The tour began with visits to several GRDC National Variety Trials (NVTs) for wheat, barley, oats, canola and lupins. Breeder representatives were on hand to share updates on promising new varieties, with final harvest results now eagerly awaited.
A highlight for many was the GRDC grain legumes trial, hosted by local agronomist Erin Cahill. Erin discussed the focus of the trial, which is examining planting density across lentils, chickpeas, field peas and lupins to understand the implications for soil health and productivity. The work forms part of a multi-year study, with next season’s grains to be sown on the same trial plots to compare post legume performance.
Erin also shared his personal experiences growing lentils and lupins, and insights from a recent visit to India to learn more about export market opportunities. He spoke candidly about the challenges – from disease risk management to machinery-safe harvesting of lentils – but also highlighted the strong market demand, ease of storage, and promising ongoing research helping to reduce barriers to success.
“With continued research and the right management approaches, lentils are shaping up as an exciting crop rotation option for low-rainfall zones across our region,” Erin noted.
The afternoon concluded with a fascinating look behind the scenes at Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) and its approach to wheat breeding. Each year, thousands of potential new varieties are created and tested across Australia, with only a handful making it to commercial release. This is a result of around a decade of rigorous research, testing and trials to ensure fitness for purpose.
For growers interested in learning more about grain legumes in Western Australia, GRDC’s recent podcast episode featuring Erin Cahill – Legume agronomy: How to grow them in the west – is well worth a listen.
Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.