline of Clarity. Why Every Farm Needs a Capex Register, by Jonathan Uphill and Beware of Phomopsis Risk When Grazing or Feeding Lupins this Summer, was written by Millie Brady.
Many thanks to our very busy Farmanco consultants for contributing their professional knowledge and experience to the October edition of Farmanco Facts.
Farmanco Facts is available via annual subscription, either electronic PDF ($365) or Printed ($430). Visit our online store to purchase, email subscribe@farmanco.com.au or call (08) 9295 0940.
Great Southern Growers Explore Sub Drainage Innovation in Tasmania and Victoria
Kate Witham (Project Consultant, Farmanco Esperance)
The study tour brought together 13 growers at the coalface of implementing dryland subsurface tile drainage, to exchange ideas and learn from industry leaders, operating in some of Australia’s highest rainfall farming regions.
Participants met with growers, contractors, researchers and drainage specialists to gain insights into drainage design, installation and waterlogging management.
Discussions focused on where different machines fit, design processes, installation accuracy and the practical realities of drainage contracting.
Perhaps the strongest message was that WA growers are on the right track, but continued investment in design skills, monitoring and access to a broader range of drainage products will be critical to unlocking the full benefits of subsurface drainage.
Get Your Firearms House in Order
Eric Nankivell (Farm Management Consultant, Farmanco Perth)
Is there complacency around your firearms procedures?
If you were audited today, would you be compliant?
Different states have different laws.
You might be surprised what would be considered non-compliant.
The law takes non-compliance very seriously.
The chance that you could face a situation where your firearms or storage procedures are inspected is low, but this is exactly the experience a Farmanco client had recently. The police showed up because a claim was made about an unsecured firearm. This could happen for any number of reasons, including a disgruntled employee or a random comment made by someone at a BBQ.
The Discipline of Clarity. Why Every Farm Needs a Capex Register
Jonathan Uphill (Farm Management Consultant, Farmanco Wagga)
The register exists in everyone’s head. Just formalise it!
Be proactive in your planning.
There are extra costs incurred if you are not proactive.
Contracting can be an option or fill a gap while other priorities are met.
You can act on this now.
Farm profitability isn't just driven by seasons, commodity prices, or luck. It's driven by clarity. And one of the biggest opportunities sitting untapped on most farms, cropping or livestock, is clarity around capital.
Beware of Phomopsis Risk When Grazing or Feeding Lupins This Summer
Millie Brady (Agronomist, Farmanco Albany)
Lupins remain a valuable high-protein feed and rotation option, but phomopsis risk can increase after late spring and summer rainfall.
Phomopsis is the fungal infection that can produce phomopsis toxins; lupinosis is the livestock disease caused when sheep or cattle consume infected material.
Risk is highest where infected lupin stems, pods or seed are grazed or fed after rainfall, particularly once grain and green feed become depleted.
Monitor lupin crops, stubbles, rainfall events and livestock regularly, and do not rely on varietal resistance alone to manage risk.
Lupins have been an important part of WA’s mixed farming systems, valued for their high-protein grain, summer grazing potential and ability to fix nitrogen for following crops. However, growers grazing or feeding lupins should be aware of the increased risk of phomopsis development and, in turn, the risk of lupinosis in sheep.
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