Ben White
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Agricultural Engineer, Purveyor of Grain Storage Advice for GRDC via GIWA, Research Engineer for Farming Ahead magazine.
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Articles by Ben White
Video: Angle grinder accessories
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. This month's Research Report includes an in-depth look at five popular sheep auto drafters complemented by several Case Studies of producers using the drafters to improve their livestock management.
Mark Saunders recognised for 15 years dedication to Kondinin Group
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. This month's Research Report includes an in-depth look at five popular sheep auto drafters complemented by several Case Studies of producers using the drafters to improve their livestock management.
Researchers need the UK to secure autonomy in AI
Image: Ben White In hostile world, copyright changes and investment can bring sovereignty and innovation, says Ben White Universities make a unique contribution to the UK’s research-intensive economy, generating new ideas through basic research and applying those ideas in research-industry collaborations and spinouts. The research sector is also developing novel models and applications of AI that can support sectors including the NHS, the environment, agriculture and more.
What It Takes to Find Your Voice in Writing—Radiology Trailblazers, an AJR Podcast Series (Episode 7) | AJR
Podcast Disclaimer: This multimedia article is currently published in an early-release form, and this page linking to the multimedia content will undergo additional production before the article is published in its final form. The definitive version of record will be made available once the article is assigned to a regular issue.
The Rise of Chess Game Development in the UAE: Key Factors Driving Popularity
Chess is a pretty mess of chances and wits, isn’t it? And online chess makes the game even more engaging with players around the globe competing in real-time. Speaking of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the popularity of strategic gaming has particularly fueled chess game development. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have, in particular, witnessed a surge in chess game popularity due to the rise in mobile gaming. Are you looking forward to starting a chess game development company in the UAE?
Video: Cordless Impact Wrenches
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. Kondinin Group researchers in collaboration with the GRDC Grain storage extension team test dozens of gas-tight sealable grain storages to Australian Standard AS2628-2010 identifying best and worst features in the ultimate grain storage buyers guide.
Fendt Ideal 9T performance evaluation
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.
Gas Machinery Conference
SwRI will be exhibiting at the Gas Machinery Conference, booth no. 821. For more information, please contact Ben White.
Video: AgFert Shed
Just 17 kilometres from the recently built port facility at Lucky Bay in the Spencer Gulf, South Australia, a brand-spanking new fertiliser storage shed has been built in record time. It took just 100 days to construct the recently completed AgFert shed at Cowell, from first shovel in the ground to the first load of fertiliser stored in the shed. Listen to what AgFert's Tim Gurney has to say about the project or read more about it here. VIDEO
Eyre Peninsula fertiliser facility a construction masterclass
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free. This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia.
Perth GRDC Grains Research Updates kick off
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas. Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics.
Farming Ahead - November 2024
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered. Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production.
Harvester workshops underway
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team. Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production. This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully.
Flagship New Holland harvester released in Australia
A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Farming Ahead team. This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully. This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at a range of Australian-made grouper bins which can make a big difference when it comes to input logistics on the farm.
What do you want independently researched?
The Kondinin Group research program is heavily driven by the results of this one annual survey. Known as the National Agricultural Survey (NAS), the results help to gather information for future reports and steer the direction of our research work. Two key questions include what machinery or equipment readers would like independently researched and what key issues farming businesses are facing. There is also opportunity to request a practical topic for our ever-popular From the Workshop section.
De novo annotation of the wheat pangenome reveals complexity and diversity of the hexaploid wheat pan-transcriptome
Abstract Wheat is the most widely cultivated crop in the world with over 215 million hectares grown annually. However, to meet the demands of a growing global population, breeders face the challenge of increasing wheat production by approximately 60% within the next 40 years. The 10+ Wheat Genomes Project recently sequenced and assembled the genomes of 15 wheat cultivars to develop our understanding of genetic diversity and selection within the pan-genome of wheat.
Surfing uncertainty with screams: predictive processing, error dynamics and horror films
Despite tremendous efforts in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, media and cultural studies, it is still something of a mystery why humans are attracted to fictional content that is horrifying, disgusting or aversive. Some recent empirical research has identified clear psychological benefits in engaging in frightening play or frightening content (horror movies, horror video games, etc; e.g. [1]).
Measuring harvest loss in WA
A National Grower Network-driven project that measured harvest losses in Western Australia found that they exceeded benchmarks for all crops assessed in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. When extrapolated to the WA crop area and multiplied by average commodity prices at harvest, the losses were estimated to be more than $300 million each season. The study examined losses as growers harvested across 75 sites in all port zones.
Mouse tracking project in WA
During the autumn and winter of 2021, mice caused an increase in crop damage across the WA grainbelt. The conducive conditions meant that plagues could occur quickly, with high-yielding crops providing a large food source. To avoid worst-case scenarios, the National Grower Network (NGN) helped to launch a mouse surveillance program across five agricultural zones in WA: Geraldton, Albany, Esperance, Kwinana West and Kwinana East. The project is led by FARMANCO.
Three ways to cultivate a positive learning culture
According to Gallup's State of the global workplace: 2022 report, disengaged employees cost the world $7.8 trillion in lost productivity. That's equal to 11% of global GDP. Although employee engagement has increased in recent years, the pandemic has stalled much of its growth. This has resulted in the need for leaders to create more resilient and adaptable working environments - where employees actively feel seen, heard and connected to the organisations’ values and purpose.
WeedSmart Week underway in central NSW
Dubbo, Narromine and Gilgandra, NSW, are playing host to growers, agronomists, extension specialists and researchers for the three-day event. More than 200 delegates from across Australia are in attendance at WeedSmart Week which has included speakers sharing experiences, information and ideas in interactive sessions. Specialist panels doing deep dives on topics including optimising spray application efficacy and exploring options for mixed farming are punctuated by tea breaks and lunch.
Perth GRDC Research Update well attended
The event was facilitated by the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA). Attendees were treated to insights from GRDC Chairman John Woods who contextualised the growing production of grain in Western Australia. This has been capped by the two most recent years of historically high production at over 26 million tonnes in 2022.
Podcast: Ute testing
Troy from Rural Focus chats to Josh Giumelli, Ben White and Mark Saunders from the Kondinin Group about 4WD farm ute testing in Victoria.
Bogged harvester recovery video now available
KONDININ Group research engineers, Ben White and Josh Giumelli have compiled a video for GrainGrowers on recovering a bogged harvester using recovery straps. Because chains have a relatively low working load limit, recovery straps should be the go-to for bogged harvester recovery. Opt for soft shackles and avoid D-shackles. The video details the best approach for the recovery of a bogged harvester using straps supplied by Central Wheatbelt Imports.
WA 2022 harvest cranks up
One of the growers harvesting this week in WA was Chad Eva who farms near Carnamah, about 320km north of Perth. Chad says the unusually early start to harvest is due to an early seeding thanks to a good forecast for the end of March. With two staff away on leave and only two varieties in the shed to select from at that time, Chad says he wasn't sure which variety to sow.
Biggest Cheaters? Genius Innovators? Depends on Who You Ask... on Apple Podcasts
Throughout NASCAR's 74-year history, there have been plenty of instances where competitors have searched for advantages within the rules that could help them on the race track.
Help set the Kondinin Group research agenda
The NAS guides much of the research work Kondinin Group performs and enables farmers to direct our research plan. Our 2022 NAS is now live and we would like you to help us help you by taking the time to fill it in. It will take about 10 minutes in its newly trimmed-up format. It can be filled in at www.farmingahead.com.au/nas Prefer a hard copy?
Farmanco to launch pesticide recommendations app.
The app is designed to provide Australian growers and agronomists with a simple to use resource to quickly identify key treatments to control pests in broadacre crops. According to Farmanco, the app gives the user access to years of agronomy experience and original research, tested in the paddock. The app is designed to be a "one stop shop" for recommendations on weed, insect and disease control in all major broadacre crops in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria.
Local study breathes fresh air into grain aeration
Key points Existing back-pressure data for aerating grain was largely developed in the Northern Hemisphere via studies that date back as far as the 1950s Flow rates vary depending on the back pressure exerted by different grain and storage systems A prototype test rig is under development to enable testing of local storage systems New testing set to reveal back pressures for Australian grain under aeration.
When to open sealed silos
Key points Gas-tight sealable silos should meet the Australian Standard AS2628-2010 for sealing but should only be sealed during a fumigation Open sealed silos after fumigation to protect seals and grain quality and, importantly, to prevent excess fumigant absorption Outside fumigation, there is no need to seal a silo – in fact, sealing a silo for long periods increases the risk of grain degradation and silo damage.
Weed seed mills: Report highlights need for ratified protocol
The report which can be viewed here: Trengove weed seed mill benchmarking report was conducted to measure the efficacy of harvest weed seed mills mounted to a harvester and to benchmark the relative ryegrass seed kill performance of these mills. The research has highlighted the need for a ratified consensus on mill testing protocol and active manufacturer engagement.
DJI Mavic 3 raises the flight time bar
For farmers, the larger 4/3" CMOS imaging sensor should offer better quality still images despite having the same number of effective pixels at 20MP (5280×3956 pixels). Camera field of view is 84 degrees (24mm equivalent). By comparison, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic Air 2s both use a 20MP 1" CMOS sensor and optically deliver 77-degree (28mm equivalent) and 88-degree (22mm equivalent) field of view lenses.
The warped self in the social media mirror
Levi Jed Murphy smoulders into the camera. It’s a powerful look: piercing blue eyes, high cheekbones, full lips and a razor-sharp jawline — all of which, he says, cost him about £30,000. Murphy is an influencer from Manchester in the UK, with a large social media following. Speaking on his approach to growing his fans, he says that if a picture doesn’t receive a certain number of “Likes” within a set time, it gets deleted.
Here's how you can decide what we research
The deadline for Kondinin Group's NAS has been extended to 15 June. It is open to Kondinin Group members and all farmers who would like a specific topic, piece of machinery or equipment researched. The NAS guides our independent research program and takes just 10 minutes to complete. The link to fill it in is here: www.farmingahead.com.au/nas Hardcopies were fixed to the cover of the April edition of Farming Ahead and these can be sent in right up to the mid-June deadline.
Tell us what to research in 2021-22
Kondinin Group's National Agricultural Survey (NAS) guides much of the research work we do and enables farmers to direct our research agenda. Our annual NAS is now live and we would like you to help us help you by taking the time to fill it in. It will take about 10 minutes in its newly trimmed-up format.
Podcast: Wireless Access Points
Podcast: Wireless Access Points Kondinin Group research engineer Ben White talks about the latest research on Wireless Access Points and why growers should consider them.
DJI launches Air 2S
The Mavic Air 2S, with a large 20MP one-inch CMOS sensor, is capable of delivering 5.4K resolution video. List price is A$1699 for a single battery version or for $2099, there is the 'fly more' combination which includes three batteries, a set of filters and a carry case. Battery life is 31 minutes in ideal conditions and batteries sell individually for $199.
Using tension based soil moisture monitoring tools to schedule irrigation - Irrigating Agriculture
No votes yet. Please wait... Tension measuring devices provide information about water availability in the soil. Soil tension can be used by irrigators to better plan when to irrigate in order to optimise plant performance and water productivity. Scheduling Irrigation with Tension Tension measures how tightly the water is held in the soil. It is generally measured in kilopascals (kPa) and recorded as values of minus or negative kPa, however the minus sign is not always present.
Goulburn to Murray trade and Murray delivery risk - Irrigating Agriculture
Rating: 5.0/5. From 1 vote. Please wait... Key messages: The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) have conducted a review of inter-valley trade between the Goulburn and Murray. Delivery risks on the Lower Murray are increasing for several reasons, including that total deliveries (irrigation, environmental, and other consumptive use) in the Lower Murray have increased in recent years.
Where is the water market heading in the long term? Webinar recording - Irrigating Agriculture
January 28th 2021 The price of irrigation water in the southern Murray Darling Basin (sMDB) has varied considerably in recent years. This has been driven by variation in the supply of water and changing demand patterns across the sMDB. Commonwealth water recovery and changing land and water use in the sMDB have been key drivers of the water market. Perennial horticulture development will continue to put pressure on the water supply and use balance in the lower Murray (below the Barmah Choke).
Centre Pivot and Lateral Move Performance Check - Irrigating Agriculture
No votes yet. Please wait... An underperforming centre pivot or lateral move (CPLM) irrigation system can be costly. Poor performance can occur throughout the system including in the pump, motor, sprinklers, drive mechanism, and end gun. This can impact your system’s ability to operate at the expected capacity and can result in poor crop emergence, growth and yield; high water use; and high energy consumption.
Spiked interest in extracting harvester capacity
The aim of the day was to optimise and measure the performance of a stock Case IH 7250 harvester operating in a wheat crop at the Millsteed family property east of Wongan Hills, Western Australia. In an effort to independently quantify anecdotal evidence, the impact on performance by implementing a range of adjustments to a standard Case IH 7250 harvester were measured.
Using satellites to monitor crop water use - Irrigating Agriculture
No votes yet. Please wait... Agriculture Victoria is offering training in the use of satellite crop water use technology (IrriSAT) which can be used for irrigated and rainfed crops. Registrants are invited to attend one of two online sessions at 12-1pm Wednesday 18 November 2020 or 4-5pm Thursday 19 November 2020. Please contact Maxine Schache to register at maxine.schache@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0428 507 855. Numbers are limited for each session. What is IrriSAT?
Yield prediction map: October 2020
Thanks to support from John Deere, Kondinin Group has engaged Dr David Stephens from Agrometeorology Australia to produce these maps for Kondinin Group members for the 2020 cropping season. Yield prediction as at 20 October, 2020 according to Dr Stephens: Western Australia and south-eastern Australia has seen a contrasting story over the last month.
Weekly Irrigation Requirements - Northern Victoria - Irrigating Agriculture
Thursday 8 April 2021 Weekly Irrigation Requirement$ Summary – Driving Water Productivity This update provides ‘reference evapotranspiration’ (ETo) information to assist with improved irrigation scheduling for top yields and high water productivity. The interactive irrigation scheduling tool helps you determine the most productive timing for the next surface irrigation for your unique circumstances. It uses the same ETo information in the tables below.
Weekly Irrigation Requirements - Macalister Irrigation District (Gippsland) - Irrigating Agriculture
Rating: 5.0/5. From 3 votes. Please wait...
Weekly Irrigation Requirements - Mallee - Irrigating Agriculture
Rating: 5.0/5. From 2 votes. Please wait... Weekly Irrigation Requirements – Driving Water Productivity This update provides ‘reference evapotranspiration’ (ETo) data to assist with improved irrigation scheduling for top growth rates and yields for the Mallee region. ETo graph and readings to week ending 08/10/2020* Potential evapotranspiration is calculated from a number of other measurements such as solar radiation, wind, humidity, temperature, etc.
Yield prediction map: September 2020
Thanks to support from John Deere, Kondinin Group has engaged Dr David Stephens from Agrometeorology Australia to produce these maps for Kondinin Group members for the 2020 cropping season. Yield prediction as at 21 September, 2020 according to Dr Stephens: Despite above average rainfall forecasts for spring, crop yield rankings fell over much of the country over the last month with a dry finish to August and dry start to September.
Water Trade 101 - Situation and Seasonal Outlook Webinar - Irrigating Agriculture
When: September 30 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Where: Online webinar Organiser: Agriculture Victoria This webinar will discuss the key features of the connected southern Murray Darling Basin water market and the current situation and seasonal outlook for water availability and price. The focus will be on providing practical knowledge and tips to inform farm water trading decision making.
Almond Irrigation Best Practice Management - Irrigating Agriculture
Improving water use efficiency and maintaining best practice management is a priority for most irrigators. Hort Innovation, using the almond research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government, funded a project to determine best practice management for Almond irrigation and equip growers with tools to improve water use efficiency.
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