Melbourne School of Land and Environment Dookie Campus

Dookie 2005 & Beyond

ANNUAL REPORT 2005

CONTENTS

Head of Campus Report
Melbourne School of Land and Environment Overview
Dookie Campus Overview
History of Dookie Campus
Dookie Campus Teaching and Research Staff
   - Publications
   - External Research Collaborations
   - Conference and Seminar Attendance
Collaborative Research, Community and Campus Projects
Dookie Campus 2005 Graduations
   - Student Prizes
   - Student Projects
   - Graduate and Student Achievements
2005 Enrolments
Visitors to Dookie Campus
Knowledge Extension Activities
Community Engagement Activities
Dookie Campus Support Services
Dookie Farm Reports
Alumni 2005

HEAD OF CAMPUS REPORT

Associate Professor Dennis O'BrienASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DENNIS O'BRIEN

2005 resulted in many changes to both the Melbourne School of Land and Environment and to Dookie Campus.

The Faculty made the decision in 2005 to disengage from the delivery of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and focus on higher education teaching and research. The Faculty also undertook a major staff restructure which resulted in some staff departing from the Campus. These staff contributed significantly to the development of the Campus and to agricultural education, research and extension over many years.

The Campus in 2006 will seek to further develop the precinct concept. Significant current precinct partners are Rural Industries Skills Training (RIST), Landcare, Currawa Primary School and the Indigenous Seedbank. In 2006 this will expand to Goulburn Ovens Institute
of TAFE , the National Centre of Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) and Dookie High School. In time it is envisaged the Campus will become the premier campus for teaching, research and knowledge transfer in the land and food industries in Victoria and Australia. This will result in the Campus having education providers able to deliver the complete range of education and training in the land and food industries from Certificate I to Post Graduate (PhD) courses.

Research at Dookie Campus was strengthened with the successful acquisition of funding for new research programs. These included the $4.5 million Science Technology and Innovation (STI) irrigation research project investigating irrigation efficiency in the dairy, orchard and viticulture industries. Located in the Goulburn Valley, the project will be implemented by a team based at Dookie Campus. An ‘Innovation Network’ of irrigators will be established to define and oversee the user requirements. Associate Professor Greg Dunn (Project Implementation Manager) and Dr Nicola Cooley were appointed to this project in late 2005.
The Gardiner Foundation provided further funding for improving water efficiency in dairy grazing pastures. This project will investigate production systems and environmental benefits of subsurface tape irrigation technology. The project will be conducted at the Dookie Campus Dairy.

These projects will continue to ensure that students at Dookie receive a rich educational experience that combines sciencebased academic programs with practical experience, research projects and the commercial activities of the Dookie Farm.

Dookie students and graduates continued to excel in both their academic and extra curricular activities. Second year Bachelor of Agriculture student, Matthew Bollen
won the 2005 RSPCA Australia Human Animal Production Scholarship. Matthew will utilise the scholarship to evaluate an integrated management system for controlling flystrike in the absence of mulesing. Third year student, Freya Ziller achieved fourth place in the 2005 Young Scientist Communication Awards at the 2005 National Dairy Alliance Conference.
Freya’s project focussed on the effect of raspberry flavouring on acceptance of lead feed in dairy heifers.

A $19 000 scholarship was awarded to second year Bachelor of Agriculture
student, Clare Potter, by the Australian Wool Innovation Limited Scholarship and Studentship Program in Wool Production. Clare will attend workshops at the University of New England in Armidale as part of her scholarship.

The Campus Farm enterprises once again had a productive year. Whilst supporting the research activities of students and staff members, the enterprises demonstrated their commercial viability and representation of industry. The Campus Dairy increased production and subsequent income during its 21st year. Members of the dairying community continue to demonstrate an active interest in the dairy, reading the weekly dairy report printed in the Country News and attending the annual field day in April.

While the viability of the commercial farm ventures proved again successful and profitable in 2005 the extension for teaching and research improved over the year. The broadacre enterprise entered into a number of commercial trials while the sheep enterprise participated in the Merino to Match and Central Sire Evaluation Programs while students participated in various shearing schools. The STI grant will expand research activities as the first stages of the project are implemented in 2006. Utilisation of the Dookie Farms as a teaching and research facility will only become more prominent in coming years.

The Campus Winery activities strengthened with the development and launch of the new label “Dookie 360 degrees” and establishment of the winery as a regional cellar door. The winery also hosted several functions and product launches including a Stephanie Alexander Gourmet Dinner.

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative continued to demonstrate its commitment to agricultural education through a grant it provided to refurbish the Campus animal research facility. The newly refurbished facility was officially opened by the Hon. Jeanette Powell, State Member for Shepparton in April 2005.

Next year promises to be an exciting year as the Campus continues to develop its strong research profile, embarks on development of new curriculum and development of articulation pathways as well as further community involvement.

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Melbourne School of Land and Environment OVERVIEW

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment provides specialist education, research and training in the vital fields of:

Across a diversity of disciplines and campuses, the Faculty equips students with the skills necessary to pursue a successful career in a wide variety of disciplines within the land and food industries and offers the potential to realise dreams of contributing to an environmentally sustainable future.

Close association with industry and government ensures that courses provide training and skills valued by both graduates and employers. Practical and relevant work experience components develop students' skills and provide an insight into career options, and are an essential element of all courses. Graduates of the Faculty are well-equipped to work in the main employing industries, and career opportunities continue to grow.

Resources available to students include onsite accommodation, test farm, ornamental gardens, a demonstration forest, and state-of-the-art laboratories. All students have full access to the myriad of services and facilities offered by the University of Melbourne.

Students today are part of a dynamic educational environment inspired by academics of international reputation, leading-edge technology, an energetic and creative social and cultural network, and campuses equipped with educational, sporting and recreational facilities.

The Melbourne School of Land and Environment comprises four academic schools - Agriculture and Food Systems, Forest and Ecosystem Science and Resource Management and the School of Vocational Education and Training

The goals of the Faculty are to:

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

The School of Agricultural and Food Systems, led by Professor Snow Barlow, is primarily responsible for the delivery of the:

The research directions of the School include plant biotechnology, crop improvement, animal production and food science to develop the following broad areas of excellence:

SCHOOL OF FOREST AND ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE

The School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (SFES) was founded in July 2004 and is the culmination of a longstanding research partnership between the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The new school comprises more than 50 scientists working in basic and applied fields that cover many aspects of forest and ecosystem science, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Staff are based in high quality facilities at the rural centre of Creswick, the main University campus in Parkville and at the Arthur Rylah Institute in Heidelberg. There are also field stations in Myrtleford and Orbost. Academic staff have extensive research collaboration with scientists across the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, with other academics in the University of Melbourne , with state and national research and land management agencies and with many international institutions. The School is a formal partner in three Cooperative Research Centres (Bushfire, Wood Innovations and Forestry).

Our unique higher education programs include courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Undergraduate courses aim to provide a complete understanding of forest biology and ecology from cell to ecosystem levels and a broad knowledge of forest and land management concepts, policies and practices. They include the acquisition of “cutting edge” techniques from the molecular scale at the laboratory bench to the landscape scale in field studies and remote sensing and geographic information systems. Our courses offer the integration of scientific studies and industry applications. Student life proceeds between library, lecture hall, laboratory, bush, and industry.

Our degrees and diplomas open up a wide range of sought-after career alternatives in forest and land management agencies and in forest industry. Students can undertake exchanges for part of the course with academic partner institutions in Europe and North America.

Post-graduate students work closely with supervising academics who are actively engaged in basic and applied research projects. Students have access to high quality laboratory facilities and field experimental situations. They are well supported by technical and administrative staff and with field equipment and resources. We place the highest emphasis on providing safe, harmonious and productive working environments and we welcome students and staff from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

SCHOOL OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The School of Resource Management, led by Dr Greg Moore, is primarily responsible for the delivery of the following programs:

The research activities of the School of Resource Management include;

Projects include include Affordable Aerial Photography, Blue Gum Plantation Management System, Galapagos Islands Eco-Trail, and Lihir Island Group, Papua New Guinea

A long-established feature of our horticultural teaching is the use of the historic gardens at Burnley campus.

SCHOOL OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

The School of Vocational Education and Training (VET) delivered programs across all campuses during 2005. Those programmes based at Dookie Campus predominantly focussed on Viticulture, Wine, Agriculture and Irrigation. The courses delivered utilised a combination of workplace based assessment, flexible delivery and residential schools.

Short courses delivered at Dookie Campus in 2005:

These courses were facilitated as residential schools, with participants attending 3 day seminar/workshops based at Dookie Campus. The winery, vineyard and local industry and producers were utilised to deliver these programs, with some participants coming from overseas and interstate.

Other viticulture and wine programs offered at Dookie included:

Agriculture courses ranging from Certificate II to Diploma were delivered at Dookie Campus in 2005. These courses involved participants from a broad range of agricultural enterprises, predominantly beef, sheep and dairy and were delivered to allow participants to undertake training whilst working within their chosen industry and/or farming enterprise. Participants specialised in one of three areas – beef, dairy or lamb production.

Following 10 years of delivering Vet programs across Victoria , the University of Melbourne elected to disengage from TAFE education and focus on agriculture and related areas in the University's core areas of strength in higher education, research and research training. Alternative providers were sought by the Department of Education. In 2006, programs traditionally delivered by the University of Melbourne at Dookie Campus will be delivered by Goulburn Ovens TAFE and the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia, both of whom will be based at Dookie Campus within the educational precinct.

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DOOKIE CAMPUS OVERVIEW

Overlooking Dookie Campus from Mount MajorDookie is the major rural higher education campus of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment (LFR), The University of Melbourne. The University is recognised worldwide for the quality of its research, courses and graduates. Given the international status of agriculture and resource management, Dookie graduates are prepared for the world market.

The education program offered at Dookie Campus is incorporated with the commercial activities of the Dookie Farms to ensure that students receive a unique educational experience that include “hands on” practical experience including project work with farming enterprise activities and associated resource management issues. The Dookie Farm Estate comprises of 2400 hectares of broadacre cropping, lamb and beef enterprises, a dairy, an intensive piggery, and an orchard and vineyard. The Campus also operates a commercial winery that produces wine from grapes grown on campus and from external producers, with students using the winery for elective subjects. The Dookie farm enterprises and winery are managed as commercial ventures, integrated with educational programs, and incorporating research and development programs. Complimenting the farms is the largest natural bushland reserve of any Australian University. The Dookie Bushland Reserve underlines the University's commitment to natural resource management teaching and research.

Dookie Campus in all its phases has served the agricultural community of Victoria for over 120 years and will continue to do so by educating graduates to maintain the competitive status and sustainability of Australian rural industries and our unique landscapes.

Dookie Campus is one of four campuses of the faculty. Four schools were represented at the Campus in 2005:

The goal of the campus is to provide high quality courses, research training and research relevant to the needs of the land and food industries of north east Victoria in particular, as well as south-eastern Australia and beyond.

Priorities for the Campus are growth in:

Dookie Campus offers extensive support services to students, visitors and staff. These services includes the residential and catering department which offers various accommodation and catering to students and staff and also commercially to external groups. The extensive maintenance of the campus is managed by the University's Property and Buildings department including building, landscaping and general maintenance. Student services include the Dookie Student Association who offer various co-curricular activities, club membership and counselling services. Fully equipped laboratories are available for student and research facilities as too is the Library operated by the Information Division of the University.

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HISTORY OF DOOKIE CAMPUS

Dookie Campus is Victoria's oldest agricultural college and Australia 's second oldest. Dookie's association with the University of Melbourne began in 1910 when Bachelor of Agricultural Science students spent a year at Dookie as part of their degree studies.

The campus appears to have been part of the lands of the Noorilim people. In 1836 Major Sir Thomas Mitchell was the first recorded non-Aboriginal to travel through the Dookie district and the huge Benalla Pastoral Run was registered in 1842 as a result. The squatters' runs were broken up after the Land Acts of the 1860s, and the Dookie district was surveyed in the early 1870s. Dookie Campus was one of four sites reserved in the Benalla district in 1875 for the purpose of an agricultural college and experimental farm. Dookie was chosen as the optimal site because it was ‘sufficiently extensive for a full-blown college', contained the greatest variety of soil types and aspect with both hill and plain acreages, and climatically was representative of the whole of the northern farming districts of Victoria.

Dookie Agricultural College In 1886Clearing and fencing began in 1877 for what was known as the Cashel Experimental Farm. The first Farm Manager was British agricultural college graduate John Low Thompson, an imposing Scotsman with a distinguished agricultural career both at Home and in the Colony. He brought his new wife to a bark hut in the remote scrub where, with the assistance of contractors and the first two students, he carved out the Experimental Farm. Within a year he had established the nucleus of the farm's flocks and herds, as well as personally setting out experimental plots to a wide variety of cereals, grasses, vegetables, tares, pulses, flax and hemp. The following year these were joined by wheat varieties from the great Paris International Exhibition, and plantings of olives and fruit trees (plums, peaches, apples, pears, almonds, oranges, figs, pomegranates) as well as table grapes and wine grapes (Hermitage, Tokay, Madeira , Riesling, Verdelho, Pedro Ximinez and Cabernet varieties). Student learning was by ‘ocular demonstration' (i.e. by seeing) gained whilst working on the farm five days a week. The original size of the farm was 1938 hectares and it has since been altered by various purchases and extensions to the present 2446 hectares.

Dookie Agricultural College commenced operation on 4th October 188 6, and was managed by the Council of Agricultural Education following the implementation of the Agricultural Education Act 1884. The first course offered was of two years duration, and students need to be male, at least 14 years old, and have satisfactorily completed State School education. In 1911 the three-year Diploma of Agriculture was introduced, and in 1923 the entry requirements where lifted to a minimum age of 15 and passes required in specified Intermediate Certificate subjects. During this period Hugh Pye was a particularly distinguished Principal. Pye was initially science master and then Principal at Dookie Agricultural College for 22 years from 1895. While Principal, Hugh Pye gained world wide recognition for his pioneering work in wheat-breeding and established Dookie as a research centre of national importance. Pye was also a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society of England, having been nominated by his friend and colleague, Baron von Mueller.

The Thornycroft Motor Truck - 1926In 1945 control of the Victorian Agricultural Colleges moved to the newly created Division of Agricultural Education within the Department of Agriculture. From 1910 to 1922 and 1943 to 1963 the University of Melbourne sent its Bachelor of Agricultural Science students to Dookie for the second year of their degree. During this year the students gained practical farm experience and were involved in teaching the Dookie students academic and applied subjects.

Dookie was a centre of rural training for returned servicemen following both world wars. From 1918 to 1921 full-time courses were run to equip participants with farming skills for the Soldier Settlement Scheme, as well as short-courses to extend existing knowledge. In 1946 the Commonwealth Government established the Rural Training Centre for ex-servicemen at Dookie. The centre offered both the two year Diploma and eight week short courses until 1950 when its resources were taken over by the Victorian Government.

Carting Wheat - 1943In 1966 the three year Diploma of Agricultural Science replaced the Diploma of Agriculture and the entry requirements were lifted again, this time to 16 years of age and passes in five Leaving Certificate subjects and for the first time women were allowed in the course. In 1973 five female students commenced the Diploma, however the first female student at Dookie enrolled in 1947 and graduated in 1949. Now the gender balance in all courses at Dookie is approximately 50/50 male/female. In 1976 the Diploma of Applied Science (Agriculture) was introduced, and was joined in 1980 by the Diploma of Applied Science (Food Production Horticulture) and the Certificate in Farming.

The township of Dookie was established when the railway line was extended from Shepparton in 1879 and soon vineyards were developed on the rich red soils of Mount Major. The vineyards had disappeared by 1910 due to the vine pest Phylloxera and depression, and since then cereal crops have dominated the Dookie landscape. Viticulture is now making a come back and the Dookie Hills wine region is gaining an international reputation. Dookie Campus played an important role during each period: pioneering wine grape varieties in the district since the 1870s, and contributing to vineyard and wine making techniques and research. The Winery, built in 1896, is used in teaching and research as well as a contract wine making facility for boutique winemakers. Dookie is now the location of the University of Melbourne Wine Industry Centre with a strong education program at TAFE, undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and close links with the viticulture industry.

Since its inception, the campus has been the site of research and experimental trials by students, academics, and industry. Today trials are in progress in collaboration with the CSI RO, Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Collaborative Research Centres and industry. The campus also has a long field day tradition and has offered short courses to cover a broad range of rural interests since 1919, the same year that the first field day was run. The first short courses were in domestic economy for country women and then as now, short courses provide the general community with access to the latest advances in agriculture and technology.

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DOOKIE CAMPUS TEACHING AND RESEARCH STAFF

Teaching and Research Staff at Dookie Campus 2005 Graduation

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS

Head of Campus

Bachelor of Rural Business Coordinator

O'BRIEN, DENNIS:
BScAg (Sydney), MSc (Manitoba) PhD (Oregon SU)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-117 Macroeconomics, 208-231 Management of Rural Enterprises, 208-415 Research Philosophies and Statistics, 208-417 Emerging Issues in Land Resources, 208-414 Direct Reading in Land Resources

Research Interests: Regional development, economics and statistics

Deputy Head of Campus

LAIRD, CHRIS:
B.AgrSc, M Biotech (Monash), Dip Ed (Melb), Grad Dip Computing (Deakin)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-005 Industry Placement, 202-309 Industry Project, 202-052 Industry Placements, 208-263 Animal Science and Nutrition, 208-338 Special Studies, 208-413 Biological Systems Analysis,

Research Interests: Animal Science, ruminant nutrition, meat production

Campus Honours Coordinator

YOUNG, KEN:
BAppSc (Qld), MAgrSc (LaTrobe), Phd (Melb) Grad Cert University Teaching (Melbourne)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-109 Biology for Land and Food Resources, 202-154 Introductory Biology for Land and Food, 208-255 Crop Management, 208-340 Plant Pathology, 208-341 Fertiliser Management, 208-413 Biological Systems Analysis

Research Interests: Agronomy, weed management, seed ecology and pest predictions.

Bachelor of Agriculture Coordinator

WELLMAN, JOHN:
BScAgr (WA), GDipEd (Gipps)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-211 Plant Communities in Action, 208-252 Production Horticulture (Fruit and Vines)

Research Interests: Alternative tree fruit production systems and post harvest technology

Advanced Diploma in Agriculture Coordinator

GALL, ROS:
BComm (Melb), GDipAgrib (Monash), MBus (Monash)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-308 Human Resource Management, 207-112 Rural Economics, 207-114 Land, Food and Resource Economics, 207-172 Rural Economics, 208-118 Principles of Marketing, 208-162 Agribusiness Marketing, 208-219 Principles of Management, 208-233 Introduction to Business Law, 208-234 Accounting for Rural Enterprises, 208-236 Introduction to Agribusiness, 208-273 Managing Staff, 208-33 2 Entrepreneurship

Research Interests: Marketing, economics, organisation theory and agribusiness.

BATH, GEOFF:
BBusAdm, MAgrSc (Latrobe), Dip Agr Sc, ADip Viticult RCAE , TTTC (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-107 Vineyard and Winery Operations I, 208-244 Australia in the Wine World, 208-206 Vineyard and Winery Operations II

Research Interests: Viticulture, grape growing and wine production

CHAPLIN, SARAH:
BSc (Leeds), MSc (Edin), PhD (Glasgow)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-263 Animal Science and Nutrition, 208-271 Animal Management

Research Interests: Animal science - dairy, behaviour and welfare and pastures.

BOTTA, CATHY:
BScAgr (Syd), MScAgr (Syd), GCertSoilsCons (Adel)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 207-328 Working with Community Groups, 208-230 Soils, Water and Catchment Management, 208-251 Rural Community Development

Research Interests: Sustainable catchment management, soils, reclaimed water

Post Doctoral Research Fellow

COOLEY, NICOLA:
BSc Honours (Plymouth University), PhD (University of East London)

Research Interests: Plant physiology, viticulture, water relations

C.R. Roper Fellow in Agricultural Science

DUNN, GREGORY:
BSc (Melb), PhD (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Science, Technology and Innovation Project Manager

Research Interests: Plant water relations and irrigation, reproductive biology, viticulture and horticulture

HAYWARD, DAVID:
BAppSc(Wine Science) (CSU)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Coordinator Diploma of Wine Technology, 208-316 Oenology

Research Interests: Oenology

MCCARTHY, PATRICK:
DipTechTeaching, AssocDipAppSc, AssocDipWool Production

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-113 Production Systems I, 208-115 Production Systems II

Research Interests: Sheep and wool production and wool classing

MCDONALD, JOHN:
BVSc (Syd), MAgrSc (Latrobe)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Animal Health Specialist

PILKINGTON, JOHN:
BSc Hons (Flinders), DipEd (Flinders)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-250 Quantitative Skills for Land and Food, 202-101 Chemistry for Land and Food Resources, 202-102 Chemistry for Land and Food Resources, 202-205 Experimental Design/Statistical Methods, 208-232 Business Data Analysis

Areas of Expertise: Chemistry, mathematics and education.

PREWETT, DURHAM:
BAgrSc (Melb), DipEd SC (Vic)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-253 Pasture Management

Area of Expertise: Dairy extension, nutrition

WAITE, HELEN:
DipHortSc (TTC), DipTT (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 208-265 Integrated Pest and Weed Management, Diploma of Horticulture courses

Research Interests: Horticulture, vines, vegetables and floriculture, olive growing

WHEATON, ASHLEY:
BAgrSc (Hon), MAgSc (LaTrobe)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Coordinator Diploma of Viticulture, 207-278 Resource Management (Soil and Water),

Research Interests: Soil management, nutrition and irrigation in viticulture

WRIGLEY, ROGER:
BEng (RMIT), MEngSc (Melb), CP Eng, MIE Aust, MASAE

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management, 208-308 Irrigation and Water Management,

Research Interests: Soil conservation, waste management, feedlot design, agricultural engineering and irrigation

SCHOOL OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

BRODIE, GRAHAM:
BEng(Townsville), GDip Comp (Deakin), PhD (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-108 Information Technology and Communications, 202-156 Information Technology and Communication, 202-250 Quantitative Skills for Land and Food, 208-116 Environmental Engineering, 208-152 Agricultural Technology

Research Interests: Computer technology, modelling of agricultural systems, process monitoring and control, engineering, surveying, microwave heating, microwave treatment of timber and wood drying.

HAMILTON, STEVE:
A. DipApp Biol, B App Sc (App Biol), M App Sc (RMIT), PhD (Melbourne)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management

Research Interests: Impact of agricultural land practices on the floristics and habitat quality of Box Ironbark woodlands and forests, restoration ecology and revegetation in rural landscapes

O'DWYER, CHERYL:
BSc (Melb), MSc (Melb)

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: 202-110 Land Resources, 202-170 Applied Ecology in the Rural Environment, 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management, 207-416 Management of Australia's Fauna, 208-328 Biodiversity and Genetics

Research Interests: Conservation biology, wildlife management and ecological impacts of fragmentation, particularly oninvertebrates

SCHOOL OF VET

DICKINS, CHAS:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Diploma of Agriculture (Dairy) Coordinator

Area of Expertise: Dairy industry, nitrogen fertilisers, pastures, irrigation.

HODGSON, DAVID:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Campus Winemaker, Wine short courses, Diploma of Wine and Viticulture lecturer

Area of Expertise: Wine production

STRINGER, WILBY:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Certificate 3 in Food Processing (Wine) Coordinator

Area of Expertise: Wine & viticulture

WHITE, KEVIN:

Teaching/Coordinating Responsibilities: Diploma of Agriculture & Certificate 3 of Agriculture Coordinator

Area of Expertise: crop production

PUBLICATIONS

Brodie G., 2005; Microwave preconditioning to accelerate solar drying of timber. In Microwave and Radio Frequency Applications. (Ed.) DC Schulz R. L. and Folz, pp. 41-48.

Brodie G., 2005; Microwave Treatment Accelerates Solar Wood Drying, Presented at the International Union of Forestry Research Organisations' Conference, Brisbane, Queensland, August 2005

Brodie G. and Hazell, L., 2005; Investigation of Megalithic Transport by Pre-Classical Olmec Society in Mesoamerica using GIS Analysis of Environmental and Geographic Elements of Central Mexico to Determine Possible Land Route Corridors, Presented at the Chacmool Conference, Calgary, Canada, November 2005

Cain, M. and Young, K. The effect of controlled traffic farming on soil parameters. Riverine Plains Inc. Research at Work, pp 84 – 85.

Faulkner, S. and Young. K. The effect of root fragment size and burial depth on the survival of prairie ground cherry. Research for the Riverine Plains 2005, pp 62 – 63.

Gall, R. Agricultural Producer Cooperatives as Strategic Alliances. International Food and Agribusiness Conference, Chicago , USA. June 2005.

Hamilton, S.D. and O'Dwyer, C. (submitted). Response of grassy woodlands in northern Victoria to disturbance: a state and transition model.

Hamilton, S.D. and O'Dwyer, C. (submitted). Floristic response of temperate grassy woodland to the removal of sheep grazing.

Hamilton, S.D., Brodie, G. and O'Dwyer, C. (2005) Allometric relationships for estimating biomass in Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa. Australian Forestry 68 (4) 267- 273

Hamilton S.D., O'Dwyer C., Dettmann P.D. and Curtis A.L. (2004) The habitat quality of private land Box Ironbark remnant vegetation in southern Australia. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 25 (1) 19-42.

Hamilton, S.D., Hunter, D., Costello, K., O'Dwyer, C., and Jones, S. (2002). Vascular flora and vertebrate fauna of the Dookie Bushland Reserve, Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 114(1): 1-20.

Hamilton, G. and O'Dwyer, C. Short term floristic response of a temperate grassy woodland to the removal of sheep grazing. Pacific Conservation Biology.

Hamilton, S., O'Dwyer, C., Stockdale, M. and Wright, T. The effects of fire and grazing on the structure and composition of Northern Plains grasslands. Fourth National Native Grasses Conference.

Hamilton, S. & O'Dwyer, C. Ed. Grassland Conservation and Production: Both Sides of the Fence. Proceedings for the Fourth Stipa National Conference on Management of Native Grasses and Pastures, Burra , South Australia.

Hamilton S. D., Brodie, G. and O'Dwyer, C., (2005); Allometric relationships for estimating biomass in Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa). AustralianForestry Journal 68, No 4, pp. 267-273.

O'Dwyer, C., Hamilton, S. and Clarke, G. (2002). The value of remnants on farms for invertebrate biodiversity: a preliminary study. In: Rural Land-Use Change. Yes! But will biodiversity be okay (Ed Crosthwaite, J., Farmar-Bowers, Q., and Hollier, C.). Proceedings of a conference at Attwood, Victoria. August 2002. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne (CD ROM).

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwill, P.M. (2000). Restoration of a native grassland as habitat for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae;) at Mount Piper, Australia. Restoration Ecology 8 (2), 170-174.

Clarke, G.M. and O'Dwyer, C. (2000) Genetic variability and population structure of the endangered Golden Sun Moth, Synemon plana (Walker). Biological Conservation 92. 371-381.

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwill, P.M. (1999). A comparative study of the habitats of Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae): Implications for restoration. Biological Conservation 89, 131-141.

O'Dwyer, C. (1999). Germination and sowing depth of Austrodanthonia eriantha: techniques to maximise restoration efforts. Victorian Naturalist, 116 (6) 202-209.

Sargeant, L. & Young, K. The effects of different phosphorus seedbed utilisation n crop and weed performance. Research for the Riverine Plains 2005, pp 58 - 59.

Sutton, K. and Young, K. The Effect of Triazine Herbicides on Sclerotinia Spore Formation. Riverine Plains Inc. Research at Work, pp 104 - 105.

Henry, F. and Young, K. Investigations into the incidence and cause of crop diseases on the Riverine Plains. Riverine Plains Inc. Research at Work, pp 86 – 87.

Waite, H. Fermenting grapevine cuttings. Grapegrowers

Waite, H. & May, P. The effects of hot water treatment, hydration and order of nursery operations on cuttings of Vitis vinifera cultivars. Phytopathogia Mediterranea, Vol 44, No 2. August 2005

Wellman, J. Trial reveals benefits of orchard water efficiency. Irrigation and Water Resources, Winter 2005.

Wrigley, R. Sustainability and Associated Reuse of Wastewater. Proceedings of Wine Engineering Association Conference, Bendigo 2005.

Wrigley, R. Melbourne Water Treatment Plant Draft Land Use Strategy.

Wrigley, R. Smart Water Urban Submission

Wrigley, R. Melbourne Water Eastern Treatment Plant Submission

Wrigley, R. Eastern Treatment Plant Biosolids Utilisation Strategy.

Laity M, and Young K.R. (2005). Olives: a new industry or weed threat. Proceedings of the 2nd Victorian Biennial WeedsConference, Bendigo.

Young K.R., Schilg, K., Bennett, B. and Sutton, K. Integrating IWM into Crop management Plans. P roceedings of the2nd Victorian Biennial Weeds Conference Bendigo – invited speaker

EXTERNAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS

Brodie, Graham:

Control of tropical woody weeds using microwave energy- partnership with Tropical Weed Research Institute - Work ongoing

Microwave wood drying - part of CRC Wood Innovations - Work ongoing

Applications of GIS Technology to Archaeological Investigations in Central America - partnership with La Trobe University's Archaeological Department - Work ongoing

Wheaton, Ashley:

Melbourne Early Career Researcher Grant. ‘Improving quality of stone fruits through canopy and fruit manipulation' is in collaboration with researchers from DPI Tatura.

Centre for Water and Landscape Management. ‘Matching water application to water use to maximize production and quality of Pink Lady apple in the Goulburn Valley ' is in collaboration with DPI Tatura.

Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation. ‘Using integrated approaches to improve irrigation scheduling in vineyards' is a 4 year project contributing to a larger initiative “Managing soil and water to target quality and reduce environmental impact” in collaboration with DPI.

This is in trial design and data collection phase (year 0-1).

Wrigley, Roger:

Barnawatha Biodeisel Community Reference Committee Chair

Bass Valley Landcare Erosion Control Field Day Eastern Treatment Plant Biosolids Utilisation Project

Gardiner Foundation Subsurface Tape Irrigation Project

Gardiner Foundation Adoption of Technology on Farm Project Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority Working Group

Goulburn Broken Demonstrator Project

Goulburn Broken Channel Harmonisation Project (Draft)

Murray Irrigation Limited Irrigation Field Day

Western Treatment Plant Landuse Project

Wimmera Valley Pipeline Project

Young, Ken:

CSIRO Alternate Potassium Sources Research

Variable Rate Lime and Gypsum Research

Tomato processing industry – Good Soil Health, Biology and Yield.

CONFERENCE AND SEMINAR ATTENDANCE:

Austrade Export Conference for the Wine Industry (Geoff Bath)

BASS Valley Landcare Erosion Control Field Day (Roger Wrigley)

Dairy Australia , National Advance in Dairy Leadership Program (Sarah Parker)

Department of Primary Industries Tatura Field Day (Roger Wrigley)

International Food and Agribusiness Conference, Chicago , USA. June 2005. (Ros Gall)

International Union of Forestry Research Organisations' Conference 2005, Brisbane, Queensland , August 2005 (Graham Brodie)

Lake Makoan Land Use Management Group (Roger Wrigley)

Murray Irrigation Limited Irrigation Field Day (Roger Wrigley)

Second Biennial Victoria Weeds Conference (Ken Young)

Stipa Native Grass Conference – Burra October 2005 (250 delegates) (Cheryl O'Dwyer & Steve Hamilton)

United Dairyfarmers Victoria , Off the Farm into the Future Project (Sarah Parker)

United Dairyfarmers Victoria , Annual Conference (Sarah Parker)

Wimmera Valley Pipeline Project, January 2005 (Roger Wrigley)

Winery Engineering Conference “The Challenge of Economies”, Bendigo (Roger Wrigley)

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COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH, COMMUNITY AND CAMPUS PROJECTS

CENTRE FOR WATER AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

The University of Melbourne established the Centre for Water and Landscape Management to provide research, leadership, education, training and practical applications for water and landscape management that will foster sustainable rural communities. More than just a centre for environmental sustainability, this Centre aims to find solutions for sustainable water and landscape use that supports economic growth in regional Australia through worldbest research and collaboration with rural communities.

The presence of internationally eminent scholars utilising cutting-edge research techniques attracts high caliber postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to the Centre leading to a new generation of ‘thinkers and doers' in the field of sustainable agricultural landscape systems. The research capacity and momentum generated will establish the Centre as a focus for independent research, analysis, policy advice and community change.

The Centre will, through driving change within the farming community, deliver strong outcomes consistent with the National Heritage Trust's third objective of ‘ Community Capacity Building and Institutional Change'.

The Centre for Water and Landscape Management is located at the Dookie Campus of the Melbourne School of Land and Environment, the University of Melbourne. Dookie Campus is situated in the Goulburn Catchment of the Murray Darling Basin. The Centre will utilise the 2,500 hectare Dookie Estate operating as a series of commercial enterprises as a focus for ‘research to practice' implementation projects incorporating ongoing monitoring of productivity and environmental performance.

Throughout 2005, the Centre for Water and Landscape Management executive committee met to further progress the goals and objectives of the centre. Activities for the centre during the year included sponsorship of the 2005 Victorian Flood Management Conference, commencement of Professor Janet

McCalman's “Oral histories research” and acquisition of funding for irrigation efficiency research from Victorian Government‘s Science Technology and Innovation Grant and the Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation.

CWLM was a bronze sponsor for the 2005 Victorian Flood Management Conference held at the Shepparton Eastbank Centre. Over 300 delegates from both private and public sectors including researchers, engineers, urban planners, catchment and natural resource managers attended the conference. Bronze sponsorship provided the opportunity for branding on conference materials, a trade display in the conference venue and distribution of the newly CWLM brochure to conference delegates.

During 2004, The Centre for Water and Landscape Management provided funding for 5 seeding grants:

The presence of internationally eminent scholars utilising cutting-edge research techniques will attract high caliber postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows to the Centre leading to a new generation of ‘thinkers and doers' in the field of sustainable agricultural landscape systems. The research capacity and momentum generated will establish the Centre as a focus for independent research, analysis, policy advice and community change.

TALLIS TRUST RESEARCH INITIATIVE

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative was established in 1996 when Mr Peter Tallis of ‘Boorinda', Dookie donated the sum of $50 000 to establish a fund for the purposes referred to below. A further sum was received in June 1997 increasing the total amount donated to $200 000. It is hoped to increase the capital of the fund to $1 million dollars through donations and support from industry and stakeholders of the Dookie Campus community including the Alumni and Friends Association.

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative was established to ensure that Dookie Campus became a premier agricultural learning, demonstration and research facility by:

The vision of the trust is to ensure that Dookie Campus becomes the premier agricultural learning and research institution within Australia and acknowledgedthroughout the world as an essential part of an important global University.

The Tallis Trust Research Initiative is the culmination of Mr Peter Tallis's life long commitment to agriculture. Mr Tallis strongly supports the development of agricultural research with a focus on Dookie Campus. Mr Tallis encourages other like minded community persons to contribute to the Trust, believing the Trust will play a significant role in the prosperity and future of Australia 's agricultural landscape.

“My family has enjoyed a wonderful life running a farming business. One way of showing our gratitude is to put something tangible back into agriculture. Contributing to research and education are two ways of achieving this.”
(Mr Peter Tallis, 2005)

TALLIS TRUST RESEARCH INITIATIVE LAUNCH

Dookie Campus hosted the launch of the Tallis Trust Research Initiative on the 28 April, 2005 with the opening of new animal pens constructed utilising funds from the Tallis Trust Research Initiative. The facilities were officially opened by the Hon. Jeanette Powell, State Member for Shepparton with Head of Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, local farming families, former Head of Dookie College Barry Croke and Dookie staff members and students in attendance.

Initial funds have been utilised to purchase animal pens for use by students and private industry to undertake research at the animal facility. These pens were also fitted with feeders donated by QAF Feeds Pty Ltd, with the first research trials beginningin May.

Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien at the animal facility

Formerly known as the Dookie Farm Research and Development Trust, The Tallis Trust Research Initiative aims to encourage further industry and personal sponsorship to nurture the growth of new ideas and better farming practices in our future agriculturalists. Benefiting education programs and utilizing information and practices gathered from new farming systems research, Dookie Campus along with the Tallis Trust Research Initiative hopes to educate a new generation, knowledgeable in the latest farming practices and sustainable management systems.

UNITED DAIRYFARMERS VICTORIA DISTRICT COUNCIL 2 LUNCH

Following media coverage from the Tallis Trust Research Initiative Launch, Mr Peter Tallis, Chair of the Dookie Farm Executive hosted a lunch for members of the local dairy community.

(L - R) Head of Campus, Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien, Farm Executive Chair, Peter Tallis and UDV District Council 2 President, Jamie Snell.After an extensive tour of the campus dairy facilities, members of United Dairyfarmers District Council 2 and 3 joined Mr Peter Tallis and Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien for lunch in the Bar Lounge. David Ince (Divisional Manager – Primary Industries Division) from Goulburn Ovens TAFE and academic and research staff members were also in attendance. Discussion focussed on the benefits of The Tallis Trust Research Initiative and future developments for research at Dookie Campus.

Local dairy farmer and UDV DC 2 President, Mr Jamie Snell, was also presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Mr Tallis and Associate Professor Dennis O'Brien. The certificate was awarded in recognition of Mr Snell's support of Dookie Campus and service to the Dookie Campus Dairy Liaison Committee.

CENTRAL TEST SIRE EVALUATION (CSTE)

The Central Test Sire Evaluation project compares the breeding performance of selected sires by evaluating their progeny for traits important to breeders at sites across Australia. Dookie Campus participates in the national sire evaluation project, providing data for analysis determining the effectiveness of specific traits for selected sires.

Data from assessment of sheep and fleece are transferred into a national database. Assessment of genetic traits includes fleece rot resistance, internal parasite resistance, meat quality measurements, individual conformation and wool quality traits. This information allows industry to compare a large number of superior sires from different studs to achieve specific breeding objectives and provides a benchmark for ram breeders to ensure that their breeding program us achieving their objectives.

The project is facilitated at Dookie Campus by merino breeder, Phil Tolland, Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor and Production Skills lecturer, Paddy McCarthy, with the assistance of the Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association.

The Merino Superior Sires is the combination of the results from each CTSE site. Each CSTE site utilizes sires common with other sites participating in the project. Analysis of data generated from test sites allows researchers to separate differences between sheep caused by either environmental or genetic factors.

Each sire is mated by artificial insemination to equal numbers of ewes, ensuring the difference between progeny is attributed to sires, not ewes. Fifty ewes are mated to each sire, to provide at least 15 to 20 progeny for assessment of sire breeding value.

Centre Test Sire Evaluation progeny are assessed at hogget (at 10 to 16 months) and adult (17 to 24 months) stage. Specific data and samples including fleece are collected and evaluated by an accredited testing service provider. Dookie Campus also provides a site report which contains additional information not presented in the combined report performance summary.

Sires utilised at Dookie test site included two link sires – Rocky Point R6 and Gringegalgona 1184. A link sire is a sire mated in other accredited programs with at least 25 progeny evaluated. Rams used for the 2003 joining, providing progeny for 2005 evaluation were:

First classing and mid side sampling of progeny was conducted by Ken Heal the first week of June with first assessment shearing (10 months wool) conducted in the second week. Results for objectively measured traits are presented as Raw Averages and Estimated Progeny Values (EPV's). EPV 's take into account whether progeny are twin or single, male or female and the number of progeny per sire group.

Table one (below) demonstrates raw averages for Greasy Fleece Weight (GFW), Clean Fleece Weight (CFW), Yield (YLD), Staple Strength, Staple Length and Body Weight.

Table two shows raw averages for wool including Clean Fleece Weight Versus Fibre Diameter (CVFD).

Ram ID No of
Progeny 		GFW
(kg) 		CFW
(kg) 		YLD
(%) 		Staple
Length
(mm) 		Staple
Strength
(N/Ktex) 		BW
(kg)
Bolinda Poll 0695 30 3.92 2.79 71.3 86 20 34.9
Eilan Donan 1475 38 3.76 2.59 68.9 80 21 33.3
Gringegalgona 1184 37 4.19 2.80 66.9 86 21 32.2
Gringegalgona 1184 34 3.73 2.47 66.2 83 20 33.6
Karori 001396 60 3.63 2.52 69.4 86 21 29.3
Kerrsville SY 21108 36 3.88 2.72 70.1 84 19 32
Kilfeera Park 1.444 51 3.99 2.74 70.7 87 19 33.9
Kilfeera Park 2.728 34 3.77 2.58 68.4 81 19 32.9
Rocky Point R6 51 3.81 2.61 68.6 85 21 32.9
Toland Poll 2.1253 42 4.01 2.76 68.9 86 23 33.9
Toland Poll 3.32 48 3.94 2.76 70.3 88 20 33.4
Averages 42 3.86 2.67 69.1 85 20 32.9

Table 1 - Raw Averages for Greasy Fleece Weight (GFW), Clean Fleece Weight (CFW), Yield (YLD) Staple Strength, Staple Length and Body Weight

Ram ID No of
Progeny 		Fibre Diameter (μm) CVFD % CF (%>30) Curve
Bolinda Poll 0695 30 3.92 2.79 71.3 86
Eilan Donan 1475 38 3.76 2.59 68.9 80
Gringegalgona 1184 37 4.19 2.80 66.9 86
Gringegalgona 1184 34 3.73 2.47 66.2 83
Karori 001396 60 3.63 2.52 69.4 86
Kerrsville SY 21108 36 3.88 2.72 70.1 84
Kilfeera Park 1.444 51 3.99 2.74 70.7 87
Kilfeera Park 2.728 34 3.77 2.58 68.4 81
Rocky Point R6 51 3.81 2.61 68.6 85
Toland Poll 2.1253 42 4.01 2.76 68.9 86
Toland Poll 3.32 48 3.94 2.76 70.3 88
Averages 42 3.86 2.67 69.1 85

Table 2 - Raw Averages for Wool including Clean Fleece Weight Versus Fibre Diameter (CVFD)

BEECHWORTH VIGNERONS NATIONAL LANDCARE PROJECT

Developed by Beechworth vignerons, this three year landcare project will systematically improve soil, vine and wine health and productivity for producers in the Beechworth region. This project was developed in conjunction with GOTAFE, Grapecheque (DPI), Ovens Landcare Network and Northeast Catchment Management Authority. Dookie Campus Viticulture Lecturer, Ashley Wheaton is the project officer for the Beechworth Vignerons National Landcare Project. As project officer, Ashley facilitated a number of knowledge transfer activities in 2005. He also undertook a soil health literature review and collected and analysed current viticulture practices utilised in the Beechworth Vignerons region.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture- Research to Practice Water Management for Grapevine Production manual was distributed to 12 participants at seminar in September 2005. Key topics presented by Ashley Wheaton included, soil requirements to grow grapes, soil and water toxics and soil life. Michael Reid (DPI, Rutherglen) facilitated the afternoon session.

Ashley also facilitated a “Soil Acidification, its impact, management and monitoring” workshop at Beechworth Neighbourhood House in December. The in-depth program covered sessions including:

A follow up workshop “Soil compaction, and mid-row management impact on soil and wine” was conducted at two vineyards – Pennyweight Winery & Amulet Vineyard. Topics presented at the workshop included a soil pit exercise. Ten participants received instruction in:

Under Ashley's direction, future activities include: trialling alternate soil management practices at six Beechworth Vignerons Association member vineyards and monitoring trials and establishing recommendations for best practice soil management. These two activities will enable the project to progress towards EMS.

Participants in the BVANLP will be able to understand and measure critical soil characteristics. They will also be able to determine the effects of current and emerging viticulture practices on local soil health. Workshops empower vignerons to identify local soil health issues and develop targeted trials and monitoring.

DAIRY PHOSPHORUS TRIAL

Principal Researcher: Dr Tony Weatherly

Funded by National Institute of Water and Atmosphere, Australia

The University of Melbourne 's Dookie Campus dairy is being utilised in a trial investigating different forms of fertilizer and the subsequent run off from irrigated pastures on farm. The aim of the trial is to reduce nutrient run off in to off farm waterways by, maximising pasture production from phosphatic fertilizers whilst minimising environmental impact.

Dr Tony Weatherly, from the School of Resource Management is facilitating the trial which is a joint project between Parkville and Dookie Campuses. Nutrient measuring devices have been installed in selected irrigation paddocks on the dairy. Different coated fertilisers – DAP (diammonium phosphate), partially acidulated rock phosphate and single super are applied to trial bays. Nutrient run off is then measured for all applications along with a control plot.

Paddocks containing trial plots are not irrigated until four days after fertilizer application. The trial is seeking to establish whether it is possible to maintain pasture production whilst reducing offsite phosphorus impacts in waterways. Environmental losses will be compared with agronomic benefits.

Expected research outcomes for this trial include:

The study will assist in developing guidelines for nutrient management strategies for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, aiming to reduce phosphorus loads in waterways by 65% by 2016.

IMPROVING WATER EFFICIENCY IN DAIRY GRAZING PASTURES

“Production system and environmental benefits of best practices irrigation utilising subsurface tape technology.”

The Dookie Campus Dairy will be the focus site for this project funded by the Gardiner Foundation. A multi-disciplinary team including Roger Wrigley will attempt to increase water use efficiency through the application of subsurface tape technology. Tape irrigation is a relatively new form of drip irrigation. Irrigating tape is buried underground delivering water and liquid fertiliser precisely to the root zone area where it is needed most.

The project will result in the comparative analysis of two forms of irrigation – conventional flood irrigation and sub-surface tape irrigation. Potential production, environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of adopting and incorporating new irrigation technology into dairy farm production systems will also be explored.

Utilising an iterative approach, various assessments, workshops and discussions with experts and end users (dairy farmers) will be facilitated to ensure best practice for subsurface irrigation is developed and areas of concern are investigated.

Project Leader is Professor John Langford, Melbourne Water Research Centre.

Partner organisations are:

ORCHARD OF THE 21ST CENTURY

The Orchard of the 21st Century evolved from 27 years of groundwork research commenced in 1973 at the Tatura Institute for Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture. Supported by the Northern Victorian Fruitgrowers Association, the project was funded by the Agriculture Advancing Australia Farm Innovation Program, Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL), the Dookie College Farms Research and Development Fund (now known as the Tallis Trust Research Initiative) and the University of Melbourne.

In the Goulburn Valley , research involving scientists from the fields of horticulture and soil science developed the internationally recognised Tatura Trellis system for growing fruit. This system developed into a start of the art version known as the Open Tatura Trellis.

The Open Tatura Trellis system is demonstrated in the Orchard of the 21 st Century along with innovative technologies designed to maximise production. Increased sunlight interception, improved labour efficiency, reduced application of herbicides and pesticides, effective management techniques and more efficient use and application of water and fertilisers are some of the issues investigated in the orchard.

The orchard operates as a commercially driven demonstration site, stimulating economic, social and environmental goals for stone and pome fruit growers in the Goulburn Valley. Ongoing monitoring documents productivity, product quality, financial and environmental performance.

Several irrigation methods are utilised in the Orchard. Double dripline on the ground surface and buried 15 centimetres below the surface are being evaluated along with microjets. The project aims to determine the most efficient method of watering the crop. Microjets have a distinct advantage in their ability to reduce frost, by increasing the thermal capacity of the soil and helping prevent plant temperature falling below freezing point. Subsurface drip line assists efficiency by allowing water to enter the soil below the root zone and reducing evaporation.

Water Use Efficiency in the Orchard of the 21st Century

Variety Irrigation Yield
(T/HA)		 Water Use
(ML/HA)		 Water Use
Efficiency (T/ML) 		Water Use
Efficiency ($RETURN/ML)
2002-2003 season (2nd leaf)
T204 peaches Subsurface drip 17 3.3 5.2 2392
T204 peaches Surface drip 19 3.7 5.1 2362
T204 peaches Microjet 18 4.7 3.8 1762
Rival apricots Microjet 9 3.9 2.2 2200
Patterson apricots Microjet 8 3.9 2.1 1261
2003-2004 season (3rd leaf)
T204 peaches Subsurface drip 28 2.6 10.8 4738
T204 peaches Surface drip 35 2.9 12.1 5310
T204 peaches Microjet 34 4.1 8.3 3650
Rival apricots Microjet 11 2.4 4.6 4385
Patterson apricots Microjet 19 2.4 8.3 5504

 

“REGIONAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS THROUGH SMARTER IRRIGATION” SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT

Dr Nicola Cooley and Associate Professor Gregory Dunn. STI Project appointments to Dookie Campus, 2005The “Regional and Economic Benefits through Smarter Irrigation” project combines the intellectual skills of the University of Melbourne and the National Information and Community Technology Australia Limited (NI CTA), a national centre of excellence in wireless sensor technology with the operational expertise of the Goulburn Murray Water (GMW), and the innovative skills in the irrigation community to develop and demonstrate smart water irrigation systems.

The $4.5 million dollar project is funded through a $1.5 million Victorian Government STI grant and $1.5 million each from NI CTA and the University of Melbourne.

Smart water management systems, supported by cutting-edge wireless sensor technology will increase economic water efficiency (profit per megalitre) of the dairy, horticulture and viticulture industries generating economic, social and environmental benefits in the Goulburn Valley and make a substantial contribution to the Victorian Export Economy.

This smart irrigation system allows irrigators to have a greater control of water usage, allowing them to meet the water requirements for optimum production of the crop and also has the potential to increase economic water efficiency.

Director of Melbourne Water Research Centre, Professor John Langford: “The project illustrates how the diverse resources of the University of Melbourne can be brought together to support the Centre for Water and Landscape Management implementing a complex research project, which has substantial potential to benefit the Goulburn Valley”.

Located in the Goulburn Valley , the project will be implemented by a team based at the Dookie Campus. An ‘Innovation Network' of irrigators will be established to define and oversee the user requirements of both the wireless sensor technology and the user interface of the smart irrigation systems.

Trials of the wireless sensor networks for use in Australian agriculture will proceed in 2005/06, with pilot trials of the technology commencing in 2006/07. Six ‘Demonstrators' will be established on selected vineyards, orchards and dairy farms in the Goulburn Valley in 2007/08. One of the ‘Demonstrators' will be installed at the Dookie Campus, connecting it to a collaborative learning center, where students will be able to follow the progress of the water efficiency.

Dookie Campus farm enterprises will be utilised for trialing technology in the initial stages of research as well as during the formal trials. The Dookie Campus dairy, orchard and vineyard will be utilised for both research and as demonstration sites for visiting agriculturalists and researchers. During 2005, Dookie Campus welcomed Associate Professor Gregory Dunn (C.R. Roper Fellow in Agricultural Science) and Dr Nicola Cooley (Post Doctoral Research Fellow). Associate Professor Dunn and Dr Cooley are at Dookie Campus to work on the horticultural/viticultural component of the Victorian government's Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative Infrastructure Grants Program (STI) project, ‘Regional and Economic Benefits Through Smarter Irrigation'.

Gregory completed his PhD (Plant Physiology) at the University of Melbourne , after which he worked in forest research in Queensland , and more recently in applied research in Viticulture and Horticulture with DPI Tatura. He has been appointed to Dookie Campus on a five year research and teaching appointment and specialises in applied horticulture, viticulture and science.

Nicola Cooley undertook her PhD at the University of East London in collaboration with Cambridge University. She has been in Australia 3 ½ years, working with the CSIRO Plant Industry studying the effects of seasonal variation along with deficient irrigation on grapevines. Nicola has a three year appointment at Dookie Campus as a researcher on the STI “Regional and Economic Benefits through Smarter Irrigation” project.

MERINO TO MATCH PROJECT

Merino to Match is a research project developed by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and the Victorian Stud Merino Breeders Association (VSMBA). Twenty-nine Merino studs are evaluated in four sites around Victoria – Hamilton, Stawell, Elmore and Dookie. As one of the trial sites, strong links with Merino Industry are facilitated.

Staff members facilitating the Dookie site participation are Dookie Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor and Production and Farm Skills lecturer, Paddy McCarthy. Members of the Wool Industry and Department of Primary Industries staff members form part of the committee for each trial site. Local merino producer, Phil Tolland has been integral in the facilitation of the program at Dookie.

Dookie Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor, Phil Tolland and Dookie student inspecting sheep at the Merino to Match Field Day. Each trial site facilitates an annual field day where wool industry members are given the opportunity to inspect Merino to Match sheep. Sheep are shorn after the field day and a range of measurements taken. Over 50 farmers as well as students from Dookie Campus attended the 2005 field day, utilising the opportunity to visually inspect wool quality traits in the randomly selected ewes and their progeny.

Sheep at each site are scientifically assessed as part of a comprehensive measurement and evaluation system. Traits assessed include greasy fleece weight, clean fleece weight, greasy colour, fibre curvature, fleece rot, fleece rot incidence, fleece rot severity, carcase measurements and wool production/dse (dry sheep equivalent).

Differences recorded between studs at the various sites are evaluated to see if they are biologically meaningful or simply due to chance. Minimal Significant Difference (MSD) is given for each trait. This project evaluates stud sheep sires for traits that are to vital to current producers and the future of the Australian Merino Wool Industry.

Farm Skill Lecturer, Paddy McCarthy and students with Merino to Match sheep prior to shearing.The Merino to Match project commenced at Dookie Campus in October 2003 with the intake of 2002-drop wether lambs. Studs selected to participate in the trial were both popular in Dookie and from a variety of regions. Sheep were sourced from Victoria , New South Wales and South Australia. Stud sires represented at the Dookie Campus site include: The Mountain Dam, Kilfeera Park , Eilan Donan, Kurra Wirra, East Loddon, Snowy Plains, Hazeldean, Cottage Park , Pooginook, Tolland and a Link group.

Eight sheep were randomly drafted and selected from three properties nominated by selected stud sire owners to result in 24 sheep representing each stud team. Wethers are bred from a syndicate mating or selected equally from two or more single sire groups. Trial sites are linked by wethers from a common flock distributed at all sites. Each site also has one stud team in common with another site. These randomly selected sheep, known as the Link Group are used as an unidentified control group.

The Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) Ltd performed all fibre measurements for the Merino to Match project. All carcase analysis was undertaken by Advanced Breeding Services, Hamilton and sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia.

2005 results from the Dookie Campus site are as follows:

Greasy and clean fleece weights include fleece, pieces and bellies. Greasy fleece weights, calculated form unskirted fleece including bellies at the Dookie site ranged from 5.50 kg to 7.30 kg with MSD of 0.73 kg. There was significant difference for Greasy Fleece Weights between the heaviest cutting teams and lighter cutting teams. Average clean fleece weight at the Dookie trial site was 4.68 kilograms.

Significant differences were found between finer and stronger testing teams with regard to fibre diameter. Average test value was 19.3 micron. Differences existed for staple length and but not for staple strength. There was over 14mm between longest and shortest staple length measurements recorded. Staple lend and strength are two traits significantly impacting on wool quality.

No significant differences were recording in a number of traits. Greasy colour, fleet rot incidence and severity, standard deviation of fibre diameter and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter reported significance between studs trialled at Dookie.

Live weight and carcase measurements were conducted throughout the trial. Scanned results for eye muscle depth and fat depth only showed significant differences between the highest and lowest measuring teams. Utilising the October 2005 live weights, there was no significant difference between the teams.

At the Dookie site, highest performing stud for each trait analysed is as follows:

Clean Fleece Weight: Pooginook

Fibre Diameter: Pooginook

Clean Fleece Weight versus Fibre Diameter: Pooginook

Live weight at November 2005: Tolland

Staple Length: Hazeldean, followed closely by Tolland

Tolland stud has performed consistently across all traits analysed as part of the trial at the Dookie site.

Whilst 2005 marked the end of the Merino to Match trial, Dookie Campus will be running the trail independently for 2006. The thirteen groups of sheep, showcasing genetics of 13 studs will be analysed for a third year.

NATIONAL BIOSOLIDS RESEARCH PROGRAM (NBRP)

The NBRP resulted from the CSIRO and other biosolid research projects uniting to determine the potential benefits and risks associated with land application of biosolids. The Dookie Campus broadacre site is one of five field trials in Victoria and eighteen field trials around Australia. The project will provide the necessary data to underpin the production of scientifically defensible guidelines for biosolids and other waste materials reuse at State and National levels.

Biosolids produced at the Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) Waste Management facility have been applied to broadacre cropping land at the trial site. Focussing on the benefits of using biosolids for crop production the key objectives of the trial are:

Established in 2003 with a canola crop, the Dookie field site provides third year Bachelor of Agriculture students with the opportunity to work on the trial for their final project. Beneficial for students and Goulburn Valley Water, students are linked into the NB RP, meeting and working with scientists whilst contributing valuable data from their individual projects.

Student Projects facilitated as a result of the NBRP in 2005 were:

External partners involved in the NBRP in Victoria include Goulburn Valley Water, CSIRO, Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian EPA. University of Melbourne staff members facilitating this project at Dookie Campus are Farm Manager, Frank O'Connor, Dr Ken Young, Roger Wrigley and Cathy Botta.

THE GOULBURN BROKEN INDIGENOUS SEEDBANK

Goulburn Broken Indigenous SeedbankThe Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank is a joint project between Kraft Foods Ltd, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability and Environment, The University of Melbourne and other stakeholders. The Seedbank is located on Dookie Campus within the Goulburn River and Broken River catchment area.

Native vegetation has been widely recognised as playing a major role in the rehabilitation of our landscape. The establishment of native vegetation can improve the condition of soils (eg. Reduce salinity), crop and pastures, livestock, remnant vegetation, and native fauna. The use of local (indigenous) seed as opposed to seed collected from anywhere in Australia is now recognised as best practice. Indigenous seed is used for revegetation because it ensures the genetic integrity of the local vegetation, and the plants are adapted to the local conditions which results in higher growth and survival rates.

2005 was a successful year at the Seedbank, with a good harvest from the Seed Production Areas producing the most seed to date with a better yield predicted for 2006. The amount of seed collected in 2005 was 103.176kg.

The yields from the SPA 's (Seed Production Areas) are as follows:

Direct seeding saw 156.484kg of seed sewn on revegetation projects throughout the Goulburn Broken Catchment area. Approximately 12kg of seed was purchased from the Seedbank for nursery purposes which was also used for revegetation.

In December the Seedbank held a course for the collection, cleaning, storage of seed and plant identification called Seeds to Success. Attendance was high including two students from The University of Melbourne who proved to be valued employees of the Seedbank for the summer's collection.

Work on the Dookie seed production area began with the removal of Patterson's curse. Two new rows of stock plants were added consisting of Eutaxia. Plantings also took place in the Numurkah Seed Production Area. An overall inspection and evaluation of all Seed Production Areas also took place.

Aims for 2006 are the analysis of the status of seed production areas (SPA), projected needs of the SPA 'S and strategic locations. A proposal for the development of a best practice plan for the even distribution of seed and enhancement plantings to make better use of available seed and improved diversity of species across the catchment will be submitted.

DOOKIE BUSHLAND RESERVE

The Dookie Bushland Reserve is an area of 270 ha of Grey and White Box grassy woodland located at the centre of the campus farm. It is the single largest and most diverse area of Grey and White Box grassy woodland in Victoria , and the largest of its kind on an Australian university campus. The Dookie Bushland Reserve was declared in 1992 and since then has been protected and carefully managed according to conservation objectives.

The Dookie Bushland Reserve is also an important resource for natural resource management subjects and courses offered on campus, as well as the central seed collection point for the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank, also located on campus.

2005 has been largely uneventful for the Dookie Bushland Reserve. The somewhat more “normal” winter/spring rainfall in 2005 saw regeneration of many plants for the first time in 7 to 8 years. Whilst the drought conditions continue to persist, vegetation has shown its resilience and responded to an even slightly improved situation, which has been pleasing to see. It will be interesting to observe the effect of the return to extremely dry conditions since that period.

Ranger duties have been undertaken capably by Chris McManus. Chris has facilitated a significant number of guided visits throughout 2005, including secondary schools and visiting groups to Dookie Campus. A constant maintenance and monitoring regime has been implemented for the access tracks, electric fence, and weed control. In particular, Chris managed to get the electric fence to full operation for the first time in a number of years. Chris and broadacre farm staff have been involved in the management of weeds, especially Patterson's Curse near the northern entrance and along the southern boundary, as well as a variety of problem species inside the western entrance.

The Dookie Bushland Reserve has been utilised by a variety of Dookie and Parkville-based undergraduate and postgraduate students. This utilisation has occurred within both separate subjects and individual projects. Current utilization of the Bushland Reserve as a research resource is improving and we look forward to increased utilisation rates in the future. Indiscriminate wood collection and shooting has drastically reduced as a result of the practice of restricting vehicle entry by the locking of all gates implemented in 2003.

Negotiations continue between the Trust for Nature - Victoria and the University for the establishment of a Conservation Covenant on the Bushland Reserve area. Gi