The 2023 GRDC Grains Research Update at Bendigo will be held on February 21 and 22, with more than 200 people expected to attend.
But the proceedings will be livestreamed.
Keynote presentations on topical issues, from maximising wheat yields to maintaining a healthy mindset under pressure, will also be livestreamed.
Victorian grain grower and GRDC southern panel chair Andrew Russell will attend the Bendigo update and is looking forward to sharing stories and learning from others’ experiences.
“The past season has been a dynamic one with growers across the state affected differently,” Mr Russell said.
“I’ve been in this industry for more than 25 years and I’ve never missed an update – it’s a vital part of my business to keep informed about the very latest research to help growers.”
Mr Russell said he encouraged young people, business owners, employers and research leaders to attend and bring their junior staff and students.
“It’s a great opportunity for young people and a unique networking opportunity for them to meet all sorts of people across the industry in person for the first time.”
About 25 speakers will cover a range of topics, including the latest practical insights into weed and disease management, soil nutrition, and soil amelioration.
Big topics will include grain variety classification systems, maintaining and increasing productivity without glyphosate, and the impact of soil properties on pre-emergent herbicides.
Keynote speaker and agronomic consultant Allan Mayfield will review international practices to maximise wheat yield and their potential to improve wheat yield in Australia’s high yielding environments such as southern Victoria.
“Two growers in the UK and New Zealand who are consistently achieving the highest yields in the world of 16 tonnes per hectare put in a lot of time thinking about crop management,” Mr Mayfield said.
“In short, their success is due to attention to detail, particularly in relation to crop nutrition.
“But it is not as simple as just chasing high yields by applying more nitrogen fertiliser – other limiting factors come into play.
“Growers could use grain nutrient testing in addition to soil and leaf testing, they can target good soil condition by building up organic matter and soil nutrient reserves, and run in-paddock test strips to try different fertiliser strategies.”
He warned that higher yields are never guaranteed.
“Restrictions on agricultural inputs in Europe has seen their crop production go backwards.
“We shouldn’t assume crop productivity will continue to get better and we must support our industry leaders to keep advancing and innovating.”
