South Perth, Western Australia
September 17, 2008
The Department of
Agriculture and Food last night launched a comprehensive
publication for Western Australian farmers growing lupins.
Speaking at the 12th International Lupin Conference dinner,
department director general Ian Longson said Producing Lupins
was the second edition of the book, first published in 1990.
“Lupins are uniquely well suited to the acid sandy that covers
much of Western Australia’s wheatbelt, making the State the
world’s biggest producer of lupins.
“Western Australia has the capacity to produce one million tonne
of lupin annually, worth about $300 million.
“Currently the average production per year is between 300,000
tonnes and 600,000 tonnes as a result of the drier seasonal
conditions.”
Mr Longson said in 1990 lupins had become the most widely grown
grain legume in Australia, and research and development were key
elements in this success.
“Farming technology has rapidly evolved since this time with the
introduction of precision seeding, stubble handling, tramline
farming and shielded spraying,” he said.
“Farmers are also facing new challenges including herbicide
resistance in weeds, anthracnose disease, a changing climate and
rising input costs.
“Producing Lupins has been revised and updated to identify new
technologies and address these challenges faced by the new
generation of lupin farmers.”
Mr Longson said the book contained detailed information on lupin
establishment, weed control, disease management and harvesting.
“It discusses some practical aspects of growing lupins such as
seed testing, seed treatments, crop establishment, crop
nutrition and environmental influences,” he said.
“There is also a section on the end-use of lupin which includes
new information about the recent developments in using lupins as
food ingredients.”
The book was officially launched by Mr Clancy Michael, a
Mingenew lupin grower and strong advocate for lupins.
Mr Clancy said Producing Lupins was not only for farmers, but
also a useful resource for consultants, agronomists and
students.
“For the growers who had crops that didn’t perform well,
Producing Lupins will assist them in understanding why and
provide solutions for the seasons ahead.
“This book will also help the more experienced lupin grower by
guiding them to better manage a healthy crop, and inturn,
further improving quality and yield potential.
“The release of Producing Lupins, as well as ongoing research
undertaken by the department, will assist in restoring
profitability of the lupin industry.”
The cost of the publication is $30 (including GST) and copies
can be ordered from the Department of Agriculture and Food South
Perth office by phoning 9368 3333, faxing 9474 2405 or emailing
receptionsp@agric.wa.gov.au |
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