Grain growers across Victoria and South Australia will have the opportunity to sharpen their harvest performance and reduce grain losses through a series of free Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) harvester setup workshops this September.
Delivered by Northern Sustainable Soils, Birchip Cropping Group and Mallee Sustainable Farming, the full-day workshops will provide growers with practical information to improve harvester productivity, minimise grain losses and make informed decisions ahead of the 2026 harvest.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager South Courtney Ramsey said the upcoming workshops would provide growers with practical, independent advice to help minimise grain losses and maximise harvest efficiency.
“Even small improvements in harvester setup and operation can have significant impact on grain recovery, efficiency and overall profitability. These workshops are designed to give growers practical, evidence-based information they can apply directly on farm,” Ms Ramsy said.
“By bringing together leading harvest specialists from across the grains industry, growers will have the opportunity to learn where grain losses occur and explore proven strategies to reduce losses and improve harvest performance.
“GRDC is pleased to support these workshops as part of our commitment to investing in extension activities that help growers adopt proven practices, improve productivity and maximise returns from every hectare,” she said.
The workshops will bring together harvester specialists, industry experts and researchers for facilitated discussions and practical demonstrations covering preventable grain losses, methods for measuring harvest loss, harvester efficiency and output, harvest weed seed control, fire prevention and the calibration of harvester technology.
Victorian grain grower Mitchell Henderson, who attended a past workshop, said the sessions provided valuable insights and practical ideas.
“I’d recommend the workshops to any grower who wants to improve their productivity.
“Things are evolving all the time, and people are learning new things, so attending these types of events is another tool in the toolbox,” Mr Henderson said.
Workshop leaders
The workshops will be led by industry specialists including:
- Murray Skayman — Independent Harvest Specialist, International
- Brett Asphar — Independent Harvest Specialist, Australia
- Kassie van der Westhuizen — Independent Harvester Specialist, Australia
- Ben White — Kondinin Group
- Peter Broley — Primary Sales Australia
The workshops will also include practical demonstrations by industry representatives and machinery manufacturers.
Program
The workshop program will cover:
- Understanding the impact of harvest loss
- Measuring grain loss and adjusting harvesters to reduce losses
- The latest harvest weed seed control information
- Setting up mill systems, including iHSD, Seed Terminator and Seed Control Unit
- Chaff decks and chaff lining
- Reducing the risk of harvester fires
- Improving harvester capacity and efficiency
- Managing harvest operations, productivity and economics
Dates and Locations:
Kadina, SA, Tuesday 8 September
9 am–3 pm ACST
Location: Kadina Showgrounds, Agery Road, Kadina, SA
https://www.bcg.org.au/event/grdc-harvester-set-up-workshop-kadina/
Moorlands, SA, Wednesday 9 September
9 am–3 pm ACST
Location: 188 Moorlands Rd, Moorlands, SA
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/harvester-set-up-workshop-moorlands-tickets-1995610901928?aff=oddtdtcreator
Terrick Terrick, VIC, Wednesday 16 September
9 am–3 pm AEST
Location: 148 Knight Road, Terrick Terrick East, VIC 3573
https://www.bcg.org.au/event/grdc-harvester-set-up-echuca/
Ultima, VIC, Thursday 17 September
9 am–3 pm AEST
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/quQZ5JbifgjxdjW58
https://www.bcg.org.au/event/grdc-harvester-set-up-workshop-ultima/
Bridgewater, VIC, Friday 18 September
9 am–3 pm AEST
Location: Wheelhouse AGnVET – Bridgewater
Registration is essential for catering purposes.
