Facilitated action learning groups to support profitable irrigated farming systems in the northern and southern regions

Date: Monday 15th August 2022

By MFMG Admin

Categories: Irrigation | Past Projects

Project code: ICF1906-002RTX

Project manager: Brendan Wallis

Project duration: September 2019 to June 2023

About the project

GRDC have invested in a couple of key research projects in the Southern Irrigation Zone, including:

Development and validation of soil amelioration and agronomic practices to realise the genetic potential of grain crops grown under a high yield potential, irrigated environment in the southern and northern regions, led by FAR Australia.
Optimising farm scale returns from irrigated grains: maximising dollar return per megalitre of water, led by University of Tasmania.

To ensure maximum benefits from these projects are seen by growers, GRDC have also funded Irrigation Discussion Groups across the Northern and Southern regions.

The Frances Irrigation Discussion Group was formed as part of this project, led by the Irrigated Cropping Council. The aim of the group is to link new and innovative research investments (listed above) by GRDC with local farmer-driven groups to enable interested growers to be more actively involved in the irrigated grains research process.

Growers who join the Frances Irrigation Discussion Group will build on their knowledge by:

learning from one-another
building new peer and industry networks
gaining access to the latest research data
having the opportunity to shape project trial work to ensure it is relevant and meeting local needs

It is a four-year project, where the groups meet up to four times a year to discuss the findings from the research projects, learn from each other and to try some new ideas in a local focus paddock. Local irrigation specialists are also involved in the project to deliver first hand information to growers.

Activities (Outcomes)

The focus paddocks for the group has been established. This is looking at pushing the yield barriers within irrigated wheat. We are looking at the use of high rates of nitrogen, plus a robust disease management strategy to see what yields are possible.

In conjunction with the focus paddock, Nick Poole and his team at FAR Australia have developed a series of field trials across multiple crop types in an irrigation setting. As a focus group, we will have access to this research first hand.

In addition to the work happening in the paddocks, the group plans to meet throughout the year to discuss any relevant topics associated with irrigated grain production. This will range from alternative crop production, soil amelioration strategies and farm case studies.

The discussion group is open to all farmers and advisors. Feel free to give Brendan Wallis a call on 0427 017 858 to discuss.

Summary

An irrigation discussion group has been formed in the Frances area to look at some of the key issues associated with growing irrigated grain crops. The discussions are led by the group, which means you are in charge of what topics you want to learn. Trials will also be conducted in the area and a focus paddock will be established to support the group with relevant timely information and ownership.

Key messages

Farmer driven discussions centred around irrigated wheat, barley, canola and legumes
You have the chance to influence and be involved with local irrigated grains research process
Good opportunity to learn from peers form new industry networks and have first access to local research data.