November 2021

NEWSLETTER

Update from the team at Converte 

Harvest begins for broadacre crops across the country, farmers will no doubt be keen to get these crops off and in the silo or sold.  Its been a good year for many but some recent wild weather and  outbreaks of rust and other crop infestations are taking a little of the shine off what has largely been a solid year.  

We have some great trials in place including the Riverina wheat trial featured above and a canola trial in Urana NSW.   We look forward to presenting the data from these trials early in 2022.  

Two issue loom large in agriculture, firstly shortages in key inputs for the next cropping season and consequent rising prices, and secondly the transition to net zero carbon emissions.  They are of course closely connected issues and many chemical inputs come with a high carbon cost and therefore the prices can expect to keep rising.   The solution is to become less dependant on these inputs and maximise their efficiency of use.  We hope to help farmers in both these areas by providing biological inputs that improve nutrient availability and cycling, and gain maximum benefit from NPK inputs.  Our approach guides farmers to reduce inputs at a sensible pace 10% per year for three years, achieving a 30% reduction by year 3, whilst building soil and plant health and function and without compromising productivity or yield.    Many of our farmers are well down this track and its never too late to start.

So what do you make of all the climate talk generally and the COP26 meeting in Glasgow ?   Just look around at the wild weather events this year, hail, high winds, huge dumps of rain!!  Some of this is impossible to defend against, but it is possible to build a more resilient farm - this requires investing in soil capital and adding in biodiversity, multispecies cropping, wind breaks, stands of trees and more.  Start with a whole of farm plan to examine all the critical issues and risks, i wouldn't go into 2022 without one!!!  So think of adaptation as the immediate priority and the transition to a lower carbon footprint as a medium term project, both are needed for future proofing our agricultural industry.   

As we enter summer the diversity of agriculture in this country is something to be really proud of and something that we should all strive hard to maintain, a world leading Ag industry.

Best Wishes to all,
from the team at Converte

Converte Awarded NSW Regional Job Creation Grant    

We are delighted to report that Converte was successful in its application for the Regional Job Creation Grant.  As part of this support package Converte will be adding six new full time equivalent positions to its team.  I'm happy to advise that we have already made our first appontment, Lakshmi Bala has joined our team as Brand and Marketing Manager.   We have recently advertised positions for an Ag Scientist based in Griffith and for a NSW Regional Manager.   

We are in tandem expanding our product and manufacturing lines and currently seeking additional factory space to support our expansion.  

Why Soil Biology Drives Fertiliser Efficiency 

We recently soil tested our Canola trial in NSW and measured the changes in soil biology.   Converte's Plantfood is a tried and trusted formulation for driving improvements in soil biological health and function.  We tested the plantfood at single and double doses, composite soil samples were taken in October 2021 and analysed by MicrobeWise in SA.

The results below give a very clear representation of improved soil biology, with improvements of 58% in total microorganisms in the soil and a whopping increase in VAM fungi of 233%.   

The improved biology means that the soil has a massive increase in its free workforce.  The action of soil microbes enhances the solubilisation of nutrients via important soil enzymes - that means extra efficiency in applied nutrients (fertiliser) and improved nutrient cycling and accessiblity.  These actions save on input costs and drive fertiliser efficiency.   A 248% improvement in Nutrient Accessibilty was recorded.

The other key benefit of improved soil biology is disease and drought resistance.  Plants are less susceptable to fungal infestations like rust in wheat, and are better able to withstand periods of drought and stress.

So there it is, health in soils can be built quickly, be measured and be profitable!

In terms of fertiliser efficiency we recommend only gradual changes to input regimes, for example a 10% reduction in inputs per annum down to 30% reduction in three years.  This is considered a really important step in the transition to lower carbon input farming and the transition to net zero Agriculture.

These photographs were sent in by NSW farmer Andrew Corbet in October showing some spectacular looking wheat and barley crops all treated with the Converte Bio-restore liquid carbon.  Whilst the Plantfood clearly drives the soil biology, the Bio-Restore aims to revitalise tired soils and provide a boost to nutrient cycling and uptake (driven by our premium fulvic acid), and with the added ability to assist farmers in building soil carbon.  Applied at 500ml to the hectare the Bio-Restore should be used as part of a soil improvement program.  The product can be used in cropping, land restoration sites, soil stabilisation, tree planting and conservation programs. 

Bio-Fertiliser - Meeting the 2022 Shortage in Synthetic Fertiliser Inputs

Riverina Vineyard a picture of health

David Torresan has been using Converte now for about seven years.  He is passionate about his farming operations and very proud of the quality and health of his vineyards and the quality of the grapes produced.  This week he called us over to take a look at his place.  The application of Converte Plantfood and chelated minerals both via direct foliar application is driving healthy vines and leaves and also building resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses.   

Field Days Return in 2022 

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Your Converte Support Network

Julie  Vereker – Griffith, 1800 108 940, julie.vereker@converte.com.au 
Mark Vereker - Griffith 0412 420 103  Product Enquiries and Orders NSW
Lakshmi Bala - Brand and Marketing Manager   Lakshmi.Bala@converte.com.au
Luke Peacock – Perth WA 0428 542 776     luke.peacock@converte.com.au

Mal Paterson - Queensland 0477 783 734

Stuart Davidson - Wagga Wagga NSW 0400 539 153

John Ridley – general business enquiries, investors and international

+61-419 120 447,  john.ridley@converte.com.au

*Don't forget to follow Converte on Social Media by clicking the links below and please forward this newsletter to interested friends and family.

Employment Opportunities  Call 1800 108 940 or email info@converte.com.au for further details.

Distributors:

For those in the Central West NSW you can buy your Converte Products at:

AgriWest Parkes 20 Clarinda Street, Parkes NSW 2870
Tel. (02) 6862 1066

Agwise Rural Supplies, 2 Naylor St, Cudal NSW 2864 Tel.  (02) 6364 2240