BREAKING: The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has just announced a refreshed Western Panel that will represent Western Australian graingrowers for the next two years. Two new members, Julianne Hill, an experienced agricultural extension specialist, and Cathy Cooke, a graingrower from Koorda, join the panel, which will kick off its urgent spring tour from September 10 to 13, 2023.
This development is crucial as the GRDC panel plays a vital role in influencing the direction of research and development investments that impact grain growers across the region. The newly appointed members will enhance the panel’s capabilities alongside seven returning experts, including Craig Brown and Quenten Knight.
GRDC chairwoman Sharon Starick expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “The incoming panel members will contribute a wide range of skills and expertise that complement the experience of existing members.” This reflects the GRDC’s commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the grains industry in Western Australia.
The panel’s first significant task will be the annual spring tour, where they will meet with local growers, advisers, and researchers in key locations such as Goomalling, Bolgart, and York. This tour is designed to assess the challenges and opportunities facing grain producers in the region.
Chairman Gary Lang emphasized the importance of this tour, stating, “Each year, the spring tour gives us a fresh perspective on the evolving needs of growers.” He highlighted the necessity of these discussions in shaping GRDC’s strategic direction and ensuring that investments are effectively addressing local concerns.
The panel will be visiting areas with varying seasonal conditions, with some regions benefiting from good rainfall while others face less favorable conditions. This variability underscores the urgent need for tailored support as growers adapt to changing weather patterns.
The GRDC tour will also include visits to trial sites focused on key topics such as nitrogen fixation and soil re-engineering, showcasing the GRDC’s commitment to innovation. Senior regional manager Peter Bird noted, “We’re looking forward to seeing how GRDC-supported trials are progressing and hearing directly from growers about what’s working and what isn’t.”
This is a pivotal moment for Western Australian graingrowers, with the new panel ready to tackle industry challenges head-on and ensure that research investments lead to real, impactful outcomes. As the spring tour approaches, all eyes are on the GRDC to deliver insights that will shape the future of grain production in the region.
Stay tuned for updates as the tour unfolds and the panel engages with the community to address the pressing issues impacting grain growers across Western Australia.
