The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) western panel will embark on its annual spring tour next week, providing an opportunity to connect with growers and hear firsthand about seasonal conditions, innovations and constraints.
GRDC western panel chair Gary Lang will lead the spring tour alongside the western panel. Photo: GRDC
GRDC's regional panels play a critical advisory and strategic role in informing GRDC investments in research, development and extension (RD&E) to create enduring profitability for grain growers.
Running from Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 September, this year's tour includes stops in Goomalling, Bolgart, Yelbini, Merredin, Kellerberrin, Meckering, Cunderdin and York, where panel members will check in with growers, advisers and industry stakeholders to better understand regional challenges and opportunities.
The spring tour is a cornerstone of GRDC's commitment to ensuring RD&E investments are informed by on-the-ground insights and aligned with grower needs.
GRDC western panel chair Gary Lang said the spring tour would engage with growers, researchers and agronomists across the central and eastern Wheatbelt.
"Each year, the spring tour gives us a fresh perspective on the evolving needs of growers. It's a chance to listen, learn and ensure our investments are delivering real impact where it matters most," Mr Lang said.
We're particularly keen to hear how growers are adapting to seasonal variability and what support they need to stay resilient. These conversations help shape GRDC's strategic direction and ensure we remain responsive to the realities of farming in WA.
Mr Lang said seasonal conditions were likely to vary across the tour, with some areas receiving good rainfall to date, with others, particularly towards the eastern wheatbelt, receiving only patchy falls up until late August.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager - West Peter Bird said the tour would also include visits to GRDC-invested trial sites and discussions with grower groups and advisers.
"We're looking forward to seeing how GRDC-supported trials are progressing and hearing directly from growers about what's working and what isn't," Mr Bird said.
It's also a valuable opportunity to highlight the collaborative efforts between GRDC, local grower groups and researchers. These partnerships are vital to delivering practical outcomes and driving innovation across the grains industry.
It will include visits with grower groups, field walks and visits to several GRDC-investment trial sites including:
- Nitrogen fixation
- Canola establishment
- Soil re-engineering
- WA farming systems
- Plant breeding and genetics
- Challenging soils
- Lentil production
GRDC board members and staff from other grain growing regions across Australia will also join the tour, taking advantage of the opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of local and regional challenges in WA.
