High rainfall-zoned WA grain farmers are set to benefit from research that will determine the best crop rotations to improve long-term yields
The Western Australian government has announced a new five-year research project to help grain farmers in the state’s high rainfall zone to grow more profitable and sustainable crops.
$10 million will go towards the research project, which will determine the best crop rotations to optimise long-term yields and returns for growers in the state’s south.
The state government is contributing $6.8 million to the project, that will be delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in collaboration with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
“By working together on solutions to local issues, we are helping WA grain growers to build better businesses and remain internationally competitive,” agriculture and food minister Jackie Jarvis says.
“Our long-term partnership with the GRDC continues to deliver benefits to WA’s grains industry.”
DPIRD and GRDC will work closely with the South East Premium Wheat Growers Association and Stirlings to Coast Farmers grower groups throughout the project.
Research will examine a diverse combination of crop rotations and modelling to overcome disease, with a particular focus on legumes, alongside wheat, barley, oats and canola.
WA’s high rainfall zone, located between Albany and Esperance, accounts for a major proportion of the state’s grain production, with 53 per cent of canola, 40 per cent of oats and 29 per cent of wheat produced in WA coming from the region.