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The 2013 Howard Oration - a future vision for the Australian sheep-wheat belt
16 September 2013
Scientists expect to be understood by farmers and it is important for them to provide a reciprocal understanding of the current circumstances of farmers, for each to benefit and the environment to remain healthy. And the current business models of most mixed farms in Australia are not viable and they need to be overhauled for family farms and rural communities to survive.
These are the key messages to be given by Emeritus Professor Ted Wolfe of the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation at Wagga Wagga, in his Howard Oration to be presented at the 22nd International Grassland Congress in Sydney on 15-19 September 2013 – a pre-eminent global forum held only every four years. The event has 1000 delegates from over 60 countries. Download media release.
Crop and Pasture Field Day a success
10 September 2013
The vibe was positive, with more than 100 people attending the Graham Centre's Crop and Pasture Systems Field Day on Wednesday 4 September. The field day was held at the Centre's field site, showcasing the latest research and providing a platform for farmers, researchers and industry to network sharing ideas and information, and identifying issues and research gaps.
The forums addressed 'Farming with stubble' and 'Ruminating over the feedbase', and provided an opportunity for farmers to hear from researchers who are at the cutting edge of technology development, while also learning from key farmers across the region who told their story as part of the panel sessions. 
Key issues raised in the forums included:
Ruminating over the feedbase:
- How to measure whole farm production?
- Designing production systems to effectively utilise the feedbase (particularly during spring)
- The need for a common language for measuring animal production (eg. kg lamb/mm rainfall)
- Establishment and persistence of perennial grasses
- Grazing cereals - how much to sow?
- Options for selling lambs - whether to sell at weaning or finish lambs?
- Genetics and double joining
Farming with stubble:
- Interference/emergence
- Inter row sowing RTK
- Harvest management
- Wide rows
- Weed management
- Sow by the date
- Herbicide resistance - good rotations; mix chemical groups; application technology
Field day provides opportunity to have your say and set R&D priorities
23 August 2013
Forums addressing ‘Farming with stubble’ and ‘Ruminating over the feedbase’ will be the key attractions at this year’s Graham Centre Crop and Pasture Systems Field day.
Graham Centre Director Professor Deirdre Lemerle encouraged growers and industry representatives to attend the field day on 4 September.
“The field day brings together farmers, researchers and advisers. It’s your opportunity to help identify gaps in our knowledge and set research and development priorities while learning the latest on mixed farming in southern NSW,” Professor Lemerle said.
Read more about the Crop and Pasture Systems Field Day.
School science awards
13 August 2013
School students will put their research skills to the test at the Graham Centre Science Investigation Awards at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 14 August. More than 50 Year 6 and Year 10 students from Ladysmith, Griffith and Wagga Wagga have designed and completed a science investigation or experiment and will present their project to a panel of judges. Read media release
Collaboration cements AHRI's national focus
7 August 2013
The Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative’s (AHRI) national focus has been consolidated with Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the Graham Centre officially partnering the internationally recognised research group.
The partnership is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), which provides significant ongoing funding to AHRI to combat herbicide resistance. Read media release
Want to get the most out of your beef herd?
2 August 2013
Want to learn what factors can help maximise production efficiency in your beef herd, and learn from other producers and experts in the field? Read media release
Debate to nut out food security
29 July 2013
Food security is shaping as a critical issue for all Australians, especially those in the Murray Darling Basin. In the lead-up to the next federal election, Charles Sturt University (CSU) and its Institute for Land Water and Society (ILWS) will host a public debate that will explore the views of candidates standing for the election, as well as CSU experts, on important aspects around food security at CSU in Albury-Wodonga on Wednesday 14 August.
Professor Deirdre Lemerle, Director of the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation will form part of the panel, focusing on agricultural production, outlining the importance of food security and its implications for all Australians as well as the Basin. Read CSU News for more information.
Milking your feedbase for all it's worth
23 July 2013
Efficient beef production systems rely on utilising the feedbase as efficiently as possible during the year. "Paddocks are like a big silo, except the system relies on rain, seed and fertiliser to fill it up with feed rather than a truck delivering grain," said Mr Michael Campbell, Charles Sturt University.
"During the year there are fluctuations in the amount of feed grown, with a carryover of dry standing feed that is not consumed by stock." "These two components make up the majority of the pasture base on most beef operations," Mr Campbell said.
So how can the feedbase be manipulated to provide more feed and a more consistent supply of low cost grazable feed?
Mr Campbell presented the findings from Future Dairy research investigating the feedbase and how these findings can be applied to the beef industry at the Graham Centre’s Beef Forum on 9 August at the Convention Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Read more
Pulse researcher on regional panel
23 July 2013
A key Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher and Graham Centre member has been returned to the Grains Research and Development Corporation's (GDRC) Southern Regional Panel for the next two years. Associate Professor of Food Science Chris Blanchard from the School of Biomedical Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga is the Deputy Chair of the Panel. The CSU academic is one of 11 members appointed until 2015. Read CSU News for more information.
Improving sheep and wool profitability with CSU
22 July 2013
Enhancing the profitability of sheep and wool producers was the key focus of a major Agribusiness Today forum to be held at Borenore, west of Orange, on Thursday 8 August. Read more on CSU News.
Sheep Forum addresses Efficiency of Production
1 July 2013
The Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation held its annual Sheep Forum at Charles Sturt University on the 28 June, with over 100 people attending.
The focus of this years forum was Efficiency of Production. Experts from Charles Sturt University, NSW Department of Primary Industries, LHPA, Sheep CRC and industry addressed
the topics of drench and insecticide resistance, including the economics and how it affects productivity and profitability. Producers also saw how the region fairs with the results from a recent Hume LHPA drench resistance survey presented. Grazing late pregnant and lambing ewes on dual purpose crops, the importance of flexibility in sheep systems for risk management, fibre chop length and acidosis in sheep, and successful pasture establishment in cropping rotations were also on the agenda.
To view copies of presentations from the day, please click here.
New Dean of Science at CSU
28 June 2013
Professor Tim Wess has commenced work at Charles Sturt University as the new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science. Read more on CSU News
Students get a taste of science and agriculture
18 June 2013
More than 150 high school students from across the Riverina gained an insight into the work of agricultural and veterinary sciences when they visited Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries on 14 June.
The Graham Centre's Science and Agriculture Enrichment Day gives agriculture and primary industries students the opportunity to participate in work done by agricultural and animal scientists, and to learn more about career opportunities.
Students participated in workshops on cattle handling, photosynthesis, proteins and effects on pH changes, parasites and a food sensory panel.
Pulse v bulge: grain legumes offer hope in obesity battle
13 June 2013
An Australian research student has discovered potential anti-obesity properties in pulses such as chickpeas, faba beans and field peas.
Funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Charles Sturt University student Kyle Reynolds has found that compounds in pulses (grain legumes) appear to stop adult mouse stem cells from developing into fat cells and inhibit the absorption of fat during digestion.
Mr Reynolds said these results could now be used to determine if pulses have the potential to be used in the treatment or prevention of obesity. Read the full story here.
New research effort to address retaining stubble issues
13 June 2013
The challenge of maintaining profitable cropping systems which incorporate retained stubble – a pressing issue for grain growers in the southern cropping region – is about to be addressed through a new Grains Research and Development Corporation-funded initiative.
The GRDC is investing in a cluster of research, development and extension (RD&E) activities in the southern region to provide growers with a better understanding of the impact of stubble retention on the productivity and profitability of farming systems. Read the full story here.
Sheep worm control for profits
11 June 2013
There is no doubt parasites (worms, lice and flies) are the largest animal health costs for commercial sheep enterprises. Costs are mainly the result of the effects of worms on sheep, ranging from $3-$6 per sheep.
“An effective and sustainable sheep worm control program will be a profitable investment in any sheep enterprise,” said Dr Rob Woodgate, Charles Sturt University.
Dr Woodgate discussed the costs of drench resistance at the Graham Centre's Sheep Forum on 28 June at the Convention Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. Read the full story here
Popularity of the chickpea
5 June 2013
The humble chickpea is a versatile product. It can be roasted, ground, stewed, split or fried. It can be eaten as a sweet snack or in a salad and is applauded as a healthy food source.
Tapping into the popularity and versatility of the edible legume, particularly in the lucrative Indian market, is Charles Sturt University (CSU) researcher and Graham Centre member, Associate Professor in Food Science Chris Blanchard.
"The three year project, funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and headed by Dr Jenny Wood from NSW DPI, is looking at how Australian chickpeas are perceived by consumers in India," he said.
"If we can understand what Indian consumers prefer in their chickpeas, we can breed new Australian varieties here that are more desirable to that significant market.
"This should benefit Australian farmers by increasing demand for the local chickpea and therefore prices for their chickpeas." Read the full story on CSU News
Science and Agriculture Enrichment for students
1 June 2013
High school students from across the Riverina will gain an insight into the work of agricultural and veterinary scientists when they visit the Graham Centre on Friday 14 June.
The annual Graham Centre Science and Agriculture Enrichment Day gives students the opportunity to observe and participate in some of the work done by agricultural and animal scientists, and to learn more about career opportunities.
Students will gain hands on experience with sessions on photosynthesis, proteins and effects on pH changes, parasites, cattle handling and food sensory panels.
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