Technology’s role in driving grain profits to be explored at Nhill GRDC Update
Key points:
- Wimmera growers urged to attend GRDC Update at Nhill
- Focus on adapting technology for profitable grain production
The potential for Wimmera growers to generate increased profits through adoption of new technologies will be explored in detail at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Update at Nhill on July 29.
Developments in strategic farming practices, and their potential bottom-line impact, will also be examined and discussed at the Update.
GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said the Update would be of immense interest and value to Wimmera 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 presentation by Dr Mike McLaughlin from the CSIRO in Adelaide who will provide growers with information on how they can “get more bang for their phosphorus buck”. He will look at how much locked phosphorus can be freed up from the soil, how liquid phosphorus efficiency compares to granular, and new and emerging trace element technology.
Dr Michael Walsh from the Birchip Cropping Group will provide an update on weed resistance relevant to Wimmera farming systems and will supply information on sustaining glyphosate effectiveness for the future.
Moree (NSW) grain grower Hugh Ball will discuss the adoption of controlled traffic systems, his experience with weed sensing technology and achieving business efficiencies.
Advances in pulses – including developments which aid early sowing, new tillage practices which reduce risk, and increasing opportunities to control foliar disease – will be the subject of a presentation by Jason Brand from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in Horsham.
A seasonal outlook by DPI Grains Team’s Chris Sounness will conclude the morning program.
Following the Update, a Birchip Cropping Group field trial inspection will be conducted.
The GRDC Update will be held from 9am at the Nhill Uniting Church Hall on July 29. 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.