Attracting hundreds of grain growers and agronomists seeking the latest scientific updates for their businesses, the final round of the 2023 Grains Research Updates for South Australia and Victoria are rolling out across July and August.

An investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the updates will feature a line-up of speakers covering issues identified as relevant by local growers and will vary according to their needs and regional opportunities.

The updates will be held in Berriwillock (12 Jul), Minyip (13 Jul), Streaky Bay (26 Jul), Cleve (27 Jul), Karoonda (9 Aug), Keith (29 Aug) and Charlton (30 Aug).

Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria, will speak at the Berriwillock and Minyip updates to discuss planning around the seasonal outlook – a popular topic of wide interest.

“All we’ve been hearing about is a drier and warmer El Niño but all we are experiencing is wetter and cooler conditions,” says Mr Grey.

“It’s a strange start to the season because there are some different aspects to this year’s El Niño that make it quite different to the way 2015 started out.

“A lot of people made decisions based on autumn forecasts, but this can be a fraught approach.”

During his presentation Mr Grey will tease out what is going on and what to believe and what to ignore from the noise.

Other speakers at the updates will discuss the latest research and insights into local weeds and pests of concern this season (e.g. fleabane and slugs); chemical restrictions on export grain; late-season disease strategies; making soil nutrition decisions; pulse agronomy and diseases; soil amelioration; and more.

Grains Research Updates provide a welcoming environment for growers, advisers and researchers to share knowledge and insights to help manage issues affecting this season’s crop performance. Photo: GRDC

GRDC Southern Panel chair and Victorian grain grower Mr Andrew Russell has already attended a number of Grains Research Updates this year and says the upcoming ones will not disappoint.

“The line-up of speakers and topics is fantastic and really well tailored to each area,” says Mr Russell.

“Some parts of the region are experiencing wet conditions and crop damage is starting to appear – the Updates where this is occurring will have experts talking about slugs and snails, and how to manage disease under the current conditions.”

He added that getting out and having conversations at the Updates with other growers, agronomists and researchers to learn what’s going on and sharing ideas and knowledge is a real highlight for him.

GRDC grower relations manager – south, Tim Bateman, says the Updates were one of the most popular events on the GRDC calendar thanks to the relevant topics and speakers recommended by local organising committees.

“We're seeing a great roll-up to our Grains Research Updates this year and we're looking forward to seeing more people at our final series of events across Victoria and South Australia,” says Mr Bateman.

"It's great to see growers and researchers meet and talk to each other, exchange ideas and share knowledge at the Updates – it really is how we can achieve great outcomes together and support grower profitability.”

GRDC aims to create a friendly and welcoming environment at the Updates where first-time attendees are embraced, and regular attendees all get involved.

Registration for the update is $30 per person which includes morning tea, lunch and proceedings. Registration is essential:

• Berriwillock (Vic), Wednesday 12 July, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Berriwillock Community Centre, 69 Taverner St
• Minyip (Vic), Thursday 13 July, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Minyip Golf Club, Golf Course Road
• Streaky Bay (SA), Wednesday 26 July, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Streaky Bay Community Complex, Wells Street
• Cleve (SA), Thursday 27 July, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Cleve Sporting Bodies Club, South Terrace
• Karoonda (SA), Wednesday 9 August, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Karoonda Football Club, 11049 Karoonda Hwy
• Keith (SA), Tuesday 29 August, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Keith Institute, Heritage Street
• Charlton (VIC), Wednesday 30 August, 9.00am – 1.00pm
  Charlton Football Club, Calder Highway