Western Australia
December 17, 2015

Registrations are now open for Western Australia’s premier grains research forum in 2016.

GRDC Western Regional Panel chairman Peter Roberts said the GRDC Grains Research Update would be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 29 to March 1.

He said the event, previously known as the Agribusiness Crop Updates, would continue to be an important source of agronomic and industry information and resources addressing key issues for WA growers.

“The GRDC Grains Research Update showcases the latest research, technology, farming systems and market development innovations underpinning productivity gains in the State’s grains industry,” Mr Roberts said.

“Each year, it is attended by hundreds of advisers, growers and other industry personnel.”

The grains industry is a major contributor to the WA economy, accounting for about 50 per cent of the farm gate value of agriculture in the State.

“This year’s grain harvest is expected to be about 14 million tonnes - slightly lower than the last year which saw the State’s fourth biggest grain harvest delivered by growers,” Mr Roberts said.

One of the keynote speakers at the GRDC Grains Research Update, Robert Saik from Agri-Trend in Canada, will discuss the 10 trends to affect grain growers in the next decade.

He will also provide insights into services he oversees in Canada to lift profits for Canadian grain growers that includes a unique program for mentoring of farmers by farmers.

Queensland grower and SwarmFarm Robotics founder Andrew Bate will provide a look into the possible future for robotic farming. Other presenters will also discuss new-age machinery for the grains industry.

Professor Andre Teixeira, Entrepreneur in Residence with CSIRO and former head of research and development at Goodman Fielder in Australia, will provide insights into innovation and discuss how to ensure there is continuous innovation in the agricultural and food industries.

Mr Roberts said the GRDC Grains Research Update in Perth would be followed by three one-day GRDC Grains Research Update events held in Yuna, Merredin and Katanning in March.

Discounts apply for early-bird registrations for Perth’s GRDC Grains Research Update, until January 29, 2016.

To register, go to www.giwa.org.au/2016researchupdates. More information can be obtained by viewing GRDC’s Update Dates at www.grdc.com.au/updatedates or by contacting the Grains Industry Association of WA on 08 6262 2128 or email researchupdates@giwa.org.au.

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: December 17, 2015