Crop Solutions On Display At Elders Raywood Trial Site Field Day

03 September 2025, AU: More than 100 growers, suppliers and industry representatives gathered at the Elders Raywood Technical Trial Site last week to explore the latest cropping solutions demonstrated under real-world conditions.

Hosted at a new site on Raywood–Elmore Road in Victoria, the 2025 field day showcased over four hectares of trial plots, and brought together technical research, product demonstrations, and practical agronomy conversations.

“Days like this are all about connecting with farmers, sharing ideas, and showing how different crop solutions can make a real difference on-farm,”

– Elders Bendigo Branch Manager Craig Sharam. 

“At this trial site we’ve been evaluating canola, wheat, vetch and oaten hay, looking at all facets of agronomy, from herbicide applications and fungicide programs through to nitrogen use and overall crop nutrition.”  

Planning for the site begins well ahead of the season, with Elders working closely alongside supply partners and trial cooperators to ensure the program aligns with grower needs. 

“Planning usually starts in the previous spring, working closely with our crop protection, fertiliser and seed distribution partners,” Craig added. 

This year’s trials reflected that collaboration, and featured:

• side-by-side evaluations of early and main-season wheat and barley varieties,
• fungicide and herbicide comparisons in canola,
• nitrogen response trials in hay,
• and a strong focus on emerging crops like lentils and vetch.

“Attendees were able to walk through a diverse range of trial plots, comparing the performance of different varieties under real conditions,” Craig said.

“From broadacre cereals and canola to lentils, the day profiled practical examples of how crop protection technology can work together to drive yields and resilience.”

Elders Bendigo Senior Agronomist Anton Mannes provided an in-depth seasonal overview, highlighting the agronomic setup and evolving weather conditions across the region.

“Last year this paddock was in barley, which we cut for hay because we didn’t think the spring would hold enough moisture to finish the crop,” Anton explained.

“This year, we started sowing in mid-April and got 35mm of rain on Anzac Day, which really helped early establishment.” 

Despite that strong start, a six-week dry spell followed, with only 7mm of rain recorded through May and early June. Fortunately, solid rainfall in July helped recharge soils and support crop development.

“Demonstrating these products in the field gives growers the confidence to make informed decisions that can deliver stronger, more sustainable results on their farms,” Anton said.

“The event is also a great opportunity to talk directly with growers, hear about their challenges, and find ways we can support them with local data.”

The day wrapped up with dinner hosted at Balco, where guest speaker Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer shared a powerful message about mental health and resilience in agriculture.

Elders Chief Agronomist Alex Greetham acknowledged the broader team effort:

“This is where new technologies meet local knowledge and that’s what delivers real impact on-farm,” he said. “Thank you to the growers, supply partners, and the team in the pink shirts for delivering such a great day.” 

The four-hectare site was donated by local clients Justin and Jane Crapper, Elders are extremely appreciative of their generosity. Thanks also to Lonsdale and Mahoney, private trial cooperators, along with Elders’ agronomy and technical teams.

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