- Author Pendegast,L., Harris,G., Matchett,T., Eyre, J.
- Publish date 6 May 2020
- Type Webinar
- Documents
- Broadacre cropping
Summary
Project leaders from the CRCNA’s three Far North Queensland-based broadacre cropping projects held a live webinar session with industry stakeholders. During the session, they provided an update of their research activities, important lessons learned so far and interactive Q & A.
A brief overview of the session and the FAQ is provided in the fact sheet below.
Projects
De-risking broadacre cropping options in northern Queensland
This project was a participatory on-farm program, with growers leading the RD&E activities to identify the best crop and management options and to bridge the gap between current and potential yields. The research supported skill development among farmers and identified high-profit, low-risk options in broadacre cropping by trialling sorghum, maize and forage crops. Key activities included: Working with farmers to identify and address knowledge gaps in cropping, ensuring their engagement throughout the life of the project through a participatory RD&E approach. Conducting trails at “Strathmore Station” (Gilbert catchment) and “Curra” (Burdekin catchment) to develop adapted agronomic packages. Supporting farmers and managing trials at “Prestwood Station” (Gilbert catchment). Collaborating with Radicle Seeds Australia Pty Ltd and Elders Rural Service Australia Limited to identify optimal combinations of hybrid characteristics in maize, sorghum, and forage crops suited to northern Australia’s environments and markets. Communicating project outcomes with farmers, consultants, AgForce members, and agribusinesses across the Gilbert and Burdekin catchments.
Developing an oilseed industry in Northern Australia
This project identified a range of adapted oilseed crops suitable for commercial-scale production as part of a high-value component of a cropping system in northern Australia. Crops trialled included sesame, soybeans, safflower, linseed, canola, mustards and nigella. The research team has delivered a trial compendium that provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of the project and its field trials.
Developing a broadacre cropping sector in northern Queensland
This project engaged both existing and new grain growers, along with the agribusiness sector, within the Gulf River catchments to develop local cropping systems and agronomic skills. In the Gulf River catchments of North Queensland there was limited experience and knowledge regarding the performance and profitability of potential dryland and irrigated broadacre grain crops. Understanding the variability in crop performance was critical to equipping local landholders and potential investors with the knowledge and risk assessments needed to develop suitable grain cropping systems for the region. This project provided local landholders and agribusiness personnel with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills required for successful grain production, integrated within existing extensive grazing enterprises in the region.