The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has announced the official programs for the 2026 Grains Research Updates, set to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on February 16 and 17. This year’s events mark a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years of the GRDC’s commitment to advancing the grains sector. Recognized as the largest annual event in the Western Australian grains industry calendar, the upcoming series is poised to offer an extensive lineup of speakers and topics, making it the most ambitious program yet.
The events will commence in Perth before progressing to five regional locations: Beaumont, Lake King, Brookton, Kalannie, and Mingenew, scheduled for late February and early March. Kayla Evans, GRDC Grower Relations Manager – West, emphasized that this year’s theme, ‘looking back, looking forward,’ encapsulates the dual focus on celebrating past achievements while addressing future challenges in grains research.
“Participants can expect a rich exploration of the significant milestones achieved during the past three decades, alongside discussions on the cutting-edge research that will shape the industry moving forward,” Ms. Evans stated. The Perth update will feature over 90 speakers across nearly 30 sessions, including plenary discussions, panel forums, and presentations from emerging researchers.
To mark the occasion, the event will feature a special panel discussion facilitated by award-winning journalist Phillipa Courtney. This session will highlight key milestones in Western Australian grains research and examine the role of the updates in disseminating this knowledge to industry stakeholders. Notable panellists include Geoff Fosbery, Juliet McDonald, Mark Sweetingham, and Nicole Kerr.
Key Sessions and Regional Impact
The opening session will be led by Sharon Starick, Chair of GRDC and a grain grower from South Australia, who will present an overview of future strategic directions for GRDC investment. Following this, Gary Lang, Chair of the GRDC Western Panel, will present the highly anticipated GRDC awards, recognizing significant contributions to the grains sector.
The second day will commence with the GRDC New Frontiers Grainstorming breakfast, designed to foster innovative ideas from growers and advisers. This session aims to gather insights that will guide future investments by the GRDC, ensuring they align with industry needs.
“The one-day regional programs will deliver vital information directly to growers across five locations,” Mr. Lang noted. “These updates, hosted in partnership with local grower groups, will provide cutting-edge research tailored to regional needs, helping growers enhance crop yields and maintain profitability.”
Regional updates will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers from Western Australia’s agricultural research community, ensuring that participants receive relevant and actionable insights without needing to travel far from their farms.
Enduring Commitment to Agricultural Advancement
The presence of local experts, particularly those from the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPRID), will be a highlight throughout the events. The DPRID has been integral to the updates since their inception in the early 1990s, continuously sharing research outcomes aimed at improving industry productivity.
According to Cec McConnell, Deputy Director General of DPRID, “Grains Research Updates create a valued space for knowledge exchange, allowing attendees to directly engage with experts, discuss recent research, and seek advice pertinent to their operational decisions.”
As the 2026 Grains Research Updates approach, the excitement surrounding this landmark event underscores the ongoing evolution and resilience of the grains sector, poised to tackle future challenges through innovation and collaboration.
