Growers in the Lake Grace area have received the latest agronomy advice and viewed trials conducted by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and ConsultAg at a field walk held this week.
Visitors to the afternoon event, held on a property north of Lake Grace, heard from several department researchers including Raj Malik on cereal and break crops and Brenda Shackley on wheat.
Agronomist Steve Curtin from ConsultAg also spoke to attendees about sowing options and managing frost risks.
Department research officer Dr Malik said growers picked up many tips including best management strategies for sowing times and matching crop varieties with the local environment.
“Our research program this year covers some vital aspects of crop agronomy and the field walk provided a great opportunity for participants to walk through the trials and gain some useful information,” Dr Malik said.
“The department is conducting a range of trials, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, with the aim of developing agronomic and management packages to assist growers to improve crop production and profitability.
“The trials include cereal options for early sowing, response of cereals and canola to nitrogen, seeding rates and nitrogen fertiliser to improve yield and quality of barley and oats and tactical nitrogen applications in wheat.
“Low fertiliser input for canola and agronomic performance of faba bean varieties are also being examined.”
Dr Malik said pulse crops and early sowing options for cereals are generating significant interest in the grains industry.
The September 21 field day was supported by the Lakes Information & Farming Technology (LIFT) group.
[1]Media contacts: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937