South Australian grain growers, advisers, researchers and consultants will start 2025 with an opportunity to compare notes and catch up on recent research, development and extension (RD&E) outcomes this February, when the GRDC Grains Research Updates return to Adelaide.

Registrations are now open for this premiere industry forum, which will be held as a hybrid (in person and online) event on Tuesday, 4 February and Wednesday, 5 February 2025.

The event will feature a diverse range of presentations, with speakers covering everything from new tactics for minimising frost damage to community trust in food production. There will also be networking opportunities and a social banquet for in-person attendees.

Online participation will be delivered as a free livestream of presentations from the main hall, with the opportunity for registered participants to submit questions during the presentations.

Rutherglen, Victoria, grain grower and GRDC Southern Panel chair Andrew Russell said he strongly believes attending in-person remains the most comprehensive and rewarding option for growers, agronomists, advisers, researchers and students.

GRDC Southern Panel Chair, grain grower Andrew Russell, say the 2025 GRDC Grains Research Updates are a chance for industry participants to gain knowledge, experience and networks. Photo: Sophie Clayton © GRDC

“I’ve been attending Updates for 20-odd years and I always get enormous value from going in person,” Mr Russell said.

“Beyond catching up on the latest research outcomes and advice, there are numerous opportunities to discuss the information with peers, to gain different perspectives on the practical application and potential value of the findings.

“There is a wealth of information and experience that gets exchanged during these conversations, whether you’re just starting in the sector or you’ve been at it for decades.

“Plus, attending Updates is the best excuse to get off the farm and talk with other farmers about the challenges and opportunities we face together while doing what we love. That’s hard to beat.”

Topics covered at the GRDC Updates include those from RD&E Investments generated from the National Grower Network (NGN).

The NGN is a key channel for industry participants to inform GRDC of issues that are being observed or confronted by growers and advisers at a local level. This information helps shape GRDC’s RD&E program, with the Grains Research Updates completing the circle by providing science-based advice back to industry.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager – South Tim Bateman said the emphasis on local concerns will be highlighted by a panel discussion on key learnings from 2024’s dry season, which will be hosted by Josh Hollitt, Hollitt Consulting, Port Lincoln; Felicity Turner, Turner Agribusiness, Meningie; and CSIRO farming systems researcher Dr Kenton Porker.

“This is a unique opportunity for growers and advisers to hear how the dry 2024 season impacted others, how some growers achieved a respectable harvest despite decile one rainfall, and how we can all use the learnings to better manage similar seasons in the future,” he said.

“Another very relevant session for younger agronomists, given the tough season, will be the plenary on looking after your health and your clients with Steph Schmidt from Farm.Life.Psych.

“For me, those topics highlight how the planning committee is able to cherry-pick relevant information from everything that is going on across GRDC and beyond and deliver an event that provides direct relevance and value for the grains industry.”

Other highlights of the Adelaide program include:

• Converting our worst soils to our best – next steps in the amelioration of sandy soils, with Therese McBeath, CSIRO, and Chris Saunders, University of South Australia.
• Unlocking yield potential in challenging seasons - maximising rainfall conversion to grain, presented by Kenton Porker, CSIRO.
• Nitrogen banking performance in contrasting seasons with Professor James Hunt, University of Melbourne.
• Digging deeper - Valuing plant and soil testing information for agronomic decisions with Rick Llewellyn, CSIRO.

Mr Bateman said the GRDC Grains Research Update in Adelaide is likely to bring together 400 or more attendees, offering plenty of opportunities for learning, asking questions and building personal networks.

“The Updates attract a great mix of people from early-career researchers and agronomists to GRDC representatives and everyone is there to discuss, learn and share,” he said.

“It ensures our industry is connected, resilient and robust.”

Following the Adelaide event, growers and advisers from South Australia’s Mid North region will be able to focus on more local issues at a Grains Research Update to be held at Spalding on 6 February 2025. This regional update will be more of a town hall event for growers and advisers to address issues, ask questions and network with peers in a smaller group setting.

GRDC Grains Research Updates in South Australia are organised by ORM with the support and involvement of many research and industry organisations and individuals.

Information and registrations:

• Grains Research Update – Adelaide (4-5 Feb)
• Grains Research Update – Spalding (6 Feb).