04 August 2026, AU: Grain growers on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula (EP) can boost their knowledge on autonomous agronomy and soil amelioration while also getting the opportunity to contribute to research, development and extension (RD&E) investments at a series of forums in the region next month.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will hold four National Grower Network (NGN) forums across the EP in August at Arno Bay, Buckleboo, Warramboo and Cummins.
These forums* will coincide with updates on GRDC’s flagship Sandy Soils II initiative with visits to local trial sites at the Warramboo and Cummins events along with insights into the tools to automate agronomy with DataFarming’s Tim Neale.
Building upon past and current GRDC-supported research, Sandy Soils II has a multi-layer approach to increase the efficiency and efficacy of soil amelioration on sandy landscapes and fully harness the new soil potential to maximise yield potential.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – South, Rebekah Starick, said the forums were free to attend and would be highly beneficial for growers with the range of topics on offer.
The NGN forums are an opportunity for growers and other stakeholders to contribute ideas, issues, constraints and opportunities for research, development and extension investments to enhance grower profitability in their region, she said.
“These forums also help GRDC improve understanding of local issues and assist in the development of investments that are locally relevant and have on-farm impact.
“We understand the value of growers’ time, which is why we have partnered with CSIRO to run updates and field walks on the Sandy Soils II initiative in conjunction with the forums.
“Attendees will also be able to hear about the latest GRDC investments happening on the EP.”
One of the key topics covered during the Sandy Soils II updates will be where to physically start and stop with soil amelioration in paddocks.
CSIRO Research Scientist, Dr Stirling Roberton, will take attendees through the tools and processes to measure and respond to paddock variability before joining a panel session with CSIRO Research Team Leader Dr Therese McBeath and Soil Function Consulting’s Dr Melissa Fraser.
This will be an opportunity for attendees to ask the expert panel anything about identifying and combatting soil constraints.
Researchers from EPAG Research and the South Australian Research and Development Institute will lead the field walk component of the Warramboo and Cummins events.
Dr McBeath, who leads the Sandy Soils II initiative, said attendees will hear the latest on sandy soils research which has relevance to many areas of the EP.
“Through Sandy Soils II we have been looking at where, when and how to ameliorate constraints, as well as feeding crops to achieve and maintain the new yield potential,” she said.
“Research has also focused on post-amelioration management, including the treatment of new constraints that might emerge such as increasing soil acidity.”
*The Arno Bay forum will not feature a Sandy Soils II update. Tim Neale from DataFarming will present on tools for automating agronomy including satellite imagery, autonomous drones, weed and disease detection, spray drones, variable harvesting and robotics.
Arno Bay : Arno Bay Hotel, Monday 17 August, 3:30pm – 7:00pm (dinner included)
Buckleboo: Buckleboo Club Inc, Tuesday 18 August, 10:00am – 2:00pm (morning tea and lunch included)
Warramboo: Warramboo Community Club, Wednesday 19 August, 9:00am – 4:00pm (morning tea and lunch included)
Cummins: Cummins Community Sports Club, Thursday 20 August, 9:00am – 3:30pm (morning tea and lunch included)
The forums are free to attend and will be run by GRDC Grower Relations Managers Rebekah Starick and Tim Bateman.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
