Back Paddock Company

By Chris Dowling

Volatility and shifting supply lines are familiar territory in Australian agriculture, and the 2026 season is no exception. While nitrogen management requires a more tactical lens this year, there are clear, practical strategies available to help you stay ahead of the curve. The current landscape doesn't necessitate a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a measured audit of your soil N status and a clear-eyed look at your distribution options.

- Assessing the Soil Factory

The first step is knowing exactly what you are starting with. Nitrogen is a dynamic resource, and your soil often holds existing reserves that can significantly offset the need for fresh fertiliser.

- The Soil N Audit: A deep soil test to at least 60 cm is the only way to accurately quantify the mineral N currently in the profile and run an effective N budget.

- The Nitrification Window: Recent warm soil temperatures (20°C–25°C) and moisture events mean biological processes have been active.

www.backpaddock.com.au

Webinar Tomorrow: Managing N-Supply with Confidence

Nitrogen management looks a little different this year, but there are options. Join Chris Dowling (Back Paddock) tomorrow at 1:30pm AEDT for a practical look at navigating supply constraints, and maximising productivity.

We’re skipping the fluff and focusing on:
🔹 Accurate Soil N Audits to find your starting point.
🔹 Smart allocation of the product you have on hand.
🔹 4R tactics to make every unit of N count.

To Register:
Send a quick email to [email protected] and our team will get the invite and join link straight to your inbox.

Agronomists: Feel free to share this with your growers who are currently working through their N-requirements.

Farming has always been about managing uncertainty, and this year’s Nitrogen landscape is just the latest challenge to navigate.

Join our very own, Chris Dowling, on Thursday, March 26 at 1:30pm AEDT for a webinar focused on strategies to manage the evolving N reality for the upcoming season. Rather than just looking at the challenges; we’re looking at the options available to get the most out of the upcoming season:

We’ll cover:
🔹 Identifying "hidden" N reserves in your soil.
🔹 Strategies for distributing available product across the farm.
🔹 Making the most of every unit with 4R tactics.

To Register:
Please send a quick email to [email protected] and our team will send the calendar invite straight to your inbox.

Chris is also participating in upcoming N-management sessions with CottonInfo and GRDC, so keep an eye out for those event details.

Record P prices mean the "standard rate" could be a major financial risk. Join us online at 1:30 PM AEDT today as Chris Dowling breaks down how to navigate this season's phosphorus decisions.

Chris will focus on:
🔹 Pros and cons of common soil phosphorus fertility strategies.
🔹 Strategies for prioritising where to put P when the fertiliser budget is stretched.
🔹 Exploring the significance of P fertiliser cost and the grain price on my P rate.

Want to join? Drop a comment below and we’ll send the invite link straight to your messenger.

Higher cost for P isn’t just a cost increase—it’s a strategy-killer. When the fertiliser budget is stretched this thin, the "standard rate" could be a luxury and compromise your margin.

Join Chris Dowling on Feb 26th at 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM AEDT for a pragmatic look your P-allocation strategy. We’re moving past the headlines to look at the hard math of:

🔹 Pros & Cons: Breaking down common fertility strategies for 2026.

🔹 Prioritisation: Where should the P go when the budget is capped?

🔹 The Price Pivot: How grain prices should (and shouldn't) shift your rate.

Some simple assessment now can simplify these decisions. Let’s get the math right before sowing.

To join us: Drop a comment below and we will send you the calendar invite in messenger

Are you getting the full value from your soil and petiole testing? Let’s talk about what the data is really telling you.

Come and meet our team at the Cotton Trade Show, Toowoomba, August 6th-7th

🎯 Find out how CottonMate can help nutrient decisions
🎙️ Chris Dowling presents his latest on Cotton Nutrition (Thursday AM)

🚨 CottonMate Webinar Alert! 🚨

Join us on Tuesday, December 17th, at 5:00 PM AEDT for the first CottonMate webinar 🌱

Led by Dr. Chris Dowling, this interactive session will dive into measuring nitrate nitrogen uptake in cotton and provide actionable insights to optimise your nitrogen management this season.

📌 What you’ll gain:
✅ Real-time guidance for nitrogen strategies.
✅ Expert analysis of petiole nitrate data.
✅ Live Q&A to address your specific questions.

Whether you’re an agronomist or a cotton grower, this webinar is packed with value to help you make informed decisions for better outcomes.

💻 Save your spot now! Register https://hubs.ly/Q02_yxB40

🌱 CottonMate - N Tracking Insights 24/25 🌱

Join Back Paddock’s CottonMate – N Tracking Insights 24/25, a hands-on mentoring program designed to enhance your nitrogen management strategies for cotton. Led by Dr. Chris Dowling, this program provides in-season N monitoring support for agronomists and cotton growers.

🔍 What You’ll Gain:
- Insights into nitrate nitrogen uptake and crop responses to seasonal conditions.
- Access to interactive webinars with Dr. Dowling at critical sampling times (recordings will be available).
- Scatter plot interpretations of petiole nitrate data for actionable nitrogen management.
- Exclusive in-season commentary and Q&A support.
- A $200 discount on the BSM Pro Cotton Nutrition package, including a workshop and 12-month Cotton e-Library subscription.

🧪 How It Works:
- Conduct petiole and leaf blade testing through Crown Analytical Services (Gwydir & Namoi Valleys) or NutriLab (Border Rivers).
- Receive interpreted results to guide nitrogen plans and strategies as the season progresses.

💲Free sign up until Dec13
- thereafter Sign-up fee: $200
(excludes lab testing costs).

Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights into nitrogen efficiency and make data-driven decisions this season!

👉 Register now: https://hubs.ly/Q02-j7M20

Sampling time is fast approaching, head to our website to find out more about petiole sampling https://hubs.ly/Q02-j7zR0

“Agronomists ! Hone your soils and nutrition skills for pastures - best practical experience backed by science; industry leaders David Harbison, Dr Chris Dowling.”

Join The BSM Pasture Nutrition Action Workshop on October 29th Albury and October 30th Ballarat.

A not to be missed opportunity for the Adviser or Farm Manager seeking Professional Development.

Details & Register
https://hubs.ly/Q02TmHVc0

This workshop offers invaluable insights into successful and sustainable pasture management. Gain practical knowledge on soil, plant and animal systems, backed by over 30-40 years of expertise.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Understand soil amendment, fertiliser responses, and
pasture species interactions.
- Access a comprehensive online resource with tools and
calculators for professional development.
- The latest science and research
BSM Pasture Nutrition Action Workshop

Register/ Enrol
https://hubs.ly/Q02TmGQ-0

“Agronomists ! Hone soils and nutrition skills for pastures - best practical experience backed by science; industry leaders David Harbison, Dr Chris Dowling.”

Join The BSM Pasture Nutrition Action Workshop on October 29th Albury and October 30th Ballarat.

A not to be missed opportunity for the Adviser or Farm Manager seeking Professional Development.

Details & Register
https://hubs.ly/Q02SJj8h0

This workshop offers invaluable insights into successful and sustainable pasture management. Gain practical knowledge on soil, plant and animal systems, backed by over 30-40 years of expertise.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Understand soil amendment, fertiliser responses, and
pasture species interactions.
- Access a comprehensive online resource with tools and
calculators for professional development.
- The latest science and research
BSM Pasture Nutrition Action Workshop

Register/ Enrol
https://hubs.ly/Q02SJhdh0