A new practical management guide to help grain growers capture market opportunities for oats was launched today at the Newdegate Machinery Field Days by Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman.
Mr Redman said oats had made a resurgence in Western Australia in recent years, with the industry worth $230million per annum to the State's economy.
"WA production of milling and feed oats grew from 440,000 tonnes in 2006-07 to 570,000 tonnes in 2009, making WA the country's major oats producer, comprising more than 50 per cent the national oat pool," he said.
"This has been a result of a combination of factors. New markets have emerged in Asia, particularly in Japan, and several new high-yielding oat varieties, backed by robust agronomic guidelines, have increased gross margin profits by $30-40 per hectare.
"The new bulletin 'Growing oats in Western Australia for hay and grain' will help WA farmers to continue to produce high-quality and profitable oats or for new growers to evaluate the crops' viability."
The new oats bulletin was produced by the Department of Agriculture and Food and harnesses the latest in research and trial outcomes.
The Minister said the document provided a best practice 'how to' guide to optimise the potential of an oat crop.
"This comprehensive document covers everything from paddock selection to soil characteristics, rotation and frost risk management," he said.
"It also has segments on crop establishment, fertilisers and plant nutrition, weeds, diseases, insects, harvest and making quality hay."
Mr Redman said the bulk of the State's oat crop was exported, as both hay and grain.
"Oats has long been a profitable crop and a valuable contributor to the State's economy, with exports worth about $185million each year," he said.
The Minister said oats had also gained popularity in recent years as a strategic crop.
"Research by the department has demonstrated its agronomic potential as a break crop, reducing the risk of crop disease and Annual Ryegrass Toxicity, as well as its versatility as a feed crop," he said.
"I commend 'Growing oats in Western Australia for hay and grain' to all broadacre farmers and congratulate the department on producing a comprehensive document that will help WA producers to maximise their profitability. I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Grains Research and Development Corporation to oats research."
'Bulletin 4798 Growing oats in Western Australia for hay and grain' is available from department offices or online at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 6700
