Three Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Local Forums will be held in Victoria over the coming weeks to provide grain growers and industry stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss grains research, development and extension (RD&E) investments and activities.
The GRDC's Southern Regional Cropping Solutions Network (RCSN) is hosting interactive forums at Penshurst (high rainfall zone) on June 27, Maryborough (medium rainfall zone) on June 28, and Cullulleraine (low rainfall zone) on July 2.
Southern RCSN co-ordinator Jen Lillecrapp says the forums are another way for growers and industry to talk directly with GRDC staff and local members of the GRDC Southern RCSN.
"The Local Forums provide grain growers and industry with the opportunity to have their say on cropping profitability constraints and opportunities and to shape future RD&E," Mrs Lillecrapp says.
"The investment of grower levies and a snapshot of GRDC RD&E outcomes and activities to tackle important regional issues will be discussed at the forums."
A focus topic for the Penshurst forum is nutrition strategies to realise the yield potential of cropping in the high rainfall zone and manage the impacts of waterlogging. Crop nutrition expert Rob Norton will lead the discussion on this topic.
Agriculture Victoria researcher Roger Armstrong will discuss the focus topic of deep ripping at the Maryborough forum.
Better adapted varieties and agronomy practices for growing pulses in the Mallee will be the focus topic at Cullulleraine where the key speaker will be Agriculture Victoria pulse research agronomist Jason Brand.
The Southern RCSN comprises 38 members – growers, advisers and researchers – plus members of the GRDC Southern Panel from across Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
"The RCSN provides an important connection between local growers, GRDC and industry stakeholders," Mrs Lillecrapp says.
"The network identifies and understands the important constraints and opportunities for the long-term profitability of growers in the southern region and members' ideas assist the GRDC to plan RD&E that will deliver the greatest benefit to industry."
The Penshurst and Maryborough forums will be from 9am to 12.30pm, with catering provided, while the Cullulleraine forum will be from 9am to 12 noon, followed by lunch and a Pulse Check meeting facilitated by Mallee Sustainable Farming.
