South Australian grain growers from Kangaroo Island to the Coorong have a chance to shape grains research, development and extension (RD&E) for the region at upcoming forums in September.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is conducting National Grower Network (NGN) forums at Parndana and Malinong to ensure growers have a say in how their levies are invested.
GRDC Southern Panel Chair Andrew Russell said the forums foster two-way engagement and ensure grower levies are invested where they deliver the most value.
"NGN forums are the most direct way growers can tell GRDC what issues they are observing and experiencing on their farms," Mr Russell said.
Growers can tell GRDC what research they think will improve their farm business, discuss their ideas with other growers and collectively identify priorities. It's an effective system and afterwards participants are informed about what projects are developed because of their input.
"It's fantastic that GRDC has NGNs that provide this opportunity for growers to get directly involved and communicate what they want and need. I encourage growers to come along to find out for themselves."
Past NGN forums held in South Australia have inspired the development of new regionally specific investment ideas that are generating useful information and results for growers.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager - South Rebekah Starick points to one NGN project that has been successful thanks to grower input.
"One example of a successful NGN investment is on the Eyre Peninsula, where a forum in 2024 at Wangary heard that blackleg infections in canola were a big challenge faced by growers," she said.
"As a result, a project was developed to understand the size of the problem on the EP and demonstrate effective management of blackleg to maintain longevity of fungicide use.
"This project involves bringing the expertise, advisers and growers together to build a solution.
NGNs are effective at capturing grower input and turning that into on-ground results for growers. But you have to attend to be heard, so we encourage growers to come and join us.
She adds that the NGN forums also include presentations from the GRDC team to update attendees on GRDC research investments that are relevant to the region. Plus, guest speakers are invited to talk on topical issues.
At both NGN forums the guest speaker will be Ben White, General Manager - Research at Kondinin Group. He will talk about grain storage essentials and retaining the quality of feed and seed in storage, plus minimising harvest losses.
Representatives from local farming systems group AGKI and Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) will also attend to provide an update on their local projects, such as rejuvenating agricultural soils to enhance productivity, resilience and carbon sequestration.
The upcoming NGN forums are free to attend and will be led by Ms Starick and GRDC Crop Protection Manager Ruth Peek.
Forum schedule and registration links:
- Parndana: Monday 29 September 2025 | 3:30pm-7:30pm
Parndana Bowls Club, 82 Cook Street, Parndana, SA
- Malinong: Tuesday 30 September 2025 | 12:30pm-4:30pm
Malinong Town Hall, Hawks Nest Road, Malinong, SA
Forums include morning tea and lunch.
Registration is essential for catering purposes.
