impacts of interventions at a whole-farm scale were completed. Responding tactically (individual crop agronomy) Practice changes and key metrics An increased proportion of growers use crop-specific best management practices to optimise their tactical (within season) agronomy for each individual crop. Growers use improved strategies to cost-effectively acquire crop inputs. Annual, crop-specific decisions and practices are The Wheat Variety Guide for WA 2013 was tested, validated and demonstrated in each produced and delivered to over 6,500 industry agroecological zone, and captured in regionally representatives through the grower GRDC’s relevant best management practice publications. direct mail service. Timely information to improve skills in growers’ variety selection and management was delivered through crop updates and grower field days. Table 19 Theme 4 performance against portfolio budget statements measures for 2012–13 Key performance indicator Target Result Results of the 2012 Grower Survey Growers place a high importance on the 70% use of decision tools to assist them with showed that 75% of growers placed strategic or tactical decision-making. high importance on using decision support tools for running their farming enterprises. Results of the 2012 Grower Survey Growers have a whole-farm business 25% plan which takes account of strategic showed that 49% of growers had opportunities, constraints and risks. formal agronomic plans for their farms. What’s in the RD&E pipeline for 2013–14? Research seeking ways to: maintain profitable farming systems with retained stubble improve delivery of information on soil fertility and nutrition measure and monitor soil water in the Northern and Western regions develop profitable break crops for the Western Region. Work to quantify and reduce the gap between actual and potential yields for wheat in key agroecological zones. The development of decision support tools to assist Southern Region barley growers to select barley cultivars and management practices suited to their business structures and regional market requirements.
impacts of interventions at a whole-farm scale were completed. Responding tactically (individual crop agronomy) Practice changes and key metrics An increased proportion of growers use crop-specific best management practices to optimise their tactical (within season) agronomy for each individual crop. Growers use improved strategies to cost-effectively acquire crop inputs. Annual, crop-specific decisions and practices are tested, validated and demonstrated in each agroecological zone, and captured in regionally relevant best management practice publications. The Wheat Variety Guide for WA 2013 was produced and delivered to over 6,500 industry representatives through the GRDC’s grower direct mail service. Timely information to improve growers’ skills in variety selection and management was delivered through crop updates and grower field days. Table 19 Theme 4 performance against portfolio budget statements measures for 2012–13 Key performance indicator Target Result Growers place a high importance on the use of decision tools to assist them with strategic or tactical decision-making. 70% Results of the 2012 Grower Survey showed that 75% of growers placed high importance on using decision support tools for running their farming enterprises. Growers have a whole-farm business plan which takes account of strategic opportunities, constraints and risks. 25% Results of the 2012 Grower Survey showed that 49% of growers had formal agronomic plans for their farms. What’s in the RD&E pipeline for 2013–14? Research seeking ways to: maintain profitable farming systems with retained stubble improve delivery of information on soil fertility and nutrition measure and monitor soil water in the Northern and Western regions develop profitable break crops for the Western Region. Work to quantify and reduce the gap between actual and potential yields for wheat in key agroecological zones. The development of decision support tools to assist Southern Region barley growers to select barley cultivars and management practices suited to their business structures and regional market requirements.