Latest seasonal advice at updates

THE Grains Research and Development Corporation is hosting the Queensland Grains Research Updates in March.

The event will be an opportunity for growers and agronomists to keep up to date with seasonal advice and support as well as the latest research and development.

GRDC senior manager north, Jan Edwards, said GRDC investment directions, innovation and research to guide on-farm decision making were key themes for the Queensland GRDC Research Updates.

“The update programs are designed to bring the latest cutting-edge innovation and research outcomes from the GRDC extensive research, development and extension investments to growers and agronomists,” Ms Edwards said.

On the theme of innovation, the keynote speaker at Goondiwindi will be Martin Abell from Precision Decisions in the United Kingdom. Mr Abell will explain the ground-breaking Hands-Free Hectare grain farming project, which aims to be the first in the world to farm exclusively with robots.

Peter Hayman, a principal scientist in climate applications with the South Australian Research and Development Institute will present the latest in frost management advice to growers at both the Goondiwindi and Allora updates.

Well-known researcher, Mike Bell from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, will also explain how a crop’s root development and architecture can impact nutrient uptake.

Other topics on the agenda include the latest on canola diseases, chickpea management and global grain trends.

The 2018 GRDC Updates will be held in Goondiwindi on March 6 and 7, and Allora on March 8. For more details go to www.grdc.com.au/events.