The 101st Merredin Research Facility field day will feature an impressive mix of trial work undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) and its partners in 2014. A range of speakers, including local growers, researchers from DAFWA and CSIRO, and plant breeders will detail how their work can impact farm business bottom lines.
The full day program includes presentations on crop nutrition, oats in the farming system, dry sowing, seed choice, water harvesting, canola plant density and nitrogen application.
Highlights include the much anticipated testing of long season wheat varieties and a look at the ‘Wesley Wheel’ water harvesting concept using different row spacing.
The breadth of trial work on display is the result of strong ties with grower groups and agribusiness in the Merredin area, including the Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG).
Doug McGinniss, of MADFIG, said it was essential that growers got involved with the research being done in their own backyard.
“Hopefully growers can come along, have their say and take home ideas that they can implement in their own business,” he said.
DAFWA's Merredin Research Facility is focused on establishing itself as a hub for dryland broadacre research, attracting national and international research.
Its national significance was highlighted through the Interdrought Conference and Drought Masterclass held at the site last year, and through recent visits by growers from South Australia and New South Wales.
The day commences at 10am, Thursday 25 September, at the Merredin Research Facility barn. All are welcome to attend.
For more information contact the Merredin office on +61 (0)8 9081 3111.