SAGIT announces $2.45m in new funding for grain research

THE South Australian Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) has announced more than $2.45 million in funding for 25 new grain research projects in 2021.

The decisions represent a commitment to improving the resilience and productivity of South Australia’s grain industry.

Notable programs that will benefit from SAGIT support include a three-year study into variety selection and weed management options for genetically modified canola, which can now be grown in SA, research to improve management of herbicide resistant barley grass, and a look at the implications of green hydrogen technology and production for SA grain growers.

SAGIT chairman Max Young said continued research was essential to the long-term sustainability of the State’s grain industry.

“No other state has an organisation dedicated to supporting state-based grains research that is funded by the growers,” he said.

“Our unique position allows us to focus on the specific issues, problems and solutions that deliver real benefits for South Australian grain production.”

SAGIT is funded by a voluntary grower levy of 30 cents per harvested tonne.

The successful projects are:

AIR EP Lower Eyre Peninsula Ag Expo 2021
AIR EP Maximising performance of post-emergent herbicides workshops on upper Eyre Peninsula
Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre Boosting profitability and efficiency of SA’s trade in containerised grain
Elders Rural Services Acid soils, ripping and lentil production improvement
Global Grain Genetics Pty Ltd Lentil varieties for low rainfall and sandy soil environments
Hart Field-Site Group Variety selection and weed management options for genetically modified canola
Mid North High Rainfall Zone Group Frost Learning Centre for farmers, advisers and researchers
PIRSA Developing criteria for soil and plant aluminium and manganese toxicity in SA
Precision Agriculture A practical approach to sub-surface acidity in the Mid North
Rural Solutions SA 2022 Farm Gross Margin Guide for SA
SANTFA The implications of green hydrogen for SA grain growers
SARDI Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary 2021-2023
SARDI Characterising the optimal flowering period for the Murray Plains
SARDI / University of Adelaide Extension support for SA Drought Hub internship program
SARDI / University of Adelaide Grower crop root health workshops
SARDI / University of Adelaide Improving management of Group A resistant barley grass in current farming systems
SARDI / University of Adelaide Evaluating super high oleic acid safflower in sodic and saline soils
SARDI / University of Adelaide Measuring and managing yield loss caused by Phoma root in lentil and faba bean
SARDI / University of Adelaide Investigating aluminium speciation in wheat roots in alkaline soil
Thomas Elder Institute Faba bean nutrient omission trial
Trengove Consulting Trust Improving crop safety and broadleaf weed control with herbicides in lentil
Trengove Consulting Trust Improved management of variable phosphorus requirement and strategies for highly responsive soils
University of Adelaide Revealing the basis for head-loss in barley
University of Adelaide Understanding and managing fertiliser toxicity in pulses in SA
University of South Australia Developing a DGT methodology to assess bioavailability of herbicide residues