Grain growers in the South-East and Mallee regions of South Australia are being encouraged to indulge in some extra screen time this month as the latest grains research insights relevant to their farming systems are extended directly to them.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is hosting Grains Research Updates for growers and advisers via an online platform on Wednesday, August 19 (Mallee), and Thursday, August 20 (South-East).

These two online Grains Research Updates replace the in-person regional events originally planned for Lameroo and Bordertown.

Growers and advisers can tune in for brief but dynamic programs from 9.30 to 11am.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager – South, Tom Blake, says the Updates, to be streamed live, will enable growers to tap into GRDC farm-ready research relevant to their farming systems.

“These online Updates will allow participants to hear from and interact with experts on a range of hand-picked topics for their regions,” Mr Blake says.

Live question and answer sessions for the Lameroo event will feature:

• Jack Desbiolles, University of SA. What seeder-based approaches are effective at improving crop productivity on water repellent soils?
• Warwick Grace, Grace Research Network. When will the Riverland and Mallee Mesonet data be available and how will the system assist in farming decisions?
• Chris McDonough, Insight Extension for Agriculture. What can be done about the soaks seeping across SA?
• Ross Ballard, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). What legume pastures perform well in low rainfall farming systems?
• Chris McDonough will contribute to discussions around applying research outcomes to local conditions and farming systems.

Live question and answer sessions for the Bordertown event will feature:

• Mel Fraser, Rural Solutions SA, PIRSA. Subsurface acidity – how to assess appropriately to get the full picture and what are our treatment options?
• Audrey Delahunty, Agriculture Victoria. What impact does lentil variety have on frost susceptibility and how can remote frost sensing tools benefit a grower?
• Amanda Pearce, SARDI. Local farming system rotation work – what is the best mix of crops/pastures for this area?
• Local grower Steve Jaeschke will contribute to discussions around applying research outcomes to local conditions and farming systems.

Free online registration is via  (Lameroo) and (Bordertown). For more information, phone ORM on 03 5441 6176 or email admin@orm.com.au.

Contact details

For interviews

Tom Blake, GRDC
0418 863 186
tom.blake@grdc.com.au

Contact

GRDC Adelaide office Communications Manager – South
(08) 8198 8400
media@grdc.com.au