Grain growers, advisers and researchers are invited to register for Western Australia’s premier grains industry forum: the 2024 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update, Perth.

The two-day event will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 26 and 27.

GRDC senior regional manager – west, Peter Bird, says attendance at the 2023 Grains Research Update series had been outstanding, with close to one thousand attendees across the series (Perth event plus five regional events) in February and March this year.

“The GRDC Grains Research Update showcases the latest research, technology, market development and management innovations to improve the productivity and profitability of the grains industry,” Mr Bird says.

“Strong attendance at these events in recent years demonstrates that WA’s grains industry has a continued appetite for growth, with attendees seeking information on the latest research, development and extension (RD&E) outcomes from some of the brightest minds in the industry.”

GRDC western region panel chair Darrin Lee says presentations at the Update would range from research underpinning improved agronomic practices for increased profitability on-farm, through to broader insights on big picture trends and issues impacting the industry overall.

GRDC western region panel chair Darrin Lee said Update focus sessions would range from improved agronomic practices through to broader insights on issues impacting the industry overall. Photo: GRDC

"In addition to presentations on the latest research, the Grains Research Updates offer a platform for meaningful discussions between growers, researchers and agronomists on topics of particular significance to WA farming systems,” Mr Lee says.

"It's great to see growers and researchers meet and talk to each other, exchange ideas and share knowledge at the updates – it really is how we can achieve great outcomes together and support grower profitability.”

The opening plenary session at the Update will feature the future direction of GRDC investment from Chair John Woods, the presentation of the GRDC Seed of Light award, and a plenary from Dennis Richardson AO, Former Director General of ASIO, Ambassador to USA, Secretary DFAT and Secretary Defence, on global factors expected to impact grain markets for the rest of the decade.

Other plenary sessions will focus on new technologies to fast track the breeding of crop varieties and what is around the corner in terms of automation of tractors and harvesters and smart seeding, spray, tillage and harvesting machinery.

More than 50 concurrent sessions will be held over two days on issues impacting crop choices and farming systems; markets, soils and agronomy, weed management, emissions, climate and weather, diseases, technology and nutrition.

New researcher snapshots will form part of the day one program, giving early career researchers the chance to showcase their projects to the grains industry and receive valuable feedback.

More than 50 concurrent sessions will be held over two days on issues impacting crop choices and farming systems. Photo: GRDC

Extended focus sessions will take place after lunch on the second day and will include interactive discussion on sustainability and emissions reduction, new technologies to fast-track breeding new crop varieties, legumes and lupins in the grain farming system.

The GRDC Grains Research Update, Perth, will be followed by five one-day regional Updates across grain-growing regions in WA. Locations will include:

• Yuna (March 6)
• Salmon Gums (March 12)
• Lake Grace (March 14)
• Mukinbudin (March 19)
• Darkan (March 21)

For more information or to register visit GIWA 2023 research updates or GRDC Updates; contact GIWA on 08 6262 2128 or researchupdates@giwa.org.au