Field Applied Research Australia (FAR Australia) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have launched a new project to transform on-farm profitability for wheat and barley growers in the high-rainfall zones of Australia.
The project aims to close the gap between actual crop yields and the profitability possibilities in these zones.
“Our goal is that by 2027, wheat and barley growers in high-rainfall zones will have the motivation, agronomic support and knowledge required to implement management practices that help close the yield gap while maximising profit,” says Rebekah Starick, GRDC grower relations manager - south.
“The project builds on previous GRDC investments into hyper yielding crops that showed yield potential.
“This research will put that knowledge into practice on-farm for a wide range of growers, empowering them to become more profitable.”
To achieve this, seven innovation and benchmarking hubs will be strategically located across key high-rainfall zones including the south coast of Western Australia, south-eastern South Australia, southern Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales.
These hubs will serve as vital centres for knowledge exchange, facilitated discussions and hands-on crop inspections, not only enabling growers to learn from each other, but to also explore and implement innovative agronomic practices that will lead to increased profitability on farm.
“At FAR Australia, we are committed to empowering cereal farmers to maximise their on-farm profitability while promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” says Rachel Hamilton, FAR Australia communications and events manager, who will lead the work.
"As part of this hyper profitable crops initiative, 17 discussion groups will be developed across these high-rainfall zone regions.
“While this initiative aims to boost on-farm profitability, it also aims to develop and build confidence among Gen Y growers and advisers, who, within their regions, will help form the basis of growers leading change.”
FAR Australia’s communication and events coordinator Rachel Hamilton will lead the new hyper profitable crops research, with other partners and the FAR team including managing director Nick Poole (pictured). Photo: FAR Australia.
In addition to the discussion groups, through benchmarking on-farm paddock performance and supporting smaller specific hyper profitable crop trials, growers will also have the opportunity to fine-tune their management practices. This will not only optimise crop yields but will also lead to more profitable outcomes in the future.
To assist with the on-farm benchmarking, FAR Australia has partnered with regional farming systems groups who will provide project officers in their respective regions to work closely with these growers to obtain input and operational data.
The initiative also includes the development of a comprehensive high-rainfall zone cropping manual, providing growers with valuable insights and case studies to guide their future decision-making.
The hyper profitable crops initiative represents a significant $2.27 million investment in the future of the Australian grains industry, paving the way for sustainable growth in wheat and barley crops. With the collective efforts of growers and industry, this initiative will aim to unlock new levels of sustainable practices and on-farm profitability.
To get involved, contact a partner organisation of the project team in your region:
- Southern NSW, Farmlink: James Holding, james@farmlink.com.au
- NE Victoria, SE NSW, Riverine Plains Inc: Kate Coffey, kate@riverineplains.org.au
- HRZ of Victoria and Tasmania, Southern Farming Systems: Ashley Amourgis aamourgis@sfs.org.au or Greta Duff gduff@sfs.org.au (VIC) and Brett Davey bdavey@sfs.org.au (TAS)
- South Australia, Mackillop Farm Management Group: Sally Klose, ceo@mackillopgroup.com.au
- SE Western Australia, South East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA): David Cook, david@sepwa.org.au
- South Coast, WA, Stirlings to Coast Farmers: Dan Fay. dan.fay@scfarmers.org.au
Other collaborators include Agworld and The Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) at Federation University Australia.