THE GRDC is seeking support for the delivery of specialised technical workshops to encourage greater on-farm uptake of practices recommended as a result of cutting-edge research.
Through its 2014-15 External Investment Plan, it aims to fund six separate workshop series in the southern cropping region which comprises SA, Vic, Tas and southern and central NSW.
The workshops - from 2013-14 - are designed to deliver highly detailed insights into key grains research, development and extension issues.
They will also address gaps in the extension and training support being delivered by GRDC and its partners through other investments.
Topics identified for the proposed new workshop series in the southern region are:
* Trace elements - with a focus on deficiencies and management approaches to correct these in cereals, pulses and canola.
* Fungicides - with a focus on timing of use and resistance.
* Trace element/micronutrient deficiencies - with a focus on new direct-drill/no-till systems where nutrient-cycling impacts and rainfall zone correlations are not well understood.
* Herbicide resistance - with a focus on why it is occurring, current survey results, the status of current commonly used products, whether resistance is reversible and the strategies available in resistance situations.
* Root diseases - with a focus on available management options.
* Crop nutrition - with a large focus on nitrogen management at a crop-specific and 'system' level.
All research, development and extension activities funded by the plan are aimed at providing growers with the technologies and practices they require to remain competitive on global grain markets.
The 2014-15 Investment Plan builds on the GRDC Strategic R&D Plan 2012-17.
Tenders close at 2pm (AEST) on Tuesday, October 29.
Details: www.grdc.com.au/Investment-Plan or email tenders@grdc.com.au.
*From Stock Journal, October 24 issue, 2013.
