A new website, part of the Grain Legume Project in Victoria, that brings together findings and updates from multiple trials that are underway is now live.

Launched at the GRDC Bendigo Grains Research Update, the Grain Legume Extension Hub provides practical information from trial sites from specific regions as well as upcoming events and field days.

There are dozens of research projects and hundreds of trials in the ground as part of the GRDC investment (formerly known as the Southern Pulse Agronomy project) across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, tackling issues around growing lentils, chickpeas, faba beans, vetch, lupins and field peas.

The website, spahub.com.au, documents the progress of the Victorian research in one place. Virtual tours of trial sites, 3D models and video updates also feature on the site.

Frontier Farming Systems agronomist Michael Moodie – who has created the website with project leader Jason Brand, Agriculture Victoria senior research agronomist – says with a focus on findings, it is designed to be used as a practical resource for growers seeking information relevant to their paddocks.

Not intended to replace existing resources but rather supplement them, Mr Moodie hopes the online hub will help growers to quickly find useful information from trials near and far.

“We wanted to create a one-stop-shop where updates and results from trials around the state could be found and events promoted.”

Mr Moodie says the hub will be particularly useful for growers and agronomists looking to follow up on results from trials seen at field days.

While showcasing Victorian research, the website is being launched as a pilot. If grower feedback shows the new resource is highly valued, expansion to other research programs and geographical regions will be pursued.

Despite this localised approach, the Victorian research has relevance to growers in cropping regions across Australia, working with similar crops, soil types and conditions. “We are trying to get information of value out there,” Mr Moodie says. “And you might even pick up relevant information that you weren’t looking for because it’s all in the one place.”

More information: Michael Moodie,  michael@frontierfarming.com.au