Western Australian research investigating the ecology of major pests of stored grain is expected to result in improved management practices and minimise the development of resistance to fumigants.

Their Scottish forebears spent time at the Victorian goldfields before taking up land in South Australia’s Clare Valley in the 1860s, but it is the current generation of the Maitland family that has struck gold with what is purported to be Australia’s first wholegrain dry pasta

Recent field days in south-eastern Australia have given growers the opportunity to consider options for growing soybeans

• Windrowing timing can have a significant impact on yield and profitability of canola
• Yield increases up to 0.5t/ha have been seen over relatively short periods of only 8 days
• Windrowing timing has a limited effect on oil potential in canola
• Direct heading is a viable option to harvest canola and in many could maximise profitability.
• An economic benefit of over $200/Ha can be gained from choosing the best method and timing of canola harvesting

High weed seed retention at crop harvest ensures the value of harvest weed seed control techniques

• Wild oat, fleabane, sowthistle and several other weed species all retained high proportions of total seed production above harvest cutter height at maturity of wheat and chickpea crops.

• There is potential for harvest weed seed control techniques to be used in restricting weed seed bank inputs from sprayed survivors in winter grown crops of the northern region.

• The yield impact of spraying-out or desiccating sorghum crops too early can be extreme

• Identify the latest heads/tillers that you consider important to take to harvest

• Spray as early as practical after black layer formation in heads of that maturity

• Soil moisture ‘benefit’ can be significant but must be treated as secondary to managing the crop for optimum yield.

Grain farmers around Australia are feeling some frustration with fluctuating grain prices following a mostly above average harvest season.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation says this may prompt more farmers to consider their grain storage options, but it warns that anyone considering storing grain to increase their marketing and profit opportunities must monitor it carefully to protect their investment.

Grain Storage expert Peter Botta seconds this warning, saying particularly in the warmer months monitoring of stored grain is an absolute necessity.

When grain enters storage it needs monitoring, just as a crop does, regularly throughout the growing season. Regular monitoring means problems are detected early and can be managed before significant grain damage occurs. It also avoids surprises at out-loading, prevents costly rejections from grain buyers and maintains your reputation for supplying quality grain.

Your GRDC working with you

GRDC needs your feedback to develop the five year strategic RD&E plan 2012-2017 'Your GRDC Working With You'. This Plan will outline how GRDC will invest your levy, along with the Australian government's contribution, in innovative research, development, extension, communication and commercialisation for the greatest benefit for you.

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