Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), Media Release, 21 January 2026

The countdown is on for the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) 2026 Grains Research Update series for growers and agronomists seeking practical, science-backed strategies to boost profitability.

The events return to New South Wales and Queensland starting next month, with registrations now open for forums in Wagga Wagga, Corowa, West Wyalong, Dubbo, Goondiwindi and Narrabri.

Senior Regional Manager – North Bec Raymond said 2026 marks a major milestone for the series, the 30th anniversary of GRDC support for the updates nationally.

“For three decades, Grains Research Updates have brought together growers, agronomists, industry experts and researchers to discuss developments in the grain sector,” she said.

“We want to acknowledge those 30 years of progress, reflecting on the innovations that have shaped grains research as we set our sights on the discoveries ahead.”

Two-day events will be held in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Goondiwindi, followed by regional one-day updates:

• Wagga Wagga, NSW (18-19 February)
• Corowa, NSW (20 February)
• West Wyalong, NSW (25 February)
• Dubbo, NSW (26-27 February)
• Goondiwindi, Queensland (3-4 March)
• Narrabri, NSW (5 March)

Additional one-day Updates will be held across the states in July and August.

GRDC Northern Panel Chair Arthur Gearon said the updates are a must-attend event for anyone linked to the industry, especially growers and advisers.

“These gatherings deliver real value. You get to hear the latest insights from GRDC and have the chance to exchange experiences with others in the room,” he said.

“Sharing knowledge and comparing approaches with peers and industry experts can spark new thinking and help everyone move forward.

“I’m looking forward to going along. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect, share ideas and, of course, hear the latest insights that can help us all make better decisions on-farm.”

Highlights of all the two-day events include reflections on 30 years of GRDC Grains Research Updates and an introduction to the next phase of GRDC’s Sustainability Initiative.

In Wagga Wagga and Dubbo, key presentations will include:

• Legumes in cereal farming systems and the prospects of using legume crops to reduce reliance on N fertiliser
• Science driven decisions when margins are tight: advising growers with confidence when every dollar matters
• Automation and AI – what’s coming and how will it change how we farm grain crops in Australia?

In Goondiwindi, attendees will be treated to sessions such as:

• Fungicide resistance and disease management update
• Regionally relevant nitrogen uptake and loss data – guidelines on when and how to apply N in northern systems to minimise losses and optimise use efficiency
• Using technology to apply grower scale test strips and measure the profit impact of applied treatments in different soil zones

As part of these Updates, GRDC is also hosting free New Frontiers Grainstorming breakfasts for growers and advisers. These events aim to gather innovative new ideas for groundbreaking, blue-sky research that will make a difference on-farm.

• Wagga Wagga, NSW (18 February)
• Dubbo, NSW (26 February)
• Goondiwindi, Queensland (3 March)

GRDC will also announce the recipients of the 2026 GRDC Seed of Light – North, and the 2026 GRDC Emerging Leader – North at the updates.

For more information (including full agendas) or to register for the 2026 Grains Research Updates visit the GRDC events page.

About us: GRDC is one of 15 Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research, development and extension (RD&E) for 27 leviable grain crops. Our purpose is to invest in RD&E to create enduring profitability for Australian grain growers.