Registrations are now open for Western Australia’s premier grains industry forum: the 2025 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update – Perth.
Next year’s event will be held on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 February and will return – bigger and brighter than ever – to its usual home at Crown Perth.
Held nationally each year, the Grains Research Updates showcase the latest research, technology, market development and management innovations to improve the productivity and profitability of the grains industry.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager – West Peter Bird said after what was shaping up to be another substantial harvest in 2024, growers were eager to access the latest insights and advancements in grains research, development and extension (RD&E).
“The seasonal results to date in 2024 are testament to WA grain growers’ strong appetite and capacity to adopt new information, practices and technologies to maximise their farm profitability,” Mr Bird said.
“To achieve what is projected as an 18 million tonne harvest in a lower-than-average rainfall year in many regions demonstrates how far the industry has come in maximising water use efficiency and managing agronomic factors such as variety and crop choice, time of sowing and weeds, pests and diseases.”
Mr Bird said the 2025 Update was on track to again be the “biggest event in the WA grains industry calendar”, with more than 750 people attending the two-day Perth Update in 2024 and strong interest in next year’s event from both presenters and attendees.
“The Grains Research Updates have seen a steady increase in attendance over the past 5 years, signalling that growers and the grains industry are eager to look at ways they can invest in further improvements to increase the sustainability and profitability of farms and the industry.
"This year GRDC has introduced a 50 per cent discount for grower tickets at the Perth Update, which recognises the contribution they make to the organisation through their levies.
“We also hope this incentive will bring more growers to the Update events, which remain one of the key ways GRDC shares critical, new RD&E information with the grains industry.
“Creating strong links between researchers, industry and growers ensures delivery of targeted and adoptable research outcomes.”
More than 750 people attended the 2024 Grains Research Update – Perth, which explored the latest insights and advancements in grains research, development and extension (RD&E). Photo: GRDC
GRDC Western Panel Chair Gary Lang will officially open the Update and said the 2025 program promised a comprehensive presenter line-up addressing issues that are front-of-mind for WA growers.
“It is fantastic to see a large cross section of the state’s growers, advisers and researchers come together at the Grains Research Updates each year to shine a light on challenges the grains industry is facing, as well as the opportunities ahead,” Mr Lang said.
“Not only is it a chance to hear the latest local, national and international developments in grains RD&E, but also an opportunity for grain growers and researchers to interact, exchange ideas and share knowledge.”
The 2025 Grains Research Update – Perth will deliver more than 50 concurrent sessions focusing on farming systems; supply chain and markets; soils, nutrition and agronomy; weed and disease management; emissions, climate and weather; and agricultural technology.
It will be followed by 5 one-day Updates across grain-growing regions in WA, including:
For more information or to register visit the 2025 Updates online registration or contact the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) on 08 6262 2128 or researchupdates@giwa.org.au.