Embarking on the South Australia Study Tour with the Grower Group Alliance and South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub was a transformative experience for UWA Senior Research Officer Roberto Lujan Rocha.

Mr Lujan Rocha said he was thankful to The UWA Institute of Agriculture and the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative for sponsoring his five-day excursion in September.

“The tour not only met but exceeded my expectations, offering a fresh perspective on how my work fits within the broader agricultural system,” he said.

“It has inspired me to integrate some of the state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies witnessed into my research.”

“The connections I formed, and the potential collaborations conceived, particularly as I embark on a PhD, are invaluable.”

"This tour has been a catalyst for broadening my horizons, reinforcing the importance of innovative, sustainable practices in the face of agricultural challenges."

Roberto Lujan Rocha

 

The study tour was an in-depth exploration of innovative agricultural practices and a glimpse into the future of farming in challenging environments.

On the first day, a visit to Australian Grain Technologies unveiled more than a decade-long journey to release a new variety, with a yearly genetic improvement of abound one per cent.

“The use of insects for biocontrol in their glasshouses and avoiding pesticides, was a revelation to me,” Mr Lujan Rocha said.

“University of Adelaide Dr Mariana Caetano’s talk on her methane emissions reduction project, employing seaweed-based fodder, was equally enlightening.

"Discussions on potential salinity tolerance of germplasm and frost management provided practical insights into the resilience strategies vital for WA’s agriculture.”

Image: The Study Tour team from WA composed of farmers, agricultural consultants, students and researchers.

Mr Lujan Rocha said the Hart Field Day, which attracted more than 500 attendees, was his personal highlight of the second day.

“Engaging talks on strategic nitrogen decisions and herbicide crop safety allowed us to visualise the impact of agricultural chemicals on crops directly,” he said.

“The discussions underscored the viability of farming without glyphosate, a topic close to my research interests.”

Image: Drone photo of field trials where participants discussed research on frost management.

Day three introduced participants to pasture trials and the significant benefits to subsequent crops.

A visit to Bulla Burra farms showcased innovative practices in a low-rainfall area, emphasising the efficacy of deep ripping and precision agriculture.

Water repellence trials and discussions on canola establishment on the fourth day, along with a visit to Thornby’s impressive feedlot, underscored the diversity of Mr Lujan Rocha’s learning.

The final day brought him to the Plant Phenomics facility, where he said cutting edge imaging technology presented potential advancements for the laboratories at UWA.