The research priorities of Western Australian grain growers will be the focus of upcoming forums being held across the grainbelt.

The National Grower Network (NGN) is an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GDRC) and provides a vital link between on-the-ground issues and research investment.

Kicking off on June 24 in Varley, NGN forums will run throughout June, July and August and will bring together growers, advisers and industry professionals to contribute ideas and raise local issues directly with GRDC.

GRDC grower relations manager Jo Wheeler says the forums were an opportunity for growers to hear the latest results from GRDC’s investment in their region, as well as contribute ideas and issues to inform new research, development and extension (RD&E).

The forums will feature an impressive line-up of speakers including UWA’s Dr Louise Barton, who will speak on understanding soil nitrogen supply and potential nitrogen loss pathways. Photo: Evan Collis/GRDC

“The NGN enables GRDC to be responsive to local issues and create a stronger and more direct connection with a broad base of growers, advisers and researchers,” Ms Wheeler says.

“It’s a ground-up approach to information gathering, and an opportunity for growers and industry to have a say when it comes to their RD&E priorities.

“In addition to contributing ideas to inform future investment, the forums also feature guest speakers who provide the latest research outcomes from projects in the local area, ensuring growers are aware of new insights, approaches, tools and technologies that they can adopt on-farm.”

The series of 12 forums features an impressive list of guest speakers. In June, forums in Varley (June 24), Cascade (25 June) and Beaumont (25 June) will include presentations on:

• Winter wheat & marshmallow work – Jordy Medlan and Justine Tyson, Consult Ag (Varley and Cascade)
• Optimising nitrogen fertiliser use: Understanding soil nitrogen supply and potential nitrogen loss pathways from Western Australia’s cropping systems – Dr Louise Barton, University of Western Australia (Varley)
• Comparing nitrogen demand and nitrogen banking strategies – David Cook, Southeast Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA) (Cascade and Beaumont)
• Snail monitoring and management – Svetlana Micic, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) (Beaumont).

Additional forums in July are planned in Beverley (July 18), Cunderdin (July 22), Ardath (July 23), Mukinbudin (July 23), Ballidu (July 29), Mullewa (July 30) and Walkaway (July 30).

In August, forums will be held in Katanning (August 1) and Boxwood Hill (August 2).

All growers, advisers and industry representatives are welcome to attend and contribute to these free-of-charge forums, which include refreshments and dinner. Registration is essential.

For more information visit the GRDC events page or contact Emily Davey on admin@ruraledge.org.au or 0401 090 286.