The challenges of farming in a highly regulated environment in the United Kingdom will be one of the broader topics on the program at the 2020 GRDC Grains Research Update in Corowa on February 20.

Leading UK-based international agricultural consultant Keith Norman will discuss the topic as one of the keynote speakers at the Update - being held at Corowa RSL Club.

Mr Norman is an independent consultant who previously worked as Velcourt's technical director.

He supported the leading farming company's UK team of 45 farm managers in crop production technology, and managed their in-house research and development activity for 30 years.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager - North, Richard Holzknecht, said Mr Norman would offer insights into how regulatory controls could impact growers' freedom to operate in modern farming systems.

"Keith will explain how UK growers have adapted and are operating in a practical way within that regulatory framework," Mr Holzknecht says.

"He will also discuss the expected impact of climate change on grain farming in the UK and in Europe, and changes growers are subsequently making to their strategies and farming systems.

On the agenda

Other presenters at the one-day Cowora Update include:

• Steve Marcroft, Marcroft Grains Pathology - discussing the latest strategies in canola disease control;
• NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researcher Graeme Sandral - who will talk about the legacy effects of nitrogen management options and the longer-term implications of choosing hay versus grain;
• DPI researcher Col McMaster - who will discuss cover crops and what research shows about their impact and place in local farming systems;
• DPI researcher Felicity Harris - who will explain the drivers of yield stability in wheat and barley and what growers should consider when selecting the most promising variety for their situation; and
• Cassandra Schefe from Riverine Plains - who will share the organisation's latest research results into managing subsoil acidity.

Logistics, registration and going regional

The Corowa event starts at 9am and will finish at 1.30pm. Registration for the event is $30 and includes morning tea and lunch.

GRDC Grains Research Updates will also be held across NSW at:

• Wagga Wagga - February 18 and 19 at Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt University;
• Corowa - February 20 at Corowa RSL Club;
• Dubbo - February 25 and 26 at Dubbo RSL;
• Nyngan - February 27 at Nyngan RSL and Civic Club;
• Barellan - March 10 at Barellan and District War Memorial Club;
• Lake Cargelligo - March 11 at Lake Cargelligo Bowling Club;
• Gulargambone - March 12 at 28 Bourbah Street; and
• Bellata - March 13 at Bellata War Memorial Hall.

Each GRDC Update has a regionally-tailored program that has been developed to reflect each area's needs and issues.

More information: For a full program for each Update or to register go to: https://grdc.com.au/events/list or https://www.orm.com.au/events/gru-corowa-2020/.