Australian grain growers and advisors who are keen to expand their horizons can now apply for financial support for study tours that can help to generate new knowledge.
Popular GRDC Grower and Advisor Study Tours, which were previously offered through two rounds each year, are now being offered on a continuous basis.
"The GRDC invests up to 50 per cent of the cost of these tours that favour groups pursuing a clear learning objective that will lead to practice change on-farm," GRDC senior manager grower extension and communication Luke Gaynor says.
"GRDC has moved to a continuous investment cycle for all research, development and extension investments.
"Study tour opportunities will now also be offered on a continuous basis, aligning with the investment process."
Mr Gaynor says the GRDC is committed to generating leadership, innovation and education in the grains sector.
"These study tours will support growers and advisors to undertake study tours or related travel to gain new knowledge, learn new skills, build relationships and leverage GRDC's research investments," he says.
"Applications need to demonstrate how proposed tours are aligned with the GRDC's purpose of investing in research, development and extension to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers and how the tour fits within GRDC's RD&E Plan 2018-2023."
Mr Gaynor says the criteria does not include providing support for groups to attend conferences or training, although conference attendance may be considered as part of a study tour application.
It is a requirement that 75 per cent of group participants are growers.
Support may be considered for individuals who hold leadership positions in the Australian grains industry, and where the activity supports outcomes proposed in the GRDC's Capacity and Ability Framework.
Agronomy Focus consultant Quenten Knight, who is based in Esperance, Western Australiam was among a group of growers and agronomists who participated in a GRDC Grower and Advisor Study Tour in 2018 that visited New Zealand's high rainfall Cantebury Plains area.
He is now encouraging other growers and advisors to apply for financial support for intended tours.
"Study tours are invaluable and allow you to meet growers and researchers, who are willing to share their experiences," he says.
"This knowledge can help to fast track learnings that can be implemented or adopted in our farming systems to make them more productive, profitable and resilient.
Study tours also build strong networks that can lead to continued learning and extension of information long after the trip has finished."
During the tour to the Cantebury Plains, Mr Knight's group investigated the management strategies involved in producing hyper-yielding cereal crops, including irritated systems.
After their return, a '10 Tonne Club' was formed.
More information: Grower and Advisor Study Tours.