Grower Groups mixing it with the best at GRDC Crop Updates
By Nathan Craig, WMG CEO
The West Midlands Group (WMG) once again took to the stage at the recent GRDC Crop Updates, held at the Crown Convention Centre in Perth. This marked the sixth time I have presented at the Crop Updates in the past seven years, showcasing the work that WMG has recently completed. It is always an honour to have our research selected for presentation, particularly as I submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) in mid-2023 to speak at the largest industry event hosted annually by GRDC. I have been informed that only about one-quarter of all applications are successful, making it a significant privilege to present our findings. Furthermore, over the past seven years, WMG has presented more frequently than any other grower group in Western Australia, highlighting our ongoing commitment to industry-leading research.
This year, my presentation focused on the use of a double break crop sequence to enhance the profitability and effectiveness of crop rotations over a three-year period. This project was led by WMG in collaboration with three other grower groups across WA, trialling the inclusion of high-value legumes such as lentil and chickpea following canola to boost overall crop sequence profitability. The key takeaway? On average, the cumulative return over three years was $321 per hectare higher when compared to a single break crop followed by two cereal crops. This increase in profitability stemmed from both the higher gross margins of chickpeas and the increased yield of cereal crops following two consecutive break crops. While chickpeas and lentils are not currently widely grown in our region, WMG’s research has demonstrated real promise, not only for the West Midlands but also for many other regions, providing growers with a viable legume alternative to lupins.
The presentation appeared to be well received, as I fielded numerous questions from growers and industry representatives eager to learn more or share their insights on the profitable cultivation of high-value legumes. It was particularly gratifying to see that WMG’s work is beginning to influence industry thinking. Since 2017, we have been investigating best-practice agronomy for chickpeas and lentils, and we now have a strong understanding of the agronomic packages required to successfully cultivate these crops—particularly chickpeas. Based on our research, chickpeas have a promising future in our region, while lentils appear to be better suited to areas east of the Great Northern Highway in the Northern Agricultural region.
This year’s presentation was developed using a slightly different approach compared to previous years. WMG has been exploring improved methods of delivering information to farmers in our region and has devised a new format to better communicate the potential risks and rewards associated with adopting new farming practices. The objective of this initiative is to provide clearer insights into both the benefits and potential disadvantages of new agricultural techniques, enabling farmers to make more informed decisions. The format presented was drawn from farmer surveys and validated through on-farm testing across Australia as part of our Soil CRC Risk/Reward Tool project.
Apart from WMG, the only other grower group to present at the Crop Updates was Stirlings to Coast Farmers, representing the Great Southern region. They shared insights from their work on subsurface tile drainage and clay spreading projects, specifically tailored for high-rainfall zones. It is vital that grower groups continue to present at industry events such as these, as our research is focused on identifying opportunities that are likely to emerge within the next three to five years. By leading the industry in this manner, we can provide growers and consultants with options in advance, complementing their important work in maximising production and profitability each season.
I take great pride in the fact that WMG is capable of standing alongside the industry’s best when it comes to presenting cutting-edge research. This achievement is a testament to the high quality of work produced by our organisation each year. Moreover, it underscores the progress we have made in building capacity within WMG, ensuring that we can package and deliver research findings in a clear, concise, and easily digestible format for our audience.
While WMG’s primary mission is to support the sustainable growth of agriculture in the West Midlands region, the ability to share our knowledge on a broader scale speaks volumes about both our organisation and the farming community we serve. Our ongoing research and engagement in industry forums reflect our commitment to providing growers with the tools and insights they need to navigate an ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to delivering impactful research, fostering innovation, and ensuring that our findings contribute to the success and sustainability of agriculture across Western Australia.
