More than 400 consultants taking part in annual Crop Updates

17/2/99

Primary Industry Minister Monty House said the Western Australian grain industry was achieving international competitiveness with the benefit of technological advancements through cropping research and development.

Mr House said more than 400 consultants, agronomists and researchers were participating in Agriculture WA's annual Crop Updates over the next two days to enhance crop production and grain quality.

The Crop Updates were the first step in a year-long extension effort to promote the adoption of research and new technology on WA farms. The research would be discussed with grain growers at a series of regional updates and field days over the course of 1999.

"The Crop Updates include the latest advancements in technology and development in all broadacre crops, including progress reports on the performance of new varieties released last year," the Minister said.

"One of the features of the event is the relevance of the information provided. Much of the research information is from the recent harvest."

Mr House said the Crop Updates, organised by Agriculture WA, with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, were presented each year to ensure industry remained abreast of new improvements which could be practically applied by growers.

"The focus of the first day is on cereals, while the fast-growing pulse and oilseeds industries will conclude the seminar on day two," he said.

"There will also be information on weed control, pastures and marketing."

Mr House said highlights of the cereals day included the launch of a grower crop monitoring kit, 'Test as You Grow', which allowed for grower involvement and direct feedback to researchers.

He said the larger, commercial-sized trials on farm increased the opportunity for innovation, particularly in the agronomy of new crops and varieties. These activities complemented traditional intensive small trial plot research and development.

"Recent research has suggested that participative research and development is an extremely effective way of interacting with growers and passing on new information," the Minister said.

He said other research highlights would include the performance of Gairdner barley, pulse crop selection for different environments, the use of vetches and beating blackleg in canola.

An industry-developed herbicide resistant Quick Test would also be unveiled together with key research in integrated weed management.

Mr House said Crop Updates was an excellent example of bringing together private sector and Agriculture WA's researchers and agronomists to ensure maximum effort and minimum duplication for the benefit of the grains industry.

A key feature of the WA grains industry, compared with those in other Australian States, was the involvement of agri-business.

"Public and private sector information providers need to be at the cutting edge to continue to feed accurate and timely information to our farmers," Mr House said.

Media contact: Julie Cole (08) 9481 2044