Graingrowers, farming systems groups and others in the grains industry across Eyre Peninsula staged meetings with the GRDC Southern Panel when it visited the region in early September to discuss the season, and industry opportunities and challenges.

The panel also checked out local research facility Minnipa Agricultural Centre.

Southern Panel chair Andrew Russell says the spring tour was a key event for panel members and plays an important role in shaping GRDC’s investment decisions.

“The spring tour gives us a chance to directly engage with growers, advisers and researchers in the paddock,” Andrew says.

“Talking to graingrowers in their paddocks and at trial sites helps us guide GRDC’s investment in RD&E to help ensure it is relevant and practical for South Australian growers,” he explains.

“Sometimes constraints and opportunities are difficult to articulate. 

“Engaging with growers on site and seeing for ourselves, really helps us understand issues and opportunities for investment.”

The Eyre Peninsula produces almost half of South Australia’s wheat, 28 per cent of its barley and 32 per cent of its canola – and lentil production has grown in the past five years across the region. 

Agriculture is also a major local employer.

“We’re looking forward to tour the EP, to see how the season’s played out so far, and meet growers,” said Mr Russell.

Topics for discussion and sharing included innovations to manage sandy and calcareous soils and related challenges, grain storage opportunities, and frost management and the panel also met with AIR EP’s Rudall young farmers group and agronomic advisory businesses.