Let's delve into a fascinating story of innovation and its impact on Australian agriculture. The development and adoption of dual-purpose canola has been a game-changer for mixed farmers, offering a unique solution to manage risks and boost profits. Personally, I find it intriguing how a simple idea, when backed by extensive research and collaboration, can revolutionize an entire industry.
The Power of Dual-Purpose Canola
Dual-purpose canola has brought about a remarkable $1.6 billion in profits for Australian mixed farmers over the last 19 years, with an annual increase of $200 million expected. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the challenges faced by farmers in managing diseases and herbicide-resistant weeds. Dr. Lindsay Bell, a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food, highlights the potential gains: increasing dual-purpose crops to 20% of the farm in medium and high-rainfall areas can lead to profits of $100 to $150 per hectare.
A Journey of Innovation
The journey towards widespread adoption of dual-purpose canola was not an easy one. It required a shift in mindset and a willingness to explore new methods of growing canola. Dr. John Kirkegaard, a Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food, played a pivotal role in this transformation. His hypothesis was simple yet powerful: early-sown canola could be grazed in winter with minimal impact on grain yield, providing winter forage and acting as a profitable break crop.
Proof of Concept and Beyond
Dr. Kirkegaard's proof-of-concept trials near Canberra between 2004 and 2007 demonstrated the potential of his idea. April-sown canola, planted into uncultivated seedbeds, produced an impressive 2.5 to 4.0 tons per hectare of forage for winter grazing. This not only provided flexibility in managing livestock but also addressed the issue of increased disease and herbicide-resistant weeds.
Managing Blackleg
One of the early challenges was managing blackleg, a disease caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. Dr. Susie Sprague, with GRDC co-investment, joined the team to tackle this issue. Her work showed that while grazing increased blackleg severity, it could be minimized by selecting highly resistant cultivars and grazing during the vegetative stage before stem elongation. This research was crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of dual-purpose canola.
On-Farm Trials and Refinement
By 2007, the results were promising enough to move beyond small-plot trials. Commercial trials began at Bobbara Station, near Galong, NSW, using European winter canola varieties. These trials provided valuable insights, refining best management practices. Grazing typically begins when sufficient biomass has accumulated, and the suggested stocking rate is 30 dry sheep equivalents per hectare. The timing of grazing is critical, as late grazing can delay flowering and impact grain yields.
Winter Canola and Variety Selection
Early research relied on European winter varieties, but efforts soon expanded to identify optimal variety and management combinations. Commercial breeding followed, leading to the release of Australia's first winter canola, CB Taurus, in 2011. Dr. Kirkegaard emphasizes the importance of selecting varieties that flower within the optimal window according to location, taking into account the impact of grazing on flowering times.
Whole-Farm Benefits
The benefits of dual-purpose canola extend beyond the crop itself. Research has shown that dual-purpose canola and wheat increase greasy fleece weight, weaner lamb sale weight, and meat production per hectare. This integration of crops and livestock provides a more resilient and profitable farming system. Shawn McGrath, a former visiting scientist at CSIRO, found that grazing reduced canola yields by an average of 17% across a multi-year experiment, but this reduction is negligible when viewed at the whole-farm level.
Impact and Ongoing Research
The impact of dual-purpose canola on productivity, sustainability, and mixed-farming resilience has been recognized with the CSIRO Sir Ian McLennan Impact from Science and Engineering Medal in 2021. Today, research continues through co-investments by GRDC, CSIRO, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The focus is on refining the role of dual-purpose canola to ensure its high water and nitrogen use do not reduce whole-farm profitability.
In conclusion, the story of dual-purpose canola is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in agriculture. It showcases how a simple idea, backed by extensive research and a willingness to adapt, can bring about significant benefits to farmers and the industry as a whole. This is a fascinating example of how science and farming can come together to create a more sustainable and profitable future.
