Welcome to Hart

Agricultural research and extension since 1982

Hart is South Australia’s premier agronomic field trial site, managed by farmers and industry professionals to provide independent research that is timely, relevant and unbiased, as well as cutting edge and innovative.

Located between Blyth and Brinkworth in South Australia’s Mid-North, Hart is situated on 40 hectares owned by the Hart Field-Site Group Inc.

Our event calendar begins with our annual Getting The Crop In seminar (March). Our trial program is then the focus of our remaining events, all held on site; the Winter Walk (July), main Field Day (September), and at our Spring Twilight Walk (October). Other workshops and demonstrations are also run to further extend research projects to growers.
 

Hart, where good farmers gather
Why visit Hart?
Hear from us and other growers in this short video



Soil type at the site is a clay loam grading to calcareous and dispersive clay. Soil pH values which are slighly alkaline are typical for the soil. A number of soil profiles in the area have been characterised for Yield Prophet and in general have a plant available water capacity (PAWC) or 'bucket size' around 180 - 200 mm.

Hart's average annual rainfall is 400 mm with an average growing season rainfall of 300 mm.

What's new?

 
The heart of Hart, Kevin Jaeschke OAM farewelled

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of one of our founders.

Kevin was such an important part of Hart's beginnings; in fact he hosted the first Hart Field Days on his farm and went on to volunteer hundreds of hours over many years to help make the Hart group what it is today.

The Hart team, both past and present, pass on our most sincere condolences to Lorna, Michael, Louise, Chris, & Graham and their families, and to his friends.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this year, we will remember him with respect and gratitude. RIP Kevin.

Read more about Kevin and his valuable contribution to Hart and agriculture in general here  ► THE HEART OF HART, KEVIN JAESCHKE OAM FAREWELLED

WHEAT IN THE BIRDCAGE

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) - what is it really and why should you care?

And what is the birdcage reference all about...?

Find out more about this new research project, including a fascinating look behind the scences and other Hart news in a report from Declan Anderson, Hart's regional intern.

► WHEAT IN THE BIRDCAGE | Issue 3 | November 2, 2021 - out now

► WHEAT IN THE BIRDCAGE - all editions

There will be one more update to come after harvest data has been assessed.

Rainfall variability - new trial at Hart in 2021

"How much rain did you get...?"
It's a common question, but the answer is sometimes perplexing; your neighbour got 16 mm, yet you only got 10 mm.

We regularly hear growers expressing uncertainty around the varying amount of rainfall recorded across short to medium distances and we've also noticed variation across our own site at Hart.

So we've set up a very simple trial to track how much variation occurs. We're presenting the data in some really easy to interprete, colour coded maps (thanks Declan!) and it's already making for very interesting viewing.

NEW - Now also displaying maps for our Growing Season Rainfall (GSR - Apr - Oct) and each month from April.

You'll find them here (under the 'Live Weather' tab in our main menu) ► RAINFALL VARIABILITY TRIAL

Hart 2021 Trial Results

The full publication will be available to download FREE, either in full or article by article, but if you'd like to pre-order a hard copy ($28), please contact us before February 15.

 
Our video catalogue keeps growing...

Recent additions include:
► Wheat & durum variety update
► Evaluation of chaff lining systems in South Australia
► Improving oaten hay production & quality
► Legume & oilseed herbicide tolerance
► Managment tips for wheat & awnelss variety options
► Using crop competition for effective ryegrass control

You'll find them here ► VIDEOS AND PODCASTS

  HART HEALTHY FARMERS

Looking after your physical and emotional health is important to us and we hope it's important to you too.

We have a designated page on our website to share health and wellbeing resources and while it hasn't been updated for a while, we have lots of new content from local health services and other partners ready to roll out.

So watch out for updates around the 5th of each month ► HEALTHY FARMERS

Tell us what you'd like to see next ► admin@hartfieldsite.org.au
 

Grower Guides

► Ten tips for early sown wheat

► How can you improve pre-emergent herbicide spray coverage in stubble retention systems?

► Which seeding system is most effective?

► Why are nitrous oxide emissions an issue?

► Can soil carbon (C) content can be increased through stubble retention +/- additional nutrients to assist the breakdown of stubble?

Read or download your free copies here ► GROWER GUIDES
 

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