The future of automation in grain growing and market access for Australian grain exports in a changing world are the headline topics for Western Australia's biggest grains event, set to be held at Crown Perth on February 24 and 25.
Ben Kelly, Director of Marketing, Australia and New Zealand at John Deere Australia will present in the plenary session on day one of the Grains Research and Development Corporation's (GRDC) annual Grains Research Update – Perth.
Mr Kelly will highlight the key technologies driving automation that will be available for Australian grain farming enterprises in the future.
Joining Mr Kelly as a keynote speaker will be John Ackerman, General Manager Trade and Market Access at Grains Australia. Dr Ackerman will present on key trends and drivers influencing global grain markets and their impact on the Australia grains industry.
The Grains Research Update – Perth, brings together growers, researchers, consultants, agronomists and advisers to showcase the latest research, technology, market development and innovations to improve the productivity and profitability of the industry.
The two-day event will be opened by GRDC Board Chair and South Australian grain grower Sharon Starick, who will highlight future directions for GRDC investments.
GRDC Western Panel Chair Gary Lang will present the highly coveted Seed of Light award, recognising outstanding communication of GRDC supported research outcomes.
Ben Kelly, Director of Marketing, Australia and New Zealand at John Deere Australia will share the technologies driving automation that will be available for Australian grain farming enterprises in the future. Photo: GRDC
They will be joined by a host of local, national and international speakers presenting on more than 50 topics including farming systems, AI and automation, markets, soils and agronomy, weed management, emissions, climate and weather, diseases and nutrition.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager West, Peter Bird said the Update agenda was informed by a dedicated program committee and focused on topics of interest and relevance to WA growers.
"GRDC is dedicated to investing in research, development and extension (RD&E) that consistently produces new insights, innovative ideas, and optimal management practices, all aimed at enhancing the profitability of Australian farming businesses," said Mr Bird.
"As one of the biggest events in the WA grains industry, we receive strong interest from researchers and industry who are eager to communicate their latest grains research outcomes."
Mr Bird said the 2025 agenda includes several sessions on artificial intelligence, autonomy and data, reflecting strong grower interest in this space, as well as significant and rapid developments in these areas across the industry over the past 12 months.
"This year we have international speakers from Canada, the United Kingdom and USA, adding to an already impressive line-up of WA-based and national research experts."
These include:
- An extended focus on weed management systems in Canada by Tom Wolf, Agrimetrix, Canada
- From data to decisions: the power of geospatial analytics and generative AI in Ag Tech from Chad Jennings, Almanac, Canada
- Insights into how hyperspectral satellites can accurately detect nitrogen in crops from George Marangos-Gilks, Messium, United Kingdom
- Harnessing AI for the future of precision agriculture by Raj Khosla, Kansas State University, USA.
The Update will also feature a special session facilitated by well-known grower Bob Nixon and ABC Rural producer Richard Hudson focusing on the diversity of career opportunities in the grains industry.
To register for the Update and see the full program visit GRDC Updates
