Farmers across upper Eyre Peninsula will benefit from research to enhance productivity in a low-rainfall zone through a series of free upcoming events thanks to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).
The SARDI Farmer meetings, which have been held annually since 2004, showcase research from the Minnipa Agricultural Centre that focuses on low rainfall farming systems.
The meetings provide a chance for a seasonal review of current research and the opportunity for the agricultural industry to discuss and have their questions answered by the SARDI Agronomy research team.
Meetings will cover topics such as: stripper stubble systems and soil moisture; lentils and weed management; brome grass management; optimising barley biomass; barley grass management; de-risking seeding programs; and SA Discovery Farms.
The meetings will take place at:
• Minnipa Sports Club – 2pm, Monday, February 24
• Wirrulla Hotel – 9am, Tuesday, February 25
• Port Kenny Golf Club – 2pm, Wednesday, February 26
• Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Function Room – 2pm, Thursday, February 27
• Rudall Sports Club – 2pm, Monday, March 3
• Lock Sports Club – 9am, Tuesday, March 4
• Cowell Institute Supper Room – 2pm, Wednesday, March 5
• Kimba Gateway Hotel – 9am, Thursday, March 6
They will also include a Farm Business Resilience session on farm business and risk delivered by Bates Agricultural Consulting and Barry Mudge Consulting.
The Minnipa and Wirrulla meetings will be followed by a SA Discovery Farms workshop delivered by UniSA and AgCommunicators: ‘Are hybrid disc seeders an opportunity for higher residue systems?’
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said encouraged farmers in the area to attend.
“We know many farmers across the state are experiencing record low rainfall and it’s crucial the latest scientific research is shared as much as possible to ensure farmers can put it into practical use as quickly as possible,” she said.
“These events are also useful for farmers as it gives them an opportunity to ask questions directly to SARDI’s Agronomy team at Minnipa Agricultural Centre.
“I encourage all farmers in the area to attend these free events, if possible, to see the latest research outcomes.”
For more information, visit pir.sa.gov.au/sardi-farmer-meetings
