The official programs have been released for the 2026 Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Updates, kicking off at Optus Stadium in Perth on 16 and 17 February.
This year's events mark 30 years of GRDC support for the Grains Research Updates, which are the biggest annual event on the WA grains industry calendar.
The 2026 event series is anticipated to be bigger and better than ever, with free tickets for grain growers and a tremendous lineup of local, national and international speakers.
The events begin in Perth before heading to Beaumont, Lake King, Brookton, Kalannie and Mingenew in late February and early March.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – West Kayla Evans said this year's programs connect with the event theme: 'looking back, looking forward'.
"This year's programs explore both the incredible milestones featured at the Grains Research Updates over the last three decades, as well as the next frontiers of grains research that are tackling the challenges that lay ahead," Ms Evans said.
"At the two-day Perth update, more than 90 speakers will present across nearly 30 sessions including plenaries, panel discussions, new researcher and extended focus sessions.
"It's the biggest lineup of topics and speakers ever at a western Grains Research Updates event."
Award-winning journalist and respected voice in rural reporting Phillipa 'Pip' Courtney will facilitate a special Grains Research Updates 30-year anniversary panel discussion. Photo: Phillipa Courtney
Perth update program
GRDC Chair and South Australian grain grower Sharon Starick will open the Perth update with an overview of future directions for GRDC investment. GRDC Western Panel Chair Gary Lang will then present the highly anticipated GRDC awards.
Plenary session one includes a special 30-year anniversary panel discussion facilitated by award-winning journalist and respected voice in rural reporting Phillipa 'Pip' Courtney.
It will explore the biggest milestones in WA grains research over the past 30 years, and the role the updates have played in communicating these breakthroughs to growers and the grains industry. Panellists include Geoff Fosbery, Juliet McDonald, Mark Sweetingham and Nicole Kerr.
Additional plenary sessions include:
- What grain markets want; and how Australia delivers, Richard Simonaitis, CEO Grains Australia
- Nitrogen fertiliser decisions – the good, the right and the risky, James Hunt, University of Melbourne
- Beyond perception: connecting through trust and transparency, community trust panel discussion facilitated by Pip Courtney.
Also on the program:
- GRDC's low carbon liquid fuels feedstock roadmap, Cameron Begley, Spiegare
- Predicting nitrogen cycling and losses in Australian cropping systems: augmenting measurements to enhance modelling, Graeme Schwenke, DPIRD NSW
- Yield and protein determination in wheat: Lessons from cultivar selection and nitrogen management from Kansas, USA, Romulo Lollato, Kansas State University.
Richard Simonaitis, CEO Grains Australia, will present a plenary on 'What grain markets want; and how Australia delivers'. Photo: Grains Australia
New Frontiers Grainstorming Breakfast
The second day of the Perth update opens with a GRDC New Frontiers Grainstorming breakfast for growers and advisers to share innovative new ideas for groundbreaking, blue-sky research that will make a difference on-farm.
The session seeks to harness the knowledge and expertise of thought leading growers and advisers to ensure new investments by GRDC reflect what the industry needs now and into the future.
Regional update program
Following on from the Perth event, Gary Lang said the one-day regional programs will deliver strategic and innovative information to growers and advisers across five locations.
"Hosted in partnership with local grower groups, regional updates bring the latest grains research to WA growers' doorsteps," Mr Lang said.
"The program committees have worked hard to identify key topics for each region which provide a balance of both information and inspiration, to support growers to continue to grow the size of their crops and protect their profitability.
"The regional update speakers are a who's who of Western Australian ag research and allow growers to understand the changes to farming practices and technologies, without leaving their own backyard."
Present throughout the Perth and regional programs is a strong cohort of local speakers including many from the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPRID).
The Department initiated the original 'Crop Updates' in the early 90s and has had an enduring presence at the events over the past three decades, sharing research outcomes to advance industry productivity and profitability.
"Grains Research Updates create a valued space for knowledge exchange, providing attendees with the ability to directly access subject matter experts, hear and discuss the most recent and relevant research, and the opportunity to seek advice relevant to their on-ground decisions," DPIRD Deputy Director General Cec McConnell said.
