Growers, suppliers and industry representatives gathered at Tosari Crop Research Centre for a field day last week, with a focus on emerging innovations and technology.
The field day included insights into the research being conducted at Tosari, including demonstrations of Elders’ and suppliers’ work in crop protection, nutrition and ag tech. There was a particular focus on new biological nutrition solutions, which will likely change how crop nutrition is managed into the future.
Another highlight for attendees was a presentation on Carinata, a biofuel alternative, which has the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Elders State Technical Services Manager Maree Crawford said the event was an illustration of Elders’ commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices.
“Growers had the chance to see the latest in ag tech, nutrition solutions, and crop management programs," Maree said
"We also spoke about new and emerging grazing systems, which provide alternative healthy management options to ensure healthy livestock and soils."
“I presented on the day about the importance of targeted solutions to enhance soil and crop nutrition status potentially leads to a circular economy in grains. Essentially, if we can produce better quality grain to feed animals, we end up with healthier animals which can translate into healthier humans as consumers of that protein source, and that is where we really start to build a sustainable system.
"At Elders, we are focused on validating developments in digital agriculture and automation, in addition to testing new products in a range of conditions. Our aim is to provide growers with the strategies and tools they need to remain profitable and resilient. This event was a great opportunity for growers to come along, catch up, and chat to us about their problems, and how we as Elders can support them with innovative solutions.”
The importance of conducting trial sites and client days extends well beyond testing and demonstrating new products; it also plays a role in furthering education. Trial sites are used for the ongoing technical training of both agronomists and rural products specialists.
Moura based agronomist Danielle Hogarth said she was pleased to attend the field day and took away some insights for her work with both cotton and livestock producers.
“I am always pleased to see some of the ‘behind the scenes’ in product development and testing, it provides good insight,” Danielle said.
“One of the things that was brought up at the event was the economics and the financial side of cropping, which I think is one of the biggest factors for producers these days.
“I want to be confident in ensuring that the products I recommend provide the right results, but also have that return on investment for them in their business.”
The work being done at Tosari is just one part of Elders’ wider portfolio of extension activity, with Elders running a suite of trial sites across Australia, to provide growers with information which is tailored and relevant to their own programs.