Latest news with #GIWA
West Australian
5 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
OATSPO 2024 results released by Grain Industry of Western Australia
The final field trial findings of OATSPO 2024, developed at a trial site near Narrogin, have been released by the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia. An agronomic trial showcase that took place in Highbury, near Narrogin, the second OATSPO was designed to introduced the latest oat research to new and experienced oat and hay growers while gathered in one location. More than 250 people attended the event that led attendees through trials, including yield trials, hay quality management, hay variety selection, broadleaf and grass herbicide options, breeding trials, crop competition, fungicide products, Goldie and Bannister agronomy, and nitrogen and phosphorus strategy. GIWA oat council chair and Varley grower Anna-Lisa Newman said OATSPO provided a networking and learning opportunity, as well as the chance to challenge understanding of the current oat industry. 'A critical element to industry growth and sustainability is understanding how breeding, farm inputs, and soil health can impact crop potential,' she said. 'OATSPO brought together a collective of R&D organisations on an impressive scale to showcase the work currently being undertaken in the industry.' Trials were conducted by CSBP, InterGrain, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, ConsultAg, and Nutrien. 'Observing the support OATSPO (had) from growers, researchers and industry confirmed there is a real need to share these insights,' Ms Newman said. 'Oats are very important in WA crop rotation programs, and through the (processed oat partnership) . . . we not only demonstrate how we can be developing and growing it more efficiently, but showcase the opportunities there are for oats beyond the farm gate.' The trials showcased in OATSPO were undertaken by the WA government-funded industry leader the POP, the Grains Research Development Corporation, and other members of the oat supply chain.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Climate
- West Australian
Central Wheatbelt grain farmers start season on strong footing, seeding early in the wake of light rainfall
It's a tale of two seasons in the Wheatbelt amid a mixed start in the State's top growing regions. Central Wheatbelt grain farmers began seeding unseasonably early in the wake of light rain in mid-March, starting the season on strong footing. Crops are also up and away in Esperance and the Great Southern, with canola and early-sown barley crops doing well. However, it is a different story for grain growers in the Mid West, which is mostly dry and has little subsoil moisture available to risk sowing. The Grain Industry Association of WA predicted in May more than 8.6 million hectares had been put to grain crops in WA this year, including wheat, barley, canola, oats, lupins and pulses. That is down from the April estimate of between 8.5 million and 9 million due to persistent dry conditions in the top third of the State's grain-growing region. GIWA said a majority of growers were sticking to their plans for now. York farmer Alex Davies, pictured, is optimistic about the year ahead after putting in 1000ha each of wheat, barley and oats on their 4000ha property, leaving the non-arable land for roughly 2000 sheep. Mr Davies rolled his air seeder out of the shed on April 1 — three weeks ahead of previous years ahead of predicted light rainfall in mid-April and following the 19.1mm that fell on his property in mid-March. With two new crop varieties and a solid start to the year, the third-generation farmer said he had done his best to set up the farm for positive results to come from the 2025 season. 'We've got some new varieties in that are a bit of a change — Vortex wheat and Goldie oats,' he said. 'Our focus has also shifted to oats and canola this year as they were forecast to be our best earners.'
