The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), in collaboration with NSW Farmers, extend an invitation to all growers and advisers to the AgQuip Grower Forum, where practical information to help growers, agronomists and farm advisers will be on offer.
The forum is scheduled for Wednesday 23 August 2023, 7:30–9:00am at the GRDC Site H30, as part of the AgQuip Field Days held in Gunnedah, NSW. All registered attendees who RSVP to the forum before Friday 18 August will also receive free entry to the AgQuip site for the day.
The Grower Forum, which includes research updates, attracts not only local growers, but those travelling to Gunnedah from interstate and overseas.
The forum will commence with a complimentary breakfast at the GRDC site, followed by a seasonal update at the NSW Farmers site, giving growers, agronomists and other industry members the chance to hear about timely and relevant grains research before exploring the field day.
Among the forum speakers is NSW DPI research agronomist Loretta Serafin who is leading the organisation’s northern summer grains research program.
Ms Serafin is a strong advocate for evidence-based practice change and her research is designed to deliver very practical and adoptable outcomes to growers in marginal, summer crop environments. She will share her knowledge on optimising sorghum agronomy at the forum, providing an overview of lessons learned over the past five years.
Dr Steven Simpfendorfer leads research and extension programs on the integrated management of winter cereal diseases in northern NSW. Photo: NSW DPI
Dr Steven Simpfendorfer will also speak at the forum. As senior plant pathologist at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute, Dr Simpfendorfer leads research and extension programs on the integrated management of winter cereal diseases in northern NSW.
His research focuses on the management of Fusarium diseases of barley and wheat in northern farming systems and his discussion topic at the Grower Forum is "Cereal Disease Issues in 2023".
Dr Mitch Clifton, research agronomist based at Tamworth Agricultural Institute, is NSW DPI’s lead in the GRDC $12.7 million national research project to support the integration of long coleoptile wheat into Australian farming systems.
Dr Clifton recently finished his post-graduation studies on the mechanisms of heat tolerance in wheat with the University of Sydney and GRDC, and his findings will be presented at the Grower Forum.
In addition to these presentations, the Brownhill Cup will also be awarded. This award recognises conservation farming and efficient management practices and will be presented by the Brownhill Family.
Dr Mitch Clifton recently finished his post-graduation studies on the mechanisms of heat tolerance in wheat with the University of Sydney and GRDC, and his findings will be presented at the Grower Forum. Photo: NSW DPI
In 2022, Mr John Kneipp received the Brownhill Cup in recognition of innovation and sustainable farming practices in Australia's north-eastern farming zone.
GRDC Northern Panel chair and Queensland grain grower Arthur Gearon said the forum is a great opportunity for growers to engage with industry experts.
“This year AgQuip is celebrating 50 years. It’s a great field day out for growers and starting the day with a free breakfast and practical research outcomes as part of the Grower Forum is a fantastic way to get the most out of it,” he says
Places at the Grower Forum are strictly limited. Please visit the GRDC website or email liz.tydd@dpi.nsw.gov.au to register.