South Australia to host leading Grains Research Update event

Jan. 22, 2024 | 5 Min read
Adelaide will attract hundreds of grains researchers, advisers, consultants and growers in February to connect scientists with people working in the grains industry to share knowledge and support innovation adoption.

Adelaide will attract hundreds of grains researchers, advisers, consultants and growers in February to connect scientists with people working in the grains industry to share knowledge and support innovation adoption.

The 2024 GRDC Grains Research Update – Adelaide will be held on February 6 and 7 and is the first Grains Research Update to be held in 2024 by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Registration is now open.

Grains Research Updates are the flagship event series of the GRDC and aim to communicate the knowledge and outputs of research, development and extension (RD&E) investments made by the organisation.

Andrew Russell is a Victorian grain grower and chairs the GRDC Southern Panel, which provides advice to GRDC on how to invest grower levies into RD&E to maximise benefits to grain growers.

“The Updates are an opportunity to mix and learn from industry experts both locally and from afar, and to talk about the season just experienced, what worked, what failed, the challenges and the wins,” said Mr Russell.

“The Updates are so important because they offer us an opportunity to inform and learn from each other regarding how different management and decision-making worked or failed.

“This information arms us with knowledge for future seasons, pending threats and emerging issues to deal with on the front foot.

“The opportunity to bring experience, expertise and the next generation of agronomists, advisers, researchers and growers together is truly magical.

 “It’s so informative to listen to the questions and debates during Update sessions.”

He added that having keynote speakers on current and relevant topic prompts delegates to discuss how to plan and adopt or implement management strategies or remedy challenges through science and technology.

 “Talking with peers on any of these matters provides the opportunity to make a more informed decision,” Mr Russell said.

This year Canadian agronomist Dr Sheri Stryhorst will join the Adelaide Update as the keynote speaker. Coming from a background in agronomic research, Dr Stryhorst has more than 20 years’ experience helping to increase the profitability of Canadian crop producers. 

GRDC Grains Research Updates bring together grain growers, advisers and researchers to share knowledge to advance grain industry innovation. Photo: GRDC

Dr Stryhorst also farms with her husband near Neerlandia, Alberta, so has lived experience of the challenges faced by growers. She will compare and contrast the challenges of growers in Canada and Australia to shed light on adopting innovative agronomic practices and research.

Around 30 speakers will cover a range of topics at the Adelaide event discussing practical learnings growers and advisers can put in place immediately, though to the latest research insights from trials and the lab.

Program highlights include:

  • Nick Carracher, Lachstock Consulting, Adelaide
    Current and likely impacts international grain markets

     
  • Peter Hayman (SARDI) & Barry Mudge (Barry Mudge Consulting)
    RiskWi$e learnings: Profitable nitrogen decision making and risk management

     
  • Cam Nicholson, Nicon Rural Services
    Building rapport and communicating with clients

     
  • Chris Preston, University of Adelaide
    Continuing to optimise the efficacy of pre-emergent chemistry

Following the Adelaide event, the GRDC Grains Research Update – Maitland, SA, will take place on February 8. Grains Research Updates held in regional areas target local growers and issues and provide a focused opportunity to review how RD&E knowledge and outputs can be applied locally.

GRDC Grains Research Updates in South Australia are organised by ORM with the support and involvement of many research and industry organisations and individuals.

Registration and information:

GRDC Grains Research Update – Adelaide (6-7 Feb)
GRDC Grains Research Update – Maitland (8 Feb)



About Us: GRDC is one of 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research, development and extension for 25 leviable grain crops. Our purpose is to invest in RD&E to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.

Categories Agribusiness

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