World renowned expert in soil systems, Professor Iain Young from the University of New England will explore soil, plant and microbe interactions in cropping soils and provide an international perspective that advisers and growers can’t afford to miss.

With a carbon tax ready to be introduced, Dr Jeff Baldock, Stream Leader, Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Balance in Agricultural Lands with the CSIRO will be discussing carbon sequestration and farming systems and answering a key question for growers – how much carbon can northern cropping systems store?

The packed program also includes Australian scientist and “Seed Hunter” Dr Ken Street, who is based in Syria with the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and will discuss his work searching the globe for cereal germplasm.

GRDC northern panel chairman James Clark, said six Updates were being held in northern NSW and southern Queensland during February and March that would bring growers and advisers together with researchers.

“The GRDC update in Goondiwindi is a must attend for growers and advisers. The two day program over 6-7 March delivers the latest on cropping soils and carbon sequestration as well as practical advice regarding disease management, nutrition and agronomy,” Mr Clark said.

“The Update is a chance for growers and advisers to tap into the latest research, liaise with our expert local and international guest speakers and become better informed on ways to boost productivity on farm in a more sustainable manner.”

Some of the other issues to be covered at the Goondiwindi update include:

Grains RD&E Strategy - what’s changing? (GRDC)

Nitrogen volatilisation losses (Graeme Schwenke, NSW DPI)

Changes to APH wheat classification (Cindy Mills, Wheat Classification Council)