Western Australian grain growers can learn about the latest research and innovations relevant to their region at the upcoming GRDC regional Grains Research Updates, which kick off in Cunderdin on March 11.
GRDC will run five regional Updates throughout March in Cunderdin, Coorow, Munglinup, Kulin and Katanning.
The western regional series follows the hugely successful two-day Grains Research Update held in Perth on February 24 and 25.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager – West Peter Bird said the regional events delivered strategic and innovative information to growers and advisers in each location.
"Hosted in partnership with local grower groups, regional Grains Research Updates bring the latest grains research to WA growers' doorsteps," Mr Bird said.
"These events are critical in enabling growers to keep up with and adopt the changes to farming practices and technologies that are most relevant for their growing region.
"This year's line-up sees the return of grower panels on subjects including precision weed control and soil constraints management, following the success of this format in 2024.
"Weed management and herbicide resistance are also high on the Update agendas and are highly topical for growers with potential upcoming changes to herbicide regulation."
The full-day events will be held at:
- Cunderdin at Cunderdin Sport and Recreation Centre, Tuesday 11 March
- Coorow at Coorow Town Hall, Thursday 13 March
- Munglinup at Munglinup Recreation Centre, Monday 17 March
- Kulin at Freebairn Recreation Centre, Wednesday 19 March
- Katanning at Katanning Country nClub, Friday 21 March.
At the Cunderdin Update, a deep dive into soil constraints management will feature Tom Edwards from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and grower Trevor Symes from Bolgart speaking on soil water repellence.
Also featured will be Dr Gaus Azam from DPIRD and grower Ty Fulwood from Meckering speaking on re-engineering soils.
At the Kulin update, DPIRD's Dr Gaus Azam (centre) will present alongside Tarin Rock grower Mark Pearce (left) on the payoff of soil amelioration in challenging soils. Pictured here with GRDC Sustainable Cropping Systems Manager – West Rowan Maddern (right). Photo: GRDC
In Coorow, Jack Sawyer from Crop Circle Consulting will present on wheat varieties and Dr Roberto Busi from The University of Western Australia (UWA)/DPIRD will provide an update on weed resistance, focusing on alternative options to glyphosate and paraquat.
Additionally, Bill Campbell, along with a panel of growers including Chad Eva, Cameron Jenkins and Dylan Hirsch, will discuss precision weed control systems.
In Munglinup, Dr Andrew Fletcher from CSIRO will speak about canola establishment, while Helen Suter from the University of Melbourne will present on the effectiveness of nitrogen inhibitors.
At the Kulin Update, Dr Azam from DPIRD and grower Mark Pearce from Tarin Rock will discuss the payoff of soil amelioration on more challenging soils. United Kingdom (UK) grower Dick Hall will share his experiences as a grain grower in the UK.
In Katanning, Blakely Paynter from DPIRD will present on barley varieties and agronomy for malt and feed, while Mark Congreve from Independent Consultants Australia Network (ICAN) will discuss weed management, specifically ryegrass control and alternative options to glyphosate and paraquat.
Grower Dylan Hirsch will participate in a panel discussion on precision weed management at the Coorow Grains Research Update on March 13. Photo: Evan Collis/GRDC
The regional Updates series is hosted in partnership with grower groups and organisations including the Liebe Group, O'Connor Research Group, Broomehill Cropping Group, ConsultAg and the Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network (RAIN). Each event will be followed by a sundowner networking session at 5pm.
Tickets are free for these events; however, registration is required for catering purposes. To register for the Updates and see the full programs visit GRDC Updates or contact Grain Industry Western Australia (GIWA) on 08 6262 2128.
Session highlights and focus areas
Cunderdin
- Soil constraints management: soil water repellence and re-engineering soils
- Double break rotations – stacking up the benefits
- The economics of grain automation in the grains industry.
Coorow
- Wheat varieties – where do the new varieties fit?
- Weed resistance update – alternative options to glyphosate and paraquat
- Green-on-green precision weed control systems.
Munglinup
- Canola establishment
- Nitrogen inhibitors – how good are they?
- Harvestable annual legume options – nitrogen strategies using legumes.
Kulin
- Soil amelioration – does is pay on more challenging soils?
- Optimising herbicides and where are we headed?
- Experiences from a UK grain grower.
Katanning
- Barley – varieties and agronomy – for malt and feed
- Pest management – update on hard to kill pests
- Weed management update – ryegrass control and alternative options to glyphosate and paraquat.
