Nhill forum for grain growers
Research findings that have the potential to underpin improvements in Wimmera and other regional grain-growing farm practices and profitability will be among topics at a forum at Nhill.
Grains Research and Development Corporation will host a Grains Research Update at the west Wimmera centre on Tuesday.
The update, in Nhill Uniting Church Hall from 9am to 1pm, will feature expert speakers who will present latest research findings, which have relevance to and implications for growers in the region.
GRDC southern grower relations manager Darren Arney said topics would include the use of glyphosate, snail control, stubble management, optimising canola growth and controlling ryegrass.
“The update provides growers and their advisers with a valuable opportunity to hear from experts who are working at the research coalface, and to gain knowledge and advice that could lead to positive impact in the paddock and the bank account,” he said.
Andrew Somervaille from Jubilee Consulting will discuss factors to consider when using different glyphosate formulations and optimal use of adjuvants. He will provide an independent review of ‘mythbusting’ adjuvants, rates, timeliness and the efficacy of glyphosate formulations.
Michael Richards from Ag Excellence Alliance will present findings into snail management. Mr Richards will look at problematic crops and baiting strategies to manage current snail issues.
CSIRO’S Tony Swan will outline pre-harvest stubble management options such as stubble load, harvest height, seeding systems, weeds and crop sequences.
South Australian Research and Development Institute researcher Andrew Ware will discuss optimising canola growth through critical agronomy, focusing on time of sowing, water-use efficiency, nitrogen requirements by variety and using frost management data.
Controlling ryegrass with tactics such as improved chemistry and optimising the efficacy of pre-emergent herbicides will be the subject of a Chris Preston presentation.
Dr Preston is from the University of Adelaide and will also update growers on emerging herbicide-resistance trends.