Queensland Grain Growers Tour BCG
The comparison between impacts of high and low rainfall on broadacre cropping sparked engaging discussions between BCG staff and visiting growers on Thursday 25 July. “It was fascinating to hear how these growers will grow two crops in a good year,” reflected Jess Bidstrup, BCG Communications and Engagement Officer. “I enjoyed sharing stories and comparing typical in-season rainfall; I learned that stored soil moisture is integral to their operation as crops might only receive one rain event throughout the growing season.”
This visit was part of a broader tour coordinated by the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration between farming systems groups across Australia.
Hailing from high rainfall areas in Queensland, including Condamine, Drillham, Dulacca, Hannaford, Inglestone, Meandarra, Moonie, and Tara, the visiting group comprised members from two distinct farming systems groups: the Brigalow Farming Group and the Western Downs Grower Group. Brigalow Farming Group, an established entity with a rich history, sought insights into enhancing their existing structure, while the Western Downs Grower Group have recently started their journey and are motivated by the high engagement they have received so far.
The day commenced with presentations from BCG’s leadership team. Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Best, commenced proceedings with an overview of BCG’s history, mission and structure. Dr. Yolanda Plowman, Senior Manager – Research, explained the innovative research projects currently underway at BCG, and Grace Hosking, Senior Manager – Extension and Communications, concluded presentations by highlighting our broad range of extension activities and communication strategies that support farmers across the Wimmera, Mallee and North Central regions.
Post presentations, the group had the opportunity to visit local farmer and BCG member, Robbie Lee. This visit provided a practical perspective on how BCG’s research and practices are implemented on the ground. Visiting growers had the opportunity to ask questions about Lee’s farming operations and compare attitudes towards how they take risks throughout the year.
The final stop of the tour featured BCG’s Main Research Site in Nullawil where BCG Researchers Tom Jones, Ash Tierney and Kate Finger presented some of their trials to the grower group. An interesting point of conversation was a trial featuring Sunblade wheat, a variety frequently grown by one of the visiting growers, which sparked conversations about shared agricultural practices and crop performance across vastly different growing conditions.
The insights exchanged during the visit underscored the importance of collaboration throughout the agriculture industry, and the value of exploring diverse experiences. We thank QDAFF for coordinating the visit and the grower groups for actively engaging in the tour.
