BIRCHIP Cropping Group will unveil the latest performance updates on wheat and barley varieties being put to the test in the GRDC national variety trials (NVT) program.
BCG research agronomists Anna Marcus and Ashlee Tierney will present an overview at the peak industry group’s main field day on September 10 of how key varieties are performing under this season’s dry start, and what growers should be watching for as spring unfolds.
“There’s always an interest in what came out on top last season, and this year, we’re also taking a close look at how early establishment has played out given the challenging conditions in May and June,” Ms Marcus said.
She said participants can expect updates on top-performing varieties including Shotgun, Tomahawk, Brumby and Rockstar, as well as barley standouts Compass, Neo and Combat.
With no significant disease pressure so far this season, the focus will be on growth, yield potential, and agronomic performance.
Ms Tierney said growers will also get an early look at new, unnamed varieties in the pipeline.
“This year we’ve included two new barley lines, an IMI-tolerant variety from Intergrain suited to low rainfall environments, and a herbicide tolerant line for low rainfall conditions from AGT,” she added.
“The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers and advisors in varietal decision making by providing information on commercially available grain varieties, including comparisons of yield performance, disease resistance and grain quality,” Ms Marcus said.
“It’s important for growers to remember we ensure these trials are not nitrogen limited, so they are indicative of a variety’s best genetic potential,” she said.
At the Main Field Day, the researchers will be joined by plant breeders and local agronomists for an interactive discussion covering varietal traits, herbicide tolerance groups, and how newer lines are shaping up under Mallee conditions.
Growers are encouraged to come along with questions and take advantage of the opportunity to talk directly with researchers, breeders and agronomists about what’s working, what’s new, and what to consider for 2026 sowing decisions.
For more information or to become a BCG member, visit bcg.org.au.
