Grain growers from south west Victoria will gather in Bannockburn next month to learn of the latest outcomes from grains research and development which offer the potential for positive impact on-farm.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is hosting a Grains Research Update at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Thursday, February 27.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – South, Randall Wilksch, says the Update offers growers a unique opportunity to receive regional information, advice and recommendations to inform their tactical decision making for improved profitability.
“The GRDC is bringing to Bannockburn experts from across Australia and the globe to provide local growers with new knowledge and outcomes from investments in relevant research and development,” Mr Wilksch says.
The Update will be attended by growers, agronomists, consultants, researchers and other grains industry personnel.
Among the guest speakers will be leading international agricultural consultant Keith Norman, from the United Kingdom, who will discuss the realities of producing grain in a highly regulated environment.
Awarded Farm Adviser of the Year in the UK’s Farmers Weekly awards in 2013, Mr Norman has worked on various overseas farming activities in Spain, France, Germany, Zambia, Russia and the Ukraine.
Mr Norman will provide a critical insight into how grain producers’ freedom to operate in modern farming systems can be maintained under increasing regulatory control and will detail the emerging innovative technologies available to assist UK growers in achieving their huge yield potentials.
Southern Farming Systems chief executive and GRDC Southern Region Panel member Jon Midwood will join Mr Norman to compare and contrast local hyper yielding trial results with international production capabilities and discuss constraints being tackled both here and overseas.
La Trobe University’s associate professor in crop agronomy, James Hunt, will assess the opportunities to overcome the major yield constraints likely to face the grains industry over the next five to 10 years and where research breakthroughs may come from.
Grant Hollaway from Agriculture Victoria will provide a comprehensive ‘crop doctor’ report on disease trends in 2019 and management going forward, including the behaviour of stripe rust outbreaks.
Chris Preston from the University of Adelaide will update attendees on resistance data for pre-emergent herbicides and best use of new chemistries in the context of crop safety plant-back, and where they fit in terms of rotation, soil, rainfall and seasonal impacts.
The Update will be from 9am to 1pm, with catering provided. For a detailed program and to register, please visit
