Hearing the individual challenges facing grain growers in central western New South Wales will be the focus of a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern Region Panel tour from September 3-6.
Led by grain grower and chair of the GRDC Northern Panel John Minogue, the 11-member advisory panel will tour through the region on a three-day fact-finding trip to engage with growers, grower groups, advisers, researchers and community members.
Mr Minogue said the Panel played a critical role collecting and then relaying information back to the GRDC about the challenges facing growers, along with feedback about on-the-ground research needs and priorities.
He said the GRDC Northern Panel visited different areas of NSW and Queensland cropping regions twice a year to liaise directly with industry.
September's tour is scheduled to visit the cropping areas of Parkes, Jemalong, Condobolin, West Wyalong, Temora, Marrar, Greenthorpe, Gooloogong and Manildra.
"As a Panel it is important we create opportunities to engage directly with growers in a two-way conversation that helps us develop an in-depth understanding of the regional constraints to farm profitability and productivity," Mr Minogue said.
"Understanding the concerns and challenges facing growers in different regions ensures we can fulfil our responsibilities of ensuring that levy investments deliver farm-ready solutions to production constraints, help reduce production costs and importantly increase farm profitability.
"The GRDC uses this information to help refine investments at regional and national levels, because at the end of the day we all share a common goal of creating enduring profitability for the grains industry."
Mr Minogue said this tour would include visits to grower properties and grower groups, as well as visits to transport hubs and end user operations.
"We know how important transport is to grain growers so understanding how developments like the proposed inland rail will affect industry is pivotal," he said.
"On this tour the Panel will also take advantage of opportunities to engage with stakeholders, like dairy operators Moxley Farms and MSM Milling in Manildra, because understanding the needs of our end users is critical in determining how we meet market requirements."
