May 2017 sown fodder crop of annual ryegrass & triticale.

remarkable end result considering it was water logged for a number of weeks after germinating. Defeating that challenge the soil profile eventually dried out and continued to dry out with no influencing rainfall until late October. At this stage the crop was suffering from moisture stress.

The decision was made to hold off from dropping the crop based on forcasted rainfall which was going to improve the quality and yield if received!

The crop received 32mm and was cut the following week. Baling at 25 round silage bales to the hectare, weighing approx. 400kg a bale. A significant yield of quality silage.

A feed test will be taken in the near future to determine the exact nutrient value of these bales.

As you will be aware, Ecco Agro is all settled into our new premises on Berrima Road, Moss Vale.

The move from our old premises went quite smoothly, with only a few minor hiccups. Luckily we are part of a large family who rallied to quickly build our offices, install our electricity and move our entire stock all within a day and a half. Nothing like rushing and leaving it all until the last minute. I might add that there were minimal injuries during this rushed move.

We have been open to the public for a year now supplying fertiliser, Ag chemical, pasture & lawn seed, pet food & animal health products along with our agaonomy services.

We are so grateful to all of our loyal customers and the wonderful support we receive. We would not be here without that. We are expanding daily, thanks to our customers letting us know what their needs are.

We pride ourselves on our personalized service. Something we feel is disappearing here on the highlands, and the care we take to look after our rural friends.

We are also enjoying our new premises, as it is becoming a great meeting place for our customers to get together for a chat or a vent.

The kettle is always on and there are always bickies in the bickie tin.

We encourage all to visit for a free cuppa.

'Back on the land'

Two Highlands sisters are hoping to grow agronomy awareness in the region.

Jess & Jacqui Eccleston have opened a new agronomic consultancy business in Moss Vale, called Ecco Agro.

Jess, now 27, and Jacqui, 25, were born and raised in Burrawang.

The elder sibling said she was always interested in agriculture, particular agronomy. "I always wanted to work on the land," Jess said.

"Agronomy is analysing soil and plants, and finding solution to whats going on. Its like being a ground and soil doctor"

Ecco Agro focuses on providing up-to-date information and supplies for farmers in the Southern Highlands.

Jess moved to Wagga Wagga in 2007 to undertake a bachelor of Science at Charles Sturt University. The course included a focus on agronomy and she finished her studies three years later.

Afterwards, Jess started working in Goulburn as a sales agronomist. The role covered a vastarea, including the Southern Highlands. Jess said the position made her think about opening her own business.

"The Highlands is a unique place for agronomy and I found the service was coming from outside the area," she said. "I wanted to change that."

Jacqui also started the Bachelor of Science course by correspondence at Charles Sturt University in 2013 - the same course as Jess.

Studying by long distance allowed Jacqui to support her sibling when Jess opened Ecco Agro recently.

Jacqui Saide she was also passionate about agronomy. "I guess I followed Jess a bit, but I always like the outdoors," she said.

"There is a lot involved in agronomy, it's exciting and there is always something new."

Jacqui said the sisters have formed a good working relationship. "We work so well together," she said.

"We are both Highland locals our family is well known, which I think has been a major advantage.

"We are so thankful to the support people have given us".

Ecco Agro will hold an open day for the community on May 20.

The business is located at unit 2A/9McCourt Road, Moss Vale.

Thanks Josh Bartlett.

Ecco Agro has been finding some damaging populations of the small pointed snail and the redheaded cockchafer. It is our young, establishing pastures which are highly susceptible and are at greatest risk of economic loss. Some situations have called for a complete resow. So keep an eye out and if you are noticing patches or pasture thinning, act quick.

Welcome Jacqui!

Today is Jacqui's first official day on the job with Ecco Agro.

The girls here at Ecco Agro are excited to be bringing you even more services with this new addition to our staff.

Jacqui will be heading up Sales, supplying quotes, and really just doing a bit of everything.

Jacqui is doing her diploma in agriculture, and will oneday become Ecco Agro's second consulting agronomist!

Many of you already know Jacqui and how much she knows about the Highlands. Expect to see some great work from this one, as she finds her feet with Ecco Agro!

Spring Has Sprung here in the Highlands and we are getting out and making the most of it.

Recently we have been doing some work for a client in Kangaloon. Check out the size of the clover already! How big is yours? We would love to see your photos. Send them to Jacqui@eccoagro.com.au