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Controlled Traffic Conference Set To Kick Goals

The agricultural community has rapidly accepted Controlled Traffic Farming (CTF) with widespread adoption exceeding 2 million hectares across all cropping industries.

By Department of Primary Industries - 23rd June 2006 - Back to News

Ballarat, Victoria, will host the Fourth Australian Controlled Traffic Conference (CTF06), a farm-focused forum for growers, advisers, scientists and technology providers.

The conference, from 27 – 29 September, will share information on the science and practice of more profitable and sustainable farming systems.

CTF is the Australian-designed farming system in which wheels work more efficiently on permanent traffic lanes, and crops grow better in permanent beds. CTF provides a framework for efficient use of a wide range of farm machinery, GPS systems, GIS software, and measuring and monitoring systems across grain, cotton, sugar and horticultural industries.

A dynamic committee consisting of 17 farmers, agronomists and industry specialists have developed a comprehensive program with a variety of presentations suitable for both early adopters and experienced practitioners. Conference sessions will include:

· Broad acre controlled traffic and minimum tillage.

· Stubble management, inter row operations and mixed farming systems.

· Raised bed farming, and applications in cotton, cane and horticulture.

· Farm layout, soil impacts, resource conservation and environmental impacts.

· GPS and guidance technology for farming. Equipment developments.

· GIS, yield mapping, imagery, spatial information and their applications.

· Farm systems: how do we change?

More than half of the presentations will include experiences of Australia’s most progressive and innovative growers from grain, cotton, horticulture and sugarcane industries, plus technical presentations updating the latest research and agronomy findings. The Conference will also include a Trade Show for technology, machinery, systems and science and a Field Day of farming systems and modern technologies.

CTF06 will also launch the emerging Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association (ACTFA). The primary purpose for ACTFA will be to provide the mechanism for Australian farmers adopting and developing CTF practices to share information and experiences, to source information, and to set priorities for CTF research and development.

Historical Ballarat is an ideal conference location being an easy one hour trip from Melbourne Airport and on the fringe of the rapidly evolving high rainfall cropping zone of South West Victoria. A mix of social, formal and hands-on activities will ensure an enjoyable learning experience for all.

Don’t miss this opportunity to remain abreast of modern farming systems and to develop a clear understanding of what is involved to be a leader of your industry.

Conference early bird registration is $325 or Student registration $100 (before July 17).

For all relevant information and online registrations visit www.actfa.net or contact Sally Brown on (07) 3201 2808.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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