Paths to profitable grain production to be explored at Skipton GRDC Update
Key points:
- South-western Victorian growers urged to attend GRDC Update at Skipton
- Focus on management and technology for profitable grain production
As costs of production continue to rise, grain growers are increasingly looking for ways and means of generating greater returns from their farming systems.
The adoption of new technologies and strategic farm management systems is seen by many growers as a practical path to increased profitability.
Developments in farming practices, and their potential bottom-line impact, will be examined and discussed at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update at Skipton on Thursday, July 23.
GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said the Update would be of immense interest and value to south-western Victorian growers keen to improve their margins.
“The Update will feature a number of speakers who will provide growers with useful insights into the latest technologies and practices,” Mr Shannon said.
“Growers are faced with ever-increasing cost pressures so it is important that we explore all avenues that offer the potential for improved profitability.”
The Update will begin with a grain marketing overview from independent market analyst Ron Storey, of Crop Forecasters Australia.
Mr Storey will outline the trends for harvest 2009, impacts and outcomes from deregulation of the market, and the key influences on current prices.
Machinery expert Andrew Whitlock, from FARMpos, will bring growers up to date on developments in precision agriculture. He will focus on the value of converting yield, topography and other data into cost effective management strategies including the costs and tricks associated with moving from the “light bar” to controlled traffic. He will provide advice on setting up on-farm trials.
Local growers Rowan Peel and David Langley will offer first-hand accounts of their experiences with the adoption of new technology, including precision farming and controlled traffic. They will outline the benefits derived, problems overcome and emerging challenges.
Strategic control of insect pests will also come under the microscope at the Skipton Update which will feature a presentation by John Roberts from the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research.
Mr Roberts will provide advice on how growers can protect beneficial insects while being effective in reducing insect pests in crops.
Future drivers for the canola industry will be the subject of a presentation by Oilseeds Industry Development Officer Felicity Pritchard, while Phil Hawker from Western Ag will discuss nitrogen nutrition, including strategies for this season.
The Update will conclude with a seasonal disease overview from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) pathologist Dr Grant Holloway, and disease control strategies will be discussed by Rohan Wardle of Southern Farming Systems.
The GRDC Update will be held from 9am at the Skipton Golf/Bowling Club on July 23. Registration will be from 8.15am. Growers seeking more information about the Update can visit www.grdc.com.au/updatedates.
For more information contact Jon Lamb Communications on (08) 8362 5417 or Sharon Watt on (08) 8407 0000.