NGN - Assessing the profitability of including canola into farming systems in SW QLD

Growers in South West Queensland have begun to include canola in their crop rotation, ABARES reporting that the 2022/23 season produced a record 10,000t (5000ha) up from just under half that in 2021/22. The issue of how best to optimise known canola management strategies from southern NSW regions in South West Qld has been raised at NGN Forums (Goondiwindi) and industry meetings. Noting canola is now a pillar crop in the southern sub-regions of NSW, growers wish to explore the role canola might play as a profitable crop option in more northly climates. This investment proposes trials, likely field scale, to showcase optimal establishment, PAW requirement for yield, quality and profitability in northern climates overlaid with economics to assist growers to identify a potential fit in their farming system.

Outcome: By May 2027, 120 growers in the Southwest Qld region will have an improved understanding of the profitibility of canola and the system benefits or issues associated with its inclusion in crop sequences.

Outputs

Output 1.

Title: Demonstration Trials.

Description: By May 2025, and annually thereafter, conduct field trials that evaluate the profitability of canola in northern farming system at two (2) locations (potentially Dalby and Talwood) over two years. Deliverables include: * two trials at key locations to demonstrate and measure: - plant establishment, - dry matter at 30% podding, - grain yield, oil and protein, - costs of production, - income and profitability.

Output 2.

Title: Extension and case studies

Description: By May 2025 and annually thereafter, delivery of extension and communication activities targeted at growers and advisers to increase understanding of including canola into farming systems in the target region

This will be achieved by:

- Holding local field days or extension activities

- Case studies on farms currently successfully growing canola including potential bus trips to view commercial crops

- Being available if required to present this knowledge at GRDC Research Updates.

- Being prepared to jointly host a National Grower Network meeting at field day events if requested.

Output 3.

Title: Economic anaysis

Description: By May 2027, delivery an economic assessment on inclusion of canola into the farming system in the target region.

This will be achieved by:

-Comparing the costs of production vs yield.

- Valuing addition system benefots and constraints such as weed management, nematode suppression and extended fallows.