Year 11 students have been involved in the AgXtra Crop Competition again this year. Kapunda, Rostrevor, Trinity and Urrbrae are also involved and we are looking to maintain our perfect record for winning the competition! In teams, the students had to select a wheat variety, seeding rate, fertiliser rate and in-season Nitrogen application regime. Commercial trial company AgXtra then sowed our entries at a site at Roseworthy. The results are judged on the most profitable crop after harvest, so students had to consider grain quality and value, expenses and suitability for the region and seasonal conditions when making their choices. We attended the Field Walk day to inspect our trials and work with agronomists to learn about crop monitoring, soil moisture, trial design and careers in Agriculture. The trials all look quite healthy but with a bit of moisture stress and frost damage so it will now be up to the season finish as to how their plans work out. Those who spent a lot on nitrogen applications are a little nervous but I can't wait to see how they go!

Sue Pratt

SACE, Year 12, Science and Agriculture Coordinator