GRDC is reaching out to growers in NSW and Queensland to come along and hear the latest in grains research and innovation at the GRDC Grains Research Updates over the next few weeks.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager, Gillian Meppem, said GRDC’s Research Updates are the perfect opportunity for growers and advisers to network with industry and learn about the ways in which the grains industry is evolving.
“These regional events aim to deliver the latest in news, research and technology through presentations tailored to each region, to ensure that growers and advisers can apply the research presented to their farm businesses,” she said.
“The Research Updates aim to give growers an opportunity to learn how they can use GRDC investment to improve their profitability and work through the challenges impacting grains production in their regions.”
Details for all NSW Grains Research Updates are:
- Spring Plains, 20 July – Spring Plains Hall
- Gunnedah, 21 July – Gunnedah Band Hall
- Miles, 26 July – Miles Leichhardt Centre, Memorial Hall
- Pittsworth, 27 July – Pittsworth Function Centre
- Goondiwindi, 28 July – Goondiwindi Community Centre
- Lockhart, 2 August – Lockhart Memorial Hall
- Temora, 3 August – Temora Ex-Services Club
Spring Plains and Gunnedah will kick off the northern Research Updates series, with each agenda selected with input from local growers and agronomists to ensure topics meet grower interest. The Miles Update will kick off the Queensland series, with each agenda selected with input from local growers and agronomists to ensure topics meet grower interest.
GRDC National Grain Storage Extension Project Coordinator Chris Warrick will be presenting at all three Queensland events, with timely information on managing chickpea and cereal quality in on farm storage.
While NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Cereal Plant Pathologist, Dr Steven Simpfendorfer will also be providing an update on crown rot management, with growers urged to be cautious of the disease this year due to high occurrences last year and ongoing wet conditions.
The Lockhart and Temora events will also have regionally specific updates available, including a presentation from Jason Condon on maximising the efficiency of lime application – which has been extremely topical for the Riverina region.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – North, Graeme Sandral, said the update programs have been carefully planned to bring the latest, targeted research, development and extension to growers to help them make the most out of a wet season.
“The northern region had a challenging start to the 2022 season, with significant rainfall events causing delays in sowing and other logistical operations,” he said.
“Now that most growers have crops in the ground, we wanted to ensure they had access to the latest information that could help them increase their productivity and capitalise on good soil moisture.
“Looking at how to best manage input applications, especially considering high commodity prices is a common theme at this winter series of Updates, and is a must-attend for growers, advisers and grains industry professionals.”
The GRDC Research Updates are full day events (9am to 3pm). Morning tea, lunch and Update proceedings will be provided, with plenty of opportunity for networking throughout the day.
To register for an event, or to learn more about the program, visit ICAN’s website, or contact Erica McKay, 02 9482 4930, erica@icanrural.com.au
You can also view a complete list of upcoming Research Updates on GRDC’s events page.