Members of the WA grains industry interested in access to the latest research, development and marketing information for the sector are reminded to register now for the 2014 Agribusiness Crop Updates to be held in Perth next month.
Crop Updates is Western Australia’s premier event showcasing the latest research, technology, market development and management innovations to improve the productivity and profitability of the Western Australian grains industry.
The two-day program is presented by the Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Department Grains Industry Executive Director Mark Sweetingham said farming from space and the Australian grains industry’s performance in South East Asian markets would be among the key topics at conference.
“The Crop Updates extend participants’ knowledge and provide a number of opportunities to network with colleagues at the cutting edge of improving cropping systems and innovation in the grain supply chain in WA,” Dr Sweetingham said.
“Results of the latest research and development innovations will be detailed, including crop varieties to grow in 2014, agronomic tips to maximise yields and returns, handling non-wetting soils, fertiliser strategies, conserving and utilising soil moisture and managing pests, weeds and diseases.
“Other advice will include management strategies for profitable grain farming in difficult seasons, key marketing and supply chain issues for wheat, barley, canola, lupins and oats and new technology, products and services for WA grain producers.
“Keynote speakers will cover topics including the use of remote sensing data to boost plant productivity, productivity improvements, potential wheat yield gains by 2020 and an assessment of the competitive position of the Australian grain industry in South East Asia.”
Keynote speakers include local grain grower Alistair Falconer; Professor Hamlyn Jones, plant ecology, University of Dundee; Dr Soon-Bin Neoh, managing director of the Soon Soon Group in Malaysia; Australian Farm Institute chief executive officer Mick Keogh; CSIRO wheat breeding program leader Dr Greg Rebetzke and Professor Yoshiharu Fujii of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
Registrations for the Agribusiness Crop Updates, to be held at Crown Perth in Burswood on 24-25 February 2014, close on 18 February 2014.
For more information and to register, visit the GIWA website giwa.org.au
The Agribusiness Crop Updates in Perth will be followed by Regional Crop Updates.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937