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Biologicals, novel crops on display at Tosari + PICS

Emma Alsop October 3, 2024

Clear Grain Exchange’s Simon McDougall with Barcley and Saxon Rohrlach from AgroBest.

INNOVATIONS in biological solutions and trials of new crop options for the region were showcased at a field day held today at the Tosari Research Centre near Millmerran.

From start-ups to commercial operations had the opportunity to present information and trials on a range of biological solutions designed to replace or reduce the industry’s dependence on synthetic inputs.

The event also showcased the potential of several new crop varieties or those not traditionally grown on the Darling Downs.

These included carinata being developed as a biofuel-only crop, and lentil, field pea and canola varieties suited to the southern Qld conditions.

Tosari Crop Research Centre director and Elders technical services manager Maree Crawford said the centre was sectioned into 4000 plots trialing a combination of biological crop solutions and varieties.

Now in its sixth year, Ms Crawford said the site had a key role in developing and testing products which would solve key issues for growers, such as the rising cost of production and the growing need to be more sustainable.

“There’s some exciting stuff coming,” Ms Crawford said.

Ms Crawford said the biologicals industry had come a long way from its unproven and untested early days.

She said the trials at Tosari demonstrated the potential of the technology in Australian farming, but further research was needed to refine agronomic practices and the product mix.

“We have been researching this for a long, long time.

“We have moved into a system that’s backed financially, solidly backed by science.

“They have a specific fit and it’s how do we put those into an agronomic package…that makes a difference and will lead to that sustainability piece.”

The Tosari Research Centre is a 748ha research and commercial-cropping facility operated by not-for-profit organisation Queensland Crop Research Ltd.

It is managed by a board of directors alongside commercial and university partners.

Elders general manager Qld, NT Lisa Hewitt said the centre demonstrated the outcomes that can be achieved when industry works together.

“[Tosari] can provide a conduit between research and actually implementing that for a commercial outcome,” Ms Hewitt said.

“The work that goes on here has the ability to influence the entire…Australian agriculture industry.

“It’s a great example of how Nutrien and Elders and a number of our partners are working together to ensure the long-term sustainability of Australian ag.”

Cassie Coleman from FarmSimple and Tim Neale of Data Farming.

Elders area manager SE Qld Mark McNamee and Elders general manager Qld, NT Lisa Hewitt.

Nuseed carinata representatives Rob Austen and Rachel Norton.

Vicchem’s Jim Wark and Richard Holzknecht.

Tosari Crop Research Centre chairman Brett Bidstrup with Precision Ag regional manager Campbell Underwood.

Ben Seeney and Cameron Steer from Corteva Biologicals.

Stuart Tighe from Pure Grain with Antony Martin from Synthia Bio.

University of Queensland’s Johannes Biala with Mort & Co technical manager Kyle Merritt.

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