MORE than 350 growers, advisers, researchers and other industry personnel from across South Australia and beyond attended the annual two-day Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update in Adelaide.

A further 300-plus people also registered for the online live streaming of the event.

‘Playing to win’ by seizing opportunities for growth was the overarching theme of the Update, with new GRDC managing director Anthony Williams opening the event by sharing his vision for the organisation and detailing how the GRDC will continue to assist growers to compete and differentiate while increasing productivity and profitability.

Mr Williams shared the stage during an industry panel discussion with Jonathan Wilson, chief executive of the recently established Grains Australia Ltd, who outlined the purpose and core functions of the new industry body and how it can enhance the value of Australian grain, as well as Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) chairman Ron Storey, who discussed current market drivers and future opportunities for Australian growers.

GRDC grower relations manager – south, Tom Blake, said the 2021 Update was an important platform for extending the latest research insights and advice to the State’s growers ahead of sowing this year’s winter crops.

“Grains research and development efforts are continually generating new knowledge, ideas and recommendations – all of which have the potential to accelerate growers in their endeavours to advance their farming systems and bottom lines,” Mr Blake said.

“By underpinning that fresh thinking with a good understanding of the broader industry state of play, growers and advisers are well informed and well placed to seize on the opportunities being presented.”

GRDC Grains Research Update, Adelaide, Gallery:

Lameroo grower and GRDC southern region panel member, Lou Flohr, and South Australian Research and Development Institute’s Stuart Nagel.

EPAG Research and GRDC Southern Region Panel member, Andrew Ware, Port Lincoln, and EPAG Research’s Rhaquelle Meiklejohn, Port Lincoln.

Coomandook grower, Andrew Hansen; GRDC senior regional manager – south Craig Ruchs; Lawloit (Vic) grower and GRDC south regional panel chair John Bennett.

Curramulka grower, Andrew Slater, and Karen Chapman, Port Vincent.

Nutrien’s Angus Slack, Strathalbyn, and Crop Smart’s Jake Stutley, Cleve.

D&M Rural’s Clare Svilans and Sinead Kuchel, Bordertown.

SprayGro’s Tom Kitschke, Naracoorte and Elders’ Riley Curnow, Naracoorte.

Mallala grower, Richard Konzag, and GRDC southern region panel member and grower, Michael Treloar, Cummins.

The Elders team: Michael Wilkes, Adelaide; Catherine Chenoweth, Adelaide; Josh Cables, Deloraine (Tasmania); Laurens DeWit, Launceston (Tasmania); Lyndon May, Adelaide.

Source: GRDC

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