The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working with the Grains Research and Development Corporation to back grains research in Western Australia and is seeing growers reap the results through the State’s record harvest.
DPIRD grains researchers will be presenting some of their latest findings at the upcoming 2022 Grains Research and Development Corporation's Grains Research Updates. The Updates will be held as a virtual event over six days kicking off next week on 21-22 February and continuing through March.
DPIRD grains director Kerry Regan said scientific research was the key to helping growers adapt to produce better crops, increase profitability and export competitiveness, and in turn support regional economies and communities.
“The department’s scientists and researchers are working across a broad range of areas developing innovative cropping technologies and management practices tailored to WA’s unique growing conditions,” Ms Regan said.
“Growers are using this information on crop and soil management strategies and new technologies to increase returns on investment in their farm business.”
Ms Regan said building scientific, industry and export capacity of the State’s grains industry was vital to building resilience and profitability into the future.
“We have just seen another record harvest with growers delivering 24 million tonnes of grain. This couldn’t be achieved without the innovative research to underpin it,” Ms Regan said.
“Continuing to look at how we can do things better, how technology can be applied, what is the impact of climate change, market variability and the information growers are asking for is vital.
“Collaboration on research and development that drives innovation and international competitiveness is also important.
“An emerging imperative is to respond to the environment, social and governance standards that are rapidly emerging in international and domestic markets, including the requirement to account for greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are working closely with universities, CSIRO, private companies, interstate agencies, consultants, growers and grower groups to link innovation from the lab to the paddock to the market.
“Grains Research Updates are a great example of collaboration between key industry partners and provides a fantastic platform for our researchers to share their work and how it will benefit grain growers.”
Eighteen department researchers will present over the six days across a wide range of topics, including plenary sessions on carbon neutral grain farming by 2050, managing risk versus potential in wheat crops, optimising fertiliser applications and a panel session on fertiliser strategies in response to higher prices.
Breakout sessions will cover nitrogen in legume crops, crop protection focusing on bacteria and grain yields linked to frost, electric weed control, spraying for yellow spot in wheat, seeding rates and ryegrass in canola crops, winter wheats for the WA environment, pre-harvest sprouting management and tips for canola establishment.
For more information and to participate in the Grains Research Updates 2020 visit the GRDC Updates and events page.
Media contact:
Katrina Bowers/Megan Broad, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937
