WITH farmers busy on headers across many parts of the state, entries are now open for the 2019 Royal Adelaide Show National Grains and Fodder Competition - the biggest and most successful competition of its kind in Australia.
Despite a near record 242 entries received this year, Grains and Fodder Committee deputy chairman Peter Smith said it would be a real challenge to achieve strong entries in 2019.
“With a dry finish to a low rainfall year, conditions have been tough for farmers, but the Grains and Fodder competition is a great way to benchmark and compare your crop management against other growers and regions,” he said.
“With harvest beginning, I encourage growers to commit to entering at least one sample in the 2019 show in one of the many categories.”
Entrants are required to collect and store a small sample of their crop to be assessed ahead of the show next year. For grain, a three kilogram sample is required, and for fodder, a 15-kilogram sample is needed.
Classes include wheat, durum, oats, pulses, oil seeds, fodder and the 2019 feature grain - barley.
“I especially encourage barley growers to be involved with competition in 2019, to help showcase to the public the great work of Australian growers and the range of food and products that can be created from barley,” Mr Smith said.
Following on the success of the competition this year, the National Grains and Fodder Innovation Awards will continue to recognise growers across Australia who have redeveloped their farming practices to adapt to change, increase production and/or demonstrate sustainability. Entries can be submitted in written or video form.
For more information about the competition, or to request entry bags for grain samples, contact the RA&HS on (08) 8210 5267 or visit www.theshow.com.au/grains-fodder.
