There was good news this week as the TAMS scheme is set to continue and tranche 21 will open on 16 January. The scheme also saw some changes. A positive move towards improving fertiliser use efficiency means that all farmers can now apply for GPS-controlled fertiliser spreaders.

However, there was disappointment on the tillage side of the house and possibly a missed opportunity.

The recent publication of Ag Climatise outlined a need to retain or increase the area under tillage. It also outlined the potential to increase the area planted to beans by 30,000ha-40,000ha, with the help of an increased tillage area. Similar comments are often made and have been written in reports before, but the sector awaits any action to help make these few sentences actually happen.

The recent publication of Ag Climatise outlined a need to retain or increase the area under tillage

At present, TAMS provides the livestock sector and its new entrants with an opportunity to apply for grant aid for basic infrastructure to set up their farm. However, under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, much of the equipment and buildings eligible for grant aid are aimed at large-scale farms and reduced-tillage establishment systems.

However, it is unlikely that an increase in tillage area will come from large scale farms. It is more likely any increase in tillage area will come in small amounts on existing farms or mixed farms. These farms will most likely not benefit from a grant for a yield monitor, for example, as they may not have a combine and will not benefit from a grain store as they have only a small amount of grain.

The low emissions sector will not increase in area on its own

While these items are beneficial to larger farms and should be on the list, any new entrants to tillage should have the same opportunities as farmers in other sectors. There is no difference in providing a grant for a milk tank for a dairy farmer and a grant for a trailer for a tillage farmer.

What is the difference between a weighing scales for cattle and a weighbridge for tractors and trailers, which could help to promote more trade between farms?

Providing affordable access to the basics could go a long way to increasing tillage area. Continuing the official line that the Department wants to support the tillage sector and increase the area of crops gets tiresome when there is no action. The low emissions sector will not increase in area on its own.