Updated, practical information on how growers and advisers can make the most of another wet season will be on hand at the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) site (H30) at the AgQuip field days, running from Tuesday August 16 to Thursday August 18.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager says growers would receive a timely, seasonal update at the GRDC and NSW DPI grower breakfast at AgQuip to help them manage another wet season. Image: GRDC

GRDC Grower Relations Manager - North, Vicki Green, says northern growers are facing a very different season compared to the last time AgQuip was able to go ahead back in 2019, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the field days for the past two years.

“In 2019, we were arming growers with information to help them through yet another dry season and this year, we’re looking to respond to untimely rainfall that’s delayed sowing, waterlogged paddocks and a significant disease risk due to ongoing wet conditions,” she says.

“GRDC is aware northern growers have had to respond to rapidly changing conditions and have faced challenges with rainfall causing significant logistical problems during sowing and pushing optimal planting windows to the limit.

“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 input decisions, especially considering the high price.

“We also plan to have plenty of information on summer cropping options, to aid growers in making decisions regarding paddocks that might not have been planted over winter due to the ongoing wet weather.”

A key opportunity for growers and advisers to network with industry professionals and hear the latest research messages, is attending the annual GRDC and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) breakfast grower forum.

The breakfast is from 7.30-9:00am on Wednesday, August 17, and gives growers, agronomists and other industry personnel the chance to hear about timely and relevant grains research before exploring the field day. This year the breakfast will be at the GRDC site H30 followed by the Update at the NSW Farmers shed.

Presentations by NSW DPI researchers will include:

• Summer crop options after a wet winter season – NSW DPI, Loretta Serafin
• Pulse diseases, Impact of wet conditions on disease in 2022, NSW DPI Sean Bithell
• Cereal diseases, impact of wet conditions on disease in 2022, NSW DPI Steven Simpfendorfer

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 the northern region.

“GRDC is so pleased to pair with our industry partners to once again deliver this event that helps growers and advisers become more prepared for the current season,” Mrs Green says.

“I strongly encourage anyone interested in the grains industry to register for the event and come along to hear information that could help them boost their productivity.”

Places at the breakfast are limited and growers should contact Liz Tydd, NSW DPI, on 02 6763 1454 or via liz.tydd@dpi.nsw.gov.au to register and receive instruction for the early site entry.