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

⁠⁠⁠It is proposed to:

1. Establish trials at two locations (potentially Dalby and Talwood/Toobeah) over two seasons to showcase optimal establishment, PAW requirement for yield, quality and profitability in northern climates,

2. Extension component which includes basic economics within the investment to increase adoption.

Outcome: By May 2027, 120 growers in the Southwest Qld region will have an improved understanding of the profitability 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 analysis

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.