The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) have released the final field trial findings from OATSPO 2024.
Held during September last year, OATSPO 2024 showcased WA oat industry research and development at a trial site near Narrogin. An initiative of the WA Government funded Processed Oat Partnership (POP) and the GIWA Oat Council, the project was coordinated by ConsultAg’s Garren Knell.
Anna-Lisa Newman, Chair of the GIWA Oat Council and Varley Grower, said OATSPO offered growers, researchers and industry an opportunity to connect, learn and challenge their understanding of the current oat sector, and share insights into the future direction of the oat industry.
“A critical element to industry growth and sustainability is understanding how breeding, farm inputs, and soil health can impact crop potential,” Anna-Lisa said.
“OATSPO brought together a collective of R&D organisations on an impressive scale to showcase the work currently being undertaken in the oat industry.
“Observing the support for OATSPO from growers, researchers and industry confirmed there is a need to share these insights.
“Oats are important in WA crop rotation programs, and through the POP we not only demonstrate how we can be developing and growing it more efficiently, but showcase the opportunities there are for oats beyond the farm gate.”
Field trial findings from the R&D organisations involved in OATSPO 2024 are presented in a Final Report available online at www.giwa.org.au/pop/oatspo-2024/
The GIWA Oat Council represents the WA oat industry across areas of plant breeding, agronomic development, production, handling and processing of oat varieties in order to promote and safeguard the industries long term interests and encourage sustainable production and marketing of quality oats.
The POP is an industry-led program, supported by the State Government, which will provide a foundation for growth in the oat industry over the next 20 years. The POP aims to increase the WA production of processed oats, grain yield and hectares sown, and support industry to capture a greater share of growing international demand for oat products.
Dr. Allan Rattey, InterGrain Breeder – National Oat Grain and Hay, addressed attendees at OATSPO 2024.