Updated, practical information for grain growers and their advisers including diseases risks ahead of harvest, the latest in soil improvement technology and a look at 50 years of chickpea breeding will be on the program for the annual grower breakfast at AgQuip field days in Gunnedah on August 21.
Hosted by GRDC and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) this year’s grower breakfast will be held in the NSW Farmers Shed (G-H24/25) on Wednesday from 7.30am.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager Sally Dickinson said the growers would receive a timely, seasonal update designed to help them manage the last few months of the winter cropping season and prepare for summer planting.
“This year at AgQuip, our focus will be on arming growers and advisers with up-to-date information to help them better manage the rest of the season, including highlighting disease risk and helping them make more effective decisions around soil improvement,” she said.
“Importantly this year we will also have Tamworth-based chickpea breeder Kristy Hobson on hand to talk about half a century of chickpea breeding in NSW. Kristy will also share the latest developments and pipeline of varieties coming out of the Chickpea Breeding Australia, a NSW DPIRD and GRDC partnership.”
However, she said networking with researchers and engaging with fellow growers was one of the main drawcards for the popular breakfast event.
The breakfast is from 7.30-9:00am on Wednesday, August 21, and gives growers, agronomists and other industry personnel the chance to hear about timely and relevant grains research before exploring the field day. A complimentary breakfast will be offered to all attendees at the update which is being held at the NSW Farmers shed.
Presentations by NSW DPIRD researchers will include:
- Unlocking soil potential – NSW DPIRD Kathryn Egerton-Warburton
- Cereal diseases issues in 2024 - NSW DPIRD Steven Simpfendorfer
- 50 years of chickpea breeding in northern NSW – NSW DPIRD Dr Kristy Hobson.
After the presentations, the highly renowned Brownhill Cup, recognising conservation farming and efficient management practices will be presented at the NSW Farmers site by the Brownhill family.
Australian cricketing legend, Brad Hogg will also be in attendance under his role as inaugural ambassador of Grain Producers Australia’s ‘Farmer Mates Mental Health’. Brad was born and raised on a sheep farm in regional WA and is looking forward to visiting northern NSW again.
“GRDC is pleased to join with our industry partners to once again deliver an event that helps growers and advisers prepare for the current season,” Ms Dickinson said.
“I strongly encourage anyone interested in the grains industry to register and come along to hear information that could help them boost their on-farm productivity and profitability.”
Places at the breakfast are limited and growers should contact Liz Tydd, NSW DPIRD, on 02 6763 1454 or via liz.tydd@dpi.nsw.gov.au to register and receive instruction for the early site entry.