Grower John Pattison, Takada Farming, Marrar with GRDC Northern Panel member Bruce Watson from Parkes.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) recently conducted a four-day tour through the Central West and southern NSW to gain ‘on the ground’ insight into the current challenges and opportunities facing grain growers.
GRDC Northern Panel Chair John Minogue said the tour had an important advisory and strategic role in helping to guide ongoing and future research investment.
“While many growers and advisers are battling drought conditions most are positive about the long-term future of the grains industry and value the role research plays in ensuring profitability.”
Issues raised by growers, advisers and end-users included: an increased interest in trials with livestock components; why a successful pulse crop is critical for NSW; the impact of increasing biologicals on soil health; future research capacity; heat and drought tolerant crops, particularly triticale and oats; improving the skills of graduate level agronomists; the carbon economy and what it will mean for grain growers; long season canola options; and what’s next in the barley breeding program.