Landholders in the eastern grainbelt fighting to make the best of the 2017 season will be able to hear about the latest grains research and development advances and advice on future business strategies at this week’s field day in Merredin.
The Wrestling 2017 and Beyond spring research event has been organised by the Merredin and Districts Farm and Improvement Group (MADFIG), with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
In the morning, visitors to the department’s Merredin Research Facility can examine grain trial sites.
During the afternoon, visitors will have the opportunity to attend information sessions along with agribusiness and regional support services at the Merredin facility.
MADFIG Vice President Andrew Crook said the day includes presentations from Anazasi Agronomy, DPIRD, Rabobank and Agvise.
“Our focus for the day is to provide relevant information to growers and industry about making the most of the 2017 growing season and how to plan and prepare for 2018,” Mr Crook said.
“Although this season has been challenging, growers will be able to improve practices and adapt better to dry conditions in the future by observing this local research and by networking with other growers to share knowledge and experiences.”
Department grains development officer Glen Riethmuller will speak at his 30-year-old trial site about the success of establishing wheat by seeding into 2016’s rows using autosteer.
Mr Riethmuller will also advise growers about making machinery adjustments to successfully harvest shorter crops following the below average rainfall season.
Research officer Catherine Borger will provide an update on an ongoing wild radish management trial.
The trial investigates the cumulative impact of single or double knockdown herbicides, low or high seeding rates and early or late applications of in-crop selective herbicides.
Development officer Kylie Chambers will present the findings of a recent survey to characterise soil borne disease risks in the eastern grainbelt.
Senior research officer Bob French will discuss a wheat and canola crop trial site and applying lime to correct aluminium toxicity in acidic soils, while research officer Dion Nicol will talk about matching wheat varieties with sowing times in the region.
Department Executive Director Jason Moynihan said the field day was a good opportunity for growers to learn more about how the department was working to assist WA farm businesses to address current and future challenges.
“Visitors will be able to see the cutting edge research being undertaken at Merredin by the department and its partners, including the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) and CSIRO,” Mr Moynihan said.
The spring research event Wrestling 2017 and Beyond will be held on Wednesday, 20 September starting at 9.45am at DPIRD’s Merredin Research Facility on Great Eastern Highway.
Those who would like attend can contact MADFIG Administration Officer Beck Watson on 0427 095 608.