Grain growers now have access to the 2014 Wheat Variety Guide for Western Australia to assist growers with variety choice and management this year.
The guide, delivered by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), is a ‘one stop shop’ on the performance and characteristics of commercially-available wheat varieties.
Department Grains Industry Executive Director Mark Sweetingham said wheat was the largest agricultural commodity in Western Australia with an expected export value approaching $3 billion in 2013-14.
“The Wheat Variety Guide provides current information to assist growers in deciding which variety will best suit their cropping program,” Dr Sweetingham said.
Department Research Officer Brenda Shackley said before planning a cropping program that included a new variety, it was important for growers to consider why they wanted to replace an existing variety and understand whether the new variety would meet their needs.
“The guide helps growers determine reliable variety selection decisions through the results of national variety trials in 2013 and long-term wheat yield trials (2009-2013),” she said.
“It includes information on new varieties including HarperA and TrojanA.
“The publication complements information on the NVTonline website.”
The 2014 Wheat Variety Guide has been mailed to growers via the GRDC grower direct network. It can also be found on the department website at agric.wa.gov.au or GRDC website grdc.com.au/WAWheatVarietyGuide
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