Q&A with Mark Barden

Mark Barden is a dryland farmer from just north of Edgeroi NSW. His enterprise is 100% winter cropping and he is well known as a pretty sharp operator. During a reflective moment following the 80+mm received on his property over the last week, Mark was good enough to share some of his thoughts on farming.

Biggest challenge about the 2020 winter crop?

Harvest.

Biggest challenge for the next 12 months?

2020 harvest.

Any positives from the drought?

If you think you can get a crop to germinate, have a crack. Getting it out of the ground is more than 50% of the battle.

What’s been the greatest change in farming in the last 10 years?

For me personally, due to an accident 10 years ago, a telehandler has really changed the way we do things. This is only a mechanical advantage so I would have to say it is the ability to apply high rates of urea without incorporation, instead of farming in NH3. Or maybe camera sprayers.

Red or green?

Green with a lemon header.

What’s the next big project on-farm?

Consolidation………..Then a silo upgrade. It was going to be a planter, but harvest is leaving a bad taste in my mouth for now.

What do you do in your spare time (other than talk on the phone)?

Shoot clay targets (slippery little suckers) and help with the day to day running of Narrabri Clay Target Club. I also collect number plates, ride a mountain bike and fix things.

Editors note: We are reliably informed that Mark spends a considerable amount of time attempting to beat his wife at shooting competitions; with limited success.

What outside source/consultant gives your farming operation the most benefit?

My best mate, Tim Hayne, he keeps me sane by talking about anything and everything.

Closely followed by my agronomist Sam Simons/Poole Ag Consulting.

How do you see the future for young people attempting to enter the industry?

Unfortunately fairly tough. There are not many opportunities for young ones to own a viable farming area.

What’s the best brand of power tools? How many of them do you own and what’s the next purchase?

Milwaukee - 44 tools, 23 batteries and numerous sundries. The next purchase will be whatever they release next………….

How often should a farmer clean their workshop?

Daily.

How many times a year do you fertilise your lawn and how much product do you use?

4 times a year going through about 800kg CK88.

What personality traits are most suited to farming?

I’m not sure about traits, but I reckon you have to be resilient, determined and be prepared to back yourself. You have to love the land and leave a dollar in the deal for the next bloke. Always make improvements, no matter how small and play the long game.

Pic: Mark Barden with a selection of his Milwaukee tools.

Posted on Sunday, 25 October 2020
by Michael Guest in Latest News

2020 harvest dryland farming mark barden q&a

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