GRDC Northern Panel is on its way to Tamworth to gain firsthand knowledge from grain growers and farm advisers in the region.

Understanding local issues and opportunities is a key focus of GRDC's regional panel tours, giving valuable insight to panel members who play a critical advisory and strategic role in informing GRDC Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) investments.

The 2024 northern tour will focus on the Tamworth region and take place from tomorrow (Wednesday, September 11) to Friday (September 13).

It aims to provide an in-depth view of the grain production industry, with GRDC representatives engaging directly with local growers, agribusinesses and researchers.

Key visit locations and engagements will include:

• Baiada: a leading agribusiness in the poultry sector, integrating grain production into its operations;
• NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD): a critical partner in agricultural research and innovation;
• GRDC’s National Variety Trial (NVT) site at Windy Station: a site focusing on the performance of new grain varieties;
• Elders (Killara Feedlot): a key site for feedlot operations and grain utilisation; and
• AMPS Agribusiness: an organisation that works closely with growers to provide agricultural products and services.

In addition to these industry interactions, the tour will include farm visits and shed meetings offering GRDC representatives the opportunity to engage directly with growers about their experiences, challenges and successes.

The tour is a vital platform for fostering collaboration between GRDC, growers, agronomists, farm advisers and industry stakeholders and ensuring that research outcomes are aligned with the needs of the sector.