New South Wales grain growers and advisers will be offered new knowledge, insights and outcomes from the latest cutting-edge research and development as part of the 2021 GRDC Update series.

The annual Grains Research Updates start with a two-day event in Wagga Wagga on February 16-17 at Joyes Hall at Charles Sturt University.

This premier event will be followed by a series of Updates across the state delivering information to the grains industry from GRDC research investments that tackle productivity constraints and break new ground in agricultural technology.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager – North, Graeme Sandral, says the 2021 Updates feature a broad range of topics selected by local planning committees, offering growers and advisers regionally relevant, science-based, farm-ready outcomes designed to improve profitability.

“It's important that we continue to lift the bar on profitability and productivity in the NSW grains industry and GRDC is investing millions of dollars annually to ensure that happens,” Mr Sandral says.

“It's equally important to communicate with the wider farming community about the progress and outcomes of these research projects, which is why the annual Updates are so important.

“The Updates provide growers with practical, relevant information in response to ongoing and emerging on-farm challenges. This information enhances productivity and offers efficient, cost-effective guidance for the use of inputs, as well as management of weeds, diseases and pests.”

Topics on the agenda at Wagga Wagga include:

• the latest research data on matching varieties to subsoil constraints;
• canola establishment;
• Russian wheat aphid;
• the economic benefits of controlling foliar fungal diseases;
• wheat rust developments;
• managing risk and nitrogen decision making;
• profitable pulses in low rainfall systems;
• the latest on ryegrass management.

The 2021 GRDC NSW Grains Research Updates will be held at:

• Wagga Wagga – February 16 and 17 (Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt University);
• West Wyalong – February 18 (West Wyalong Services and Citizens Club);
• Tottenham – February 23 (Tottenham Memorial Hall);
• Coonamble – February 24 (Coonamble Showgrounds);
• Dubbo – February 25 and 26 (Dubbo RSL);
• Narrabri – March 4 (Narrabri Crossing Theatre).

Mr Sandral says due to COVID-19 restrictions, numbers at each Update would be limited so growers, advisers, researchers and industry stakeholders were encouraged to register early.

“We hope that as many people as possible will be able to attend the GRDC Grains Research Update face-to-face, but we understand that due to venue capacity restrictions for social distancing and travel restrictions, not everyone will be able to attend,” he says.

“As a result, we will be live streaming, free-of-charge the Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Narrabri Updates for people to watch live remotely.

“Growers and advisers who opt to tune in via the live stream option will be able to ask questions and interact with speakers and hear questions from the audience.”

For a full program for each event or to register, contact Erica McKay on 02 94824930 or email erica@icanrural.com.au.