the sagit snapshot · 1 the sagit snapshot sa grain growers funding research solutions for 25 years...

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The SAGIT SnapshotSA grain growers funding research

solutions for 25 years

S A G I T

1991-2016

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The South Australian Grain Industry Trust … SA grain growers funding research solutions for 25 years

SAGIT has longevityThe South Australian Grain Industry Trust Fund (SAGIT) was established in 1991 to administer the voluntary research levy contributed by SA grain growers. SAGIT has backed SA research for 25 years.

YOUR support keeps SAGIT goingSAGIT is funded by a 30 cents per tonne voluntary contribution on all grain delivered by SA grain growers. Without your support, there would be no SAGIT.

SAGIT tackles local grain issuesSAGIT invests more than $2 million a year in supporting research crucial to advancing the SA grain industry.

SAGIT invests in a range of areasResearch and development is supported in a range of areas of grain growing, farming systems, soil management, harvesting, storage, processing and marketing and for dissemination of technical information to growers.

SAGIT is directed by growersSAGIT has a board of four Group A grower trustees and a Group B trustee appointed by the Minister for Agriculture. The organisation calls for research applications annually and then trustees decide how to spend levy money, taking into consideration issues affecting SA grain production and innovative ideas to progress the industry. Trustees receive specialist agronomic and scientific advice to ensure their decisions are well-informed and credible.

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SAGIT is accountable to growersAn annual report of how levy funds are spent is available to growers and provided to the South Australian Minister for Agriculture to ensure correct management of growers’ money. An update is also provided to the Grain Producers SA Annual General Meeting.

SAGIT is uniqueNo other state has a research fund supported by growers for state-based, grains industry research. We are the envy of other states!

How SAGIT started South Australian grain growers are proactive when it comes to supporting research and development to boost the industry’s productivity.

Growers first made voluntary contributions in 1983 for grain research at the rate of 12 cents per tonne under the former Grains Research Trust Funds Act.

When the Grains Research and Development Corporation was established in 1990, the Federal Government agreed to return the money collected from SA growers to them – a total of $4.066 million – provided it was spent on wheat and barley research.

A proposal was developed by the former United Farmers and Stockowners to establish a trust to manage the returned funds under a Trust Deed entered into with the then Minister for Agriculture (SA). The new trust became responsible for the SA Grain Industry Trust Fund and collection of the levy continued under South Australian regulation.

SAGIT is proud of the contribution growers have made to South Australian research, development and extension.

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Code Organisation Supervisor Project title Start Finish Page

PIR116 PIRSA John Heap

Silverleaf nightshade – long-term management effects of annual herbicide applications

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 15

RS216 Rural Solutions SA Brett BartelPublication of the 2017 Farm Gross Margin Guide for SA

1/7/2016 30/6/2017 15

S316 SARDI Dili MaoImproving weed control in new herbicide tolerant lentils

1/7/2016 30/6/2018 16

S416 SARDINaomi Scholz

Burning weed seeds in low rainfall cropping systems

1/7/2016 30/6/2017 16

S716 SARDILiz Farquharson

Optimising legume inoculation for dry sowing

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 17

S916 SARDIKathy Ophel-Keller

Grain research internships

1/1/2017 31/12/2019 17

SPAA116 SPAA Nicole Dimos

Sharing knowledge of agricultural innovations: Precision Ag expos and symposiums

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 18

TC116Trengove Consulting

Sam Trengove

Increasing lentil productivity on dune and swale soils

1/4/2016 30/6/2019 18

UA116University of Adelaide

Glenn McDonald

Novel genes for improved P efficiency and yield in barley

1/7/2017 30/6/2020 19


Michael Zerner

New field-based tools to rapidly assess crop nitrogen and stress status

1/7/2016 30/6/2018 19


Graham Lyons

Identification of sodicity tolerant oat varieties

1/7/2016 30/6/2017 20

UNF116Upper North Farming Systems

Ruth Sommerville

Upper North time of sowing and yield loss from frost/heat stress

30/3/2016 30/3/2019 20


A116 AgbyteLeighton Wilksch

Hi-tech crop monitoring stations

1/3/2016 28/2/2018 10

AC116 AgCommunicators Belinda CaySeed to Store YouTube clip competition

1/2/2016 31/1/2017 10

AIA116Ag Institute Australia

Glenn McDonald

Support for workshop on data presentation and interpretation

16/3/2016 11

AKI116Agriculture Kangaroo Island

Jenny Stanton

Improving nitrogen use efficiency via legumes in high rainfall cropping

1/3/2016 28/2/2019 11

AS116Agronomy Solutions

Sean MasonEfficiency of various fertiliser N products on sandy soil types

1/7/2016 30/6/2017 12

AS216Agronomy Solutions

Sean Mason

Time of sowing influence on phosphorus requirements and soil testing

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 12

DGA116Southern Australia Durum Growers Association

John GreenAgronomic evaluation of durums for crown rot resistance

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 13

EP116 EPARFNaomi Scholz

Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary 2016-2018

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 13

EP216 EPARFAndrew Ware

Using soil water information to make better decisions on Eyre Peninsula

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 14

H116Hart Field-site Group

Sarah Noack

Long-term cropping systems trial: Effect on soil biology and nitrogen mineralisation

1/7/2016 30/6/2019 14

New investments starting in 2016-17Total = $2.3 million

Research projects

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Grower group events

Code Organisation Supervisor Event title Event date Page

AEA116GAg Excellence Alliance

Trent Potter AgEx Forum 7/4/2016 26

AKI116GAgriculture Kangaroo Island

Faye Stephenson

Getting crop management right for maximum 2016 profits

1/4/2016 26

EP216GEyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation

Simon GuerinSOILS – Getting the most out of your sands

27/7/2016 27

UNFS216GUpper North Farming Systems Group

Ruth Sommerville

Improving soil health to maximise water use efficiency in the Upper North

August 2016

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UNFS316GUpper North Farming Systems Group

Jessica Koch

Upskilling women of the Upper North in sustainable and productive farming principles

June and August 2016

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Continuing SAGIT projects


AC314 AgCommunicators Deanna Lush Extension and outreach of SAGIT-funded projects

1/5/2014 30/4/2017 30

AGT115 AGT Haydn Kuchel

Genetic characterisation and exploitation of heat stress tolerant barley germplasm

1/7/2015 30/6/2017 30

H114Hart Field-site Group

Sarah Noack

Improving pre-emergent herbicide efficacy in stubble retention systems

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 31

HART115Hart Field-site Group

Sarah NoackRegional internship in applied grains research

1/3/2016 28/2/2018 31

MSF115Mallee Sustainable Farming

Stuart PutlandAdopting profitable crop sequences in the SA Mallee

1/4/2015 30/6/2018 32

NSS114Northern Sustainable Soils

Leighton Wilksch

Sulphur deficiency research in lentils and wheat on dune swale soils

1/4/2014 31/3/2017 32

SANF115 SANTFALeighton Pearce

SANTFA 18th Annual Conference 2016

19/2/2016 33

S414 SARDI Rob WheelerSA Crop Variety Sowing Guides

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 33

S514 SARDIHugh Wallwork

Crown rot resistance in durums

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 34

S614 SARDI Amanda Cook

Improving fertiliser efficiency and reducing disease impacts using fluid delivery systems

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 34

S914 SARDI Stuart NagelCommon vetch as a break crop for marginal cropping systems

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 35

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SARDI1315 SARDIAmanda Pearce

Dual-purpose canola for South Australia's high rainfall zone

1/1/2016 1/2/2019 35

SARDI1515 SARDI Nigel Wilhelm

Identifying the causes of unreliable N fixation by medic based pastures

1/7/2015 30/6/2018 36

SPAA114 SPAA Nicole DimosThe H sensor: a weed ID and mapping system

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 36

SPAA115 SPAA Nicole Dimos

Communicating innovations in Precision Agriculture: Factsheet series

1/7/2015 30/12/2017 37


Paul FinnThe Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 37


Jason Able

Growing durum demand in SA: gross margin sensitivity analysis trials

1/7/2015 30/6/2018 38


Sean Mason

Reassessing the value of phosphorus replacement strategies on fixing soils

1/7/2015 30/6/2017 38


Jason Able

Genetic characterisation and exploitation of heat stress tolerant durum germplasm

1/7/2015 30/6/2017 39

USA114University of South Australia

John Fielke

The application of bent-leg technologies to higher speed, tyned seeding of cereal grains

1/7/2014 30/6/2017 39

New SAGIT Investments – 2016

Research projects

Continuing SAGIT projects

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A116: Hi-tech crop monitoring stationsOrganisation: Agbyte

Project staff: Leighton Wilksch

Timeframe: Two years, 1/3/2016 – 28/2/2018

Total funding: $33,000

Snapshot: Crop, soil and weather sensors for canopy temperature, leaf wetness, soil moisture, wind (at 10m height) and cameras to monitor crop pests will be assessed at three sites (Wokurna, Hart and Neales Flat). This information can be used to indicate conditions suitable for crop operations, such as applying nitrogen fertiliser or cutting for hay, as well as spray drift and harvester fire risks. Data will be available using a web app.

Contact: Leighton Wilksch, 0408 428 714, [email protected]

AC116: Seed to Store – YouTube clip competition Organisation: AgCommunicators

Project staff: Belinda Cay, Sarah McDonnell

Timeframe: One year, 1/2/2016 – 31/1/2017


Snapshot: A YouTube competition on crop production will seek one minute clips featuring farming, research, food, technology and sustainability in the grains sector. These clips will be judged during the 2016 Royal Adelaide Show. A Grains Career Resources kit for school teachers will be distributed and Grains Ambassadors will also visit schools and universities to promote careers in agriculture.

Contact: Sarah McDonnell, 0430 087 376, [email protected]

AIA116: Support for workshop on data presentation and interpretation Organisation: Ag Institute of Australia

Project staff: Glenn McDonald, University of Adelaide

Timeframe: One year


Snapshot: This is to support a workshop held on 16 March 2016 for young professionals in agriculture on data presentation and interpretation.

Contact: Glenn McDonald, 0447 725 285, [email protected]

AKI116: Improving nitrogen use efficiency via legumes in high rainfall croppingOrganisation: Agriculture Kangaroo Island

Project staff: Jenny Stanton

Timeframe: Three years, 1/3/2016 to 28/2/2019


Snapshot: A three-year rotation field trial on Kangaroo Island to assess the nitrogen input of beans, lupins and subclover compared to linseed on the following canola (2017) and wheat (2018) crops. Assessments include legume nodulation, soil nitrate levels and soil moisture during the growing season.

Contact: Jenny Stanton, 0484 602 946, [email protected]

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AS116: Efficiency of various fertiliser N products on sandy soil typesOrganisation: Agronomy Solutions

Project staff: Sean Mason

Timeframe: One year, 1/7/2016 to 30/6/2017


Snapshot: The availability of nitrogen and potential ammonium toxicity to wheat released from different products (MAP, DAP, urea, UAN, ammonium sulphate and ammonium poly phosphate) will be assessed in a controlled glasshouse environment. This will be using sandy soils and at two soil moisture content levels.

Contact: Sean Mason, 0422 066 635, [email protected]

AS216: Time of sowing influence on phosphorus requirements and soil testingOrganisation: Agronomy Solutions

Project staff: Sean Mason

Timeframe: Three years, 1/7/2016 to 30/6/2019


Snapshot: The impact of time of sowing on the uptake of phosphorus by wheat and hence the economic rate of P to apply, will be assessed firstly in controlled environment glasshouse tests (year 1) and then in field trials (years 2 and 3). Glasshouse tests will be with five soil types, two soil temperatures and two soil moisture content levels. The field trials will be at three sites using two wheat varieties, five P rates and at three times of sowing.


DGA116: Agronomic evaluation of durums for crown rot resistanceOrganisation: Southern Australia Durum Growers Association

Project staff: John Green, (SADGA). Researcher: Marg Evans (SARDI).

Timeframe: Three years, 1/7/2016 – 30/6/2019


Snapshot: Durum lines with improved crown rot tolerance from selections at the Waite Campus in the SAGIT-funded project S514 will be tested at two sites (Turretfield and Upper South East) in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Crown rot infection and grain yield of these lines will be compared with those of other durums and bread wheats.

Contact: John Green, 0427 101 482, [email protected] and Marg Evans, 8303 9379, [email protected]

EP116: Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary 2016-2018Organisation: Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation

Project staff: Naomi Scholz (SARDI)



Snapshot: To fund the production and printing of 1,000 Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summaries per year for three years.

Contact: Naomi Scholz, 0428 540 670, [email protected]

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EP216: Using soil water information to make better decisions on Eyre PeninsulaOrganisation: SARDI, Port Lincoln

Project supervisor: Andrew Ware



Snapshot: To characterise soils at 17 sites on Eyre Peninsula for plant water holding capacity and to link with Yield Prophet outputs. This will help interpret information from existing soil moisture monitoring probes at a total of 20 sites. This information will be available in newsletters, at grower meetings and in annual reports.

Contact: Andrew Ware, 0427 884 272, [email protected]

H116: Long-term cropping systems trial: Effect on soil biology and nitrogen mineralisation Organisation: Hart Field-site Group

Project supervisor: Sarah Noack


Total funding: $ 87,910

Snapshot: The long-term cropping systems trial (now in its 17th year) at Hart will be continued. Assessments in this three-year phase will include soil microbial diversity and function as well as grain production.

Contact: Sarah Noack, 0420 218 420, [email protected]

PIR116: Silverleaf nightshade – long-term management effects of annual herbicide applications Organisation: PIRSA

Project supervisor: John Heap


Total funding: $ 87,103

Snapshot: Continuation of field trials at Keith and Crystal Brook to assess the long term impact of herbicide treatments on control of silverleaf nightshade. Results will be presented in regional workshops and in a management guide publication.

Contact: John Heap, 0428 833 119, [email protected]

RS216: Publication of the 2017 SA Farm Gross Margin GuideOrganisation: Rural Solutions SA

Project staff: Brett Bartel, Barry Mudge



Snapshot: Production of the 2017 Farm Gross Margin Guide. This includes comparisons of cropping and livestock enterprises for low, medium and high rainfall regions and a template to calculate gross margins specific to particular enterprises. Electronic copies are available through Rural Solutions SA, GRDC and SAGIT. Hard copies are available from PIRSA and GRDC Groundcover Direct.

Contacts: Brett Bartel, 0428 282 091, [email protected], Barry Mudge, 0417 826 790, [email protected]

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S316: Improving weed control in new herbicide tolerant lentilsOrganisation: SARDI, Clare

Project supervisor: Dili Mao

Timeframe: Two years, 1/7/2016 – 30/6/2018


Snapshot: Control of bifora, medic and tares in lentil lines with greater tolerance to metribuzin will be assessed in glasshouse and field trials. Treatments include rates of metribuzin up to 750g/ha and the addition of surfactants. This work complements a GRDC-funded project to develop lentils with greater tolerance to specific herbicide groups.

Contact: Dili Mao, 0410 409 950, [email protected]

S416: Burning weed seeds in low rainfall cropping systemsOrganisation: SARDI, Minnipa

Project supervisor: Naomi Scholz



Snapshot: The control of weeds using windrow burning will be assessed in collaboration with the Upper North Farming Systems and Mallee Sustainable Farming Systems groups and Ben Fleet from the University of Adelaide. Weed species to be assessed include barley grass, brome grass, wild oats, mustard, onion weed, Lincoln weed and statice.

Contact: Naomi Scholz, 0428 540 670, [email protected]

S716: Optimising legume inoculation for dry sowingOrganisation: SARDI, Waite Campus

Project supervisor: Liz Farquharson



Snapshot: Glasshouse studies (2016) will be on the survival of different rhizobium products using different soil moistures and temperatures (simulating dry sowing conditions). Field trials in 2017 and 2018 will be at three sites (Eyre Peninsula, Mid North and the Mallee). Treatments for field trials include different rhizobium products and placement of the inoculant at seeding.

Contact: Liz Farquharson, 08 8303 9452, [email protected]

S916: Grains research internshipsOrganisation: SARDI, Waite Campus

Project supervisor: Kathy Ophel-Keller



Snapshot: This traineeship program is a continuation of the previous SAGIT-GRDC internship program. It is designed to encourage more agricultural students to continue with a career in agricultural research. It includes work experience for several undergraduate students each year in research and commercial organisations. It also includes a full year research traineeship placement in SARDI for graduates. Recent full year interns have been James Walter (2014) and Brooke Schofield (2015). The current intern is Jamie Fortune, who has a placement in SARDI entomology.

Contact: Kathy Ophel-Keller, 0418 818 657, [email protected]

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SPAA116: Sharing knowledge of agricultural innovations: Precision Ag expos and symposiumsOrganisation: SPAA

Project staff: Nicole Dimos

Timeframe: Three years, 1/7/2016 - 30/6/2019


Snapshot: Funding to assist with the production of three regional SPAA Expos (2017 – South East, 2018 – Mid/Upper North, 2019 – TBA) and three national symposiums (2016 – Toowoomba, 2017 – Adelaide, 2018 – TBA). This funding will also be used to produce farmer case studies for the publication SPAA PA News.

Contact: Nicole Dimos, 0437 422 000, [email protected]

TC116: Increasing lentil productivity on dune and swale soilsOrganisation: Trengove Consulting

Project staff: Sam Trengove

Time: Three years, 1/4/2016 – 30/6/2019


Snapshot: The first year of this project will be to identify the key factors linked to poor productivity of lentils on sand hills. Depending on these findings, field trials will be at two sites in 2017 and 2018 to test treatments to increase lentil production in these situations.

Contact: Sam Trengove, 0428 262 057, [email protected]

UA116: Novel genes for improved P efficiency and yield in barleyOrganisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Glenn McDonald

Timeframe: Three years, 1/7/2017 - 30/6/2020 (Funded if also receive ARC funding)


Snapshot: Analysis of a mapping population of barley to potentially identify molecular markers for improved phosphorus uptake efficiency in new barley varieties. This is subject to funding approval from an Australian Research Council grant to be announced in June 2017.

Contact: Glenn McDonald, 0447 725 285, [email protected]

UA316: New field-based tools to rapidly assess crop nitrogen and stress statusOrganisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Michael Zerner

Timeframe: Two years, 1/7/2016 - 30/6/2018


Snapshot: Portable Near Infra Red (NIR) instruments will be tested in the field for accuracy in measuring plant nitrogen content and water soluble carbohydrates in wheat and barley plants compared with laboratory analyses. Samples will be tested from existing field trials with different cropping locations, times of sowing and nutrition levels. They will also be tested for different varieties of wheat and barley.

Contact: Michael Zerner, 0439 802 600, [email protected]

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UA416: Identification of sodicity tolerant oat varietiesOrganisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Graham Lyons

Timeframe: One year, 1/7/2016 - 30/6/2017


Snapshot: Screening oat varieties and lines for improved tolerance to sodicity using a soil-based test in controlled laboratory conditions.

Contact: Graham Lyons, 0430 805 111, [email protected]

UNF116: Upper North time of sowing and yield loss from frost/heat stressOrganisation: Upper North Farming Systems

Project staff: Ruth Sommerville



Snapshot: Frost damage and grain yield of wheat will be assessed in field trials with three sowing dates from early April through to June at Booleroo Centre. This will be for five wheat varieties and for three years.

Contact: Ruth Sommerville, 0401 042 223, [email protected] SA Grain Growers Funding

Research Solutionswww.sagit.com.au

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SAGIT SurveyThe South Australian Grain Industry Trust wants to know more about what issues you’ll be facing on-farm in the short-term and how to best provide research results directly to you. If you would prefer to complete the survey online, visit the SAGIT website or type this address directly into your web browser: goo.gl/4spCf6.

NAME:

BUSINESS/TRADING NAME:

ADDRESS (postal):

PHONE: FAX:

MOBILE:

EMAIL:

YEARS IN INDUSTRY:

I AM A (please circle) Grower Researcher Agronomist Industry support Other (please specify)

1. What are the top three issues holding back the productivity of your grain business?

2. Do you receive the following and if so, how do you use them:

j The South Australian Crop Variety Sowing Guide j Farm Gross Margin and Enterprise Planning Guide

3. Rank from 1 to 10 how you like to receive research information: ____ Workshops ____ Conferences ____ Rural media (ie, Stock Journal, ABC Rural)

____ Specialist publications (Aust Grain, Farming Ahead, agronomic journals)

____ Internet

____ Mail-outs (brochures, newsletters) from organisations/companies - hard copy

____ Emails (ie, brochures, newsletters)

____ Social media (Facebook/Twitter/YouTube)

____ Via your local farming systems group

____ Crop walks and field days

4. Do you think there are currently any gaps in South Australian grains research? If so, list the areas where you think research is required.

5. What’s the one big research or technology advancement that you think could revolutionise your business?

Thanks for your input. Finally, SAGIT would like to keep you up-to-date on R&D funded specifically for SA growers.

j Yes, please keep me informed about SAGIT research and development

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Grower group events

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AEA116G: AgEx ForumOrganisation: Ag Excellence Alliance

Project staff: Trent Potter

Timeframe: 7-8 April 2016


Snapshot: To fund the guest speaker, Neville Crook, SwarmFarm Robotics, for the annual Ag Ex Alliance forum in Adelaide on 7 and 8 April, 2016. SwarmFarm is developing robotic systems for broadacre agriculture.

Contact: Kerry Stockman, 0418 841 331, [email protected]

AKI116G: Getting crop management right for maximum 2016 profits Organisation: Agriculture Kangaroo Island

Project staff: Faye Stephenson

Timeframe: 1 April 2016


Snapshot: To fund Wayne Smith to attend and speak on high rainfall crop production at a farmer field day on Kangaroo Island.

Contact: Faye Stephenson, 0427 313 293, [email protected]

EP216G: SOILS – Getting the most out of your sandsOrganisation: Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation

Project staff: Simon Guerin

Timeframe: 27 July 2016


Snapshot: To fund Steve Davis from WA Department of Agriculture, Geraldton, to speak on management of sandy soils at the EPARF field day on 27 July 2016.

Contact: Dot Brace, 0427 103 034, [email protected]

UNFS216G: Improving soil health to maximise water use efficiency in the Upper NorthOrganisation: Upper North Farming Systems Group

Project staff: Ruth Sommerville

Timeframe: August 2016


Snapshot: To fund several speakers to attend a soil health field day and workshop in the Upper North in August 2016.

Contact: Ruth Sommerville, 0401 042 223, [email protected]

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UNFS316G: Upskilling women of the Upper North in sustainable and productive farming principlesOrganisation: Upper North Farming Systems Group

Project staff: Jessica Koch

Timeframe: June and August 2016


Snapshot: To fund agricultural consultant Louise Flohr to speak at two workshops on crop agronomy.

Contact: Jessica Koch, 0419 982 125, [email protected]

Continuing SAGIT Projects

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AC314: Extension and outreach of SAGIT-funded projects Organisation: AgCommunicators

Project staff: Deanna Lush, Bridget Penna



Snapshot: SAGIT invests a significant amount of growers’ money in research to increase production and profitability of the South Australian grain industry. To ensure that research gets to where it is most needed – in the hands of growers and their advisers – SAGIT has engaged AgCommunicators to work directly with researchers to disseminate the results of SAGIT-funded projects via rural media, social media, website content development and maintenance and attendance at field days.

Contact: Deanna Lush, 0419 783 436, [email protected]

AGT115: Genetic characterisation and exploitation of heat stress tolerant barley germplasmOrganisation: AGT

Project staff: Haydn Kuchel, Paul Telfer



Snapshot: This project will involve testing barley varieties and lines for heat tolerance using the SAGIT heat chamber at AGT Roseworthy. This is set at 36 degrees with a 40km/h wind for three consecutive eight hour days on plants 10 days after anthesis.

Contact: Haydn Kuchel, 0428 817 402, [email protected]

H114: Improving pre-emergent herbicide efficacy in stubble retention systemsOrganisation: Hart Field-site Group

Project staff: Sarah Noack



Snapshot: This project aims to improve pre-emergent herbicide efficacy depending on the height and volume of stubble. Trials will cover efficacy of pre-emergent herbicides (chemistry and rate), manipulating spray application (water rate, droplet size, time of application, adjuvants and travel speed), and spray nozzles (angle, position, orientation and spray patterns).


HART115: Regional internship in applied grains researchOrganisation: Hart Field-site Group

Project staff: Sarah Noack



Snapshot: This internship is to train graduates in applied field research and extension and to potentially work with other grower groups in the future. This program will train two graduates, one per year, and the 2016 intern Rochelle Wheaton started in March. The training will be mostly at Hart with some time spent with SARDI researchers including pathology and field crop agronomy.


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MSF115: Adopting profitable crop sequences in the SA MalleeOrganisation: Mallee Sustainable Farming

Project staff: Stuart Putland, Researcher: Michael Moodie



Snapshot: Field trials will compare the productivity and profitability of different pulse and canola break crops at Loxton (MSF site) and at Waikerie (through the Lowbank Ag Bureau). At these sites, there will also be detailed trials on the management of these break crops. Treatments in these management trials include seeding rates and times and herbicides.

Contact: Stuart Putland, 0427 219 103, [email protected]

NSS114: Sulphur deficiency research in lentils and wheat on dune swale soilsOrganisation: Northern Sustainable Soils

Project staff: Leighton Wilksch



Snapshot: The project will measure sulphur responses in a wheat-lentil-barley rotation using different formulations, rates and timings of sulphur. This will be in the dune swale soil types of northern Yorke Peninsula. The trials will be at two sites in the same paddock – one at the top of a sand dune and the other in the clay loam swale.

Contact: Leighton Wilksch, 0408 428 714, [email protected]

SANF115: SANTFA 18th Annual Conference 2016Organisation: South Australian No-Till Farmers Association

Project staff: Leighton Pearce

Timeframe: 19/2/2016


Snapshot: The 18th annual SANTFA conference for farmers, advisers and industry was held on 19th February, 2016. Topics included soil biology with a keynote speaker from the USA.

Contact: Leighton Pearce, 0427 688 028, [email protected]

S414: SA Crop Variety Sowing Guides Organisation: SARDI

Project staff: Rob Wheeler



Snapshot: This SAGIT funding is for SARDI staff to compile the SA Crop Variety Sowing Guide. GRDC funds the layout, printing and distribution costs. It is mailed to all SA grain growers, consultants and agribusinesses via the GRDC’s Ground Cover mailing list.

Contact: Rob Wheeler, 0401 148 935, [email protected]

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S514: Crown rot resistance in durumsOrganisation: SARDI

Project staff: Hugh Wallwork



Snapshot: To continue the development of crown rot resistance in durum wheat in support of the University of Adelaide durum breeding program. This involves crossing with more resistant wheats and testing for crown rot resistance in the terraces at the Waite Campus.

Contact: Hugh Wallwork, 0427 001 568, [email protected]

S614: Improving fertiliser efficiency and reducing disease impacts using fluid delivery systems Organisation: SARDI

Project staff: Amanda Cook



Snapshot: The key aim of this project is to provide guidelines to farmers on the best options for fluid delivery systems at seeding to increase crop yield and decrease crop diseases on Eyre Peninsula. Different nutrient and fertiliser treatments will be tested at two sites. There will also be support for five farmers per year to monitor paddock demonstration strips to evaluate the economic benefits of changes in products within fluid delivery systems with funding from Landcare. It will provide guidelines and extension packages for farmers to adopt fluid nutrient and fungicide packages where appropriate.

Contact: Amanda Cook, 0427 270 154, [email protected]

S914: Common vetch as a break crop for marginal cropping systemsOrganisation: SARDI

Project staff: Stuart Nagel



Snapshot: Vetch lines are being tested for productivity in more marginal farming areas in western Eyre Peninsula (Streaky Bay), the Upper North (Morchard) and the Murraylands (Loxton). Five lines have been selected for more detailed testing including rust resistance. Pure seed of these lines is being multiplied for potential release.

Contact: Stuart Nagel, 0407 720 729, [email protected]

SARDI1315: Dual-purpose canola for South Australia’s high rainfall zoneOrganisation: SARDI

Project staff: Amanda Pearce



Snapshot: The biomass production, grazing potential and grain yield of 20 canola varieties and breeding lines will be assessed in field trials in the Lower South East in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The canola will be dual purpose (grazing and grain) types. Trials will be sown at two different times, the first being the earliest reliable sowing time after January.

Contact: Amanda Pearce, 0407 400 939, [email protected]

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SARDI1515: Identifying the causes of unreliable N fixation by medic based pasturesOrganisation: SARDI

Project staff: Nigel Wilhelm



Snapshot: Field trials at two sites on Eyre Peninsula (Yaninee and Piednippie) will test the impact of herbicides and herbicide residues on nodulation and N fixation of medics. These will be on a grey calcareous soil on western EP and a mallee soil in central/eastern EP. Treatments include post emergent, pre-emergent and soil residual herbicides.

Contact: Nigel Wilhelm, 0407 185 501, [email protected]

SPAA114: The H sensor: a weed ID and mapping systemOrganisation: SPAA Precision Agriculture

Project staff: Nicole Dimos. Researcher: Sam Trengove

Time: Three years, 1/7/2014 – 30/6/2017


Snapshot: The H Sensor is a European system for distinguishing different weeds in crops. It will be further developed in SA to pick differences between our weeds and crops, such as brome grass in canola or bifora in wheat. This will be with the assistance of research staff with the development company in Germany, AgriCon. This system will provide growers with tools to adopt site specific weed management which will result in more efficient use of herbicides, reducing their use while providing the desired weed control.

Contact: Sam Trengove, 0428 262 057, [email protected]

SPAA115: Communicating innovations in Precision Agriculture: Factsheet seriesOrganisation: SPAA

Project staff: Nicole Dimos



Snapshot: To produce six fact sheets (two per year) on aspects of precision agriculture. Topics for these fact sheets include weed sensing, UAVs, understanding airborne imagery, PA map analysis, nitrogen sensors and soil sensors.

Contact: Nicole Dimos, 0437 422 000, [email protected]

UA514: The Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship Organisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Paul Finn



Snapshot: The Peter Waite Centenary Scholarship for Agricultural Excellence is jointly funded by SAGIT and the University of Adelaide. It provides support for a PhD student for research into issues specific to South Australian farmers. The current recipient is James Walter. His project is on aerial imagery to assess crop production traits, such as plant number, plant height, biomass and head number in plant breeding trials.

Contact: Paul Finn, 0405 036 941, [email protected], James Walter, 0421 406 401, [email protected]

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UA415: Growing durum demand in SA: gross margin sensitivity analysis trialsOrganisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Jason Able and Alistair Pearce



Snapshot: This project will assess the grain production and quality of six durum varieties compared with bread wheat varieties at four “non-traditional” durum locations in SA. These are in Lower Eyre Peninsula (Cummins), Upper North (Wandereah), Murray Plains (Sanderston) and the Upper South East (Coonalpyn). Trials are managed according to crop requirements and gross margin analyses calculated for each variety.

Contact: Jason Able, 0459 841 586, [email protected]

UA1115: Reassessing the value of phosphorus replacement strategies on fixing soilsOrganisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Sean Mason, Agronomy Solutions



Snapshot: This is ongoing work to assess the phosphorus use efficiency of 3-4 wheat and barley varieties at three sites in SA (Pinery, Sherwood and Cummins) in 2015 and 2016. This is to identify varieties that can produce the same or more grain yield using less phosphorus. This project will also continue the validation of mid-infrared (MIR) instruments for measuring the soil phosphorus buffering index in the field.


UA1415: Genetic characterisation and exploitation of heat stress tolerant durum germplasmOrganisation: University of Adelaide

Project staff: Jason Able



Snapshot: Heat stress tolerance of 35 durum varieties and lines will be assessed using the SAGIT-funded heat chamber at AGT Roseworthy. This is at 36 degrees with a 40km/h wind for three consecutive eight hour days on plants 10 days after antithesis. These varieties will also be assessed in the field starting in 2016 at AGT sites at Angas Valley, Booleroo, Minnipa, Pinnaroo, Roseworthy, Tuckey and Winulta.

Contact: Jason Able, 0459 841 586, [email protected]

USA114: The application of bent-leg technologies to higher speed tyned seeding of cereal grainsOrganisation: University of South Australia

Project staff: John Fielke. Researcher: James Barr



Snapshot: This project will investigate a new tyned seeding system that will allow faster seeding speeds using a bent-legged, narrow-tyned opener to till the soil. This is followed by either an attached seeding boot or a ground-following seeding opener. The aim is to develop a seeding system proven to be able to operate from 12-18km and achieve similar or better crop establishment than current tyned implements. Trials will be conducted and will link with other demonstration sites by groups such as SANTFA.

Contact: John Fielke, 0407 676 190, [email protected]; James Barr, 0417 823 623, [email protected]

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The Trustees

Michael TreloarCHAIRMAN

0427 765 034 [email protected]

Max YoungGROUP A TRUSTEE


Bryan SmithGROUP A TRUSTEE


Ted LangleyGROUP A TRUSTEE


Caroline RhodesGROUP B TRUSTEE


SAGIT Management

Malcolm BuckbyPROJECT MANAGER


Dr Allan MayfieldSCIENTIFIC OFFICER


More information:

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com.au/SAGITFund

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SAGrainTrust

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.sagit.com.au

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Key SAGIT Dates New Projects

Key Date Description

November Call for applications announced. Guidelines released.

1st Friday in February Applications due.

March Applications reviewed by SAGIT.

April Applicants notified of results of review.

July First payment. Successful applicants must submit invoice.

January Second payment. Successful applicants must submit invoice.

Continuing Projects

Key Date Description

1st Friday in February Progress statements due.

August Final reports and financial statements (Form A) due.

September Spring review of projects. Final reports considered.

www.sagit.com.au

S A G I T

1991-2016

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