This course is aimed at providing training in the use of the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) focusing on the use of the new user interface. It is very 'hands on' with a mix of short presentations and tutorials (relevant to research activities). The course is also designed for practitioners who are developing simulations and who require technical assistance with specific issues. It will be focused on individual needs with tutors providing one-on-one technical assistance. Common issues will be summarised and presented as more formal group tutorials.APSIM trainingwill be tailored to the participants needs.

The course will be limited to a maximum of 14 participants i.e. the first 14 to pay the registration fee.

View the program and registration form.

Tour plans are well advanced, and we have enough participants to ensure the tour goes ahead. We made some minor changes to the advertised program, but the emphasis has not changed – more sustainable, commercial cropping systems, applying the best science and technology in different environments. This will include long-term no-till rainfed cropping, reduced tillage intensive cropping, research offices, processing plants – and a little bit of tourism.

Tour leader, Dr Don Yule, led the team responsible for the on-farm development of Controlled Traffic Farming as a more productive and sustainable no-till cropping system. The tour will focus on use of this technology to improve cropping systems, in a region where farms are facing external stress from mining and natural disasters, (high rainfall, floods, following years of drought). Visits will be to farms with controlled traffic, reduced or no tillage, designed layouts, flexible rotations, GPS guidance and good record keeping. The differences in approach between industries will be a highlight when visiting two vegetable farms, three contrasting grain farms, and one farm growing sugar cane, pineapples and soybeans with recycled water. In addition we will have two discussions at regional research offices, and brief visits to a carrot processing plant and sugar mill (with harvest in full swing).

We will see a wide range of approaches to improved farming systems, a lot of innovative machinery, a lot of south east Queensland, and how farmers have responded to floods and an extremely wet summer when our systems are more drought focussed. We will hear about the issues and threats resulting from mining development, and a new approach called Strategic Cropping Land. The tour program also tries to complement and avoid overlap with other Congress activities– the Field Day and Workshops.

We have overnight stops at Dalby and the Maryborough region, and on the final day some real tourism –lunch in Noosa, (probably in the surf club on the beach), before going on to Australia Zoo. Some participants have already said they will return to Noosa, but the bus will head to Brisbane aiming to reach the airport by 6pm. There is some flexibility in the program to accommodate participants interests, and unfavourable weather – but September is usually dry, with pleasant spring temperatures)

Those who have registered for the tour will hear from us shortly about arrangements for payment, with costs still as originally advertised (Aud$900 single, Aud$800 twin share). We still have space for a few more participants!

Brisbane's parks and location near the coast, surrounded by a scenic rim, provide a range of opportunities for day tours to coastlines, rainforest and unique wildlife. The nearby Gold Coast has stunning holiday beaches, while the Sunshine Coast has a more natural atmosphere.