Delivering a step change in agronomic management of export oaten hay in SA and Vic

Summary

The Australian fodder industry is a leading sector delivering valuable export-grade hay to global feed markets. Oaten hay is a major component of export fodder production in SA and Vic. Innovative agronomic management practices for SA and Vic are needed to

(1) increase hay yields by more than 10% whilst maintaining quality traits to meet customer demands and
(2) reduce curing time by 20% to reduce production costs and risks.

This project will deliver a step change in agronomic management of high-quality export oaten hay production for SA and Vic. A proven and experienced multidisciplinary team will undertake both field and paddock scale trials to develop novel agronomic management practices to maximise and stabilise desirable yield and quality traits and evaluate practices to fasten curing time to reduce the time from cutting to baling. A benchmarking of current agronomic practices will occur, a consultative committee will be formed for direct industry input to co-implement activities and paddock demonstration sites will bring together the findings of past and current export oat hay agronomy research. This project will ultimately facilitate the development of novel strategies to enhance hay yields and reduce curing time to better manage risk and maximise gross margins for more sustainable export oaten hay production in SA and Vic.

Program

Export Fodder

Research Organisation

The University of Adelaide

Objective Summary

In 2020-21, export fodder contributed $506 M in gross value production for Australia. A significant proportion of export oaten hay is produced in SA and Vic. This project aims to build on past investments in the AgriFutures Australia National Hay Agronomy (NHA) program and proposes a revamped project focused on delivering more innovative step changes in agronomic management practices to meet the local needs of the SA and Vic export oat hay industry.

The overarching aim of this project is to deliver Objectives 1-4 to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the SA and Vic export oat hay industry. The major objectives of this project are:

Objective 1 – Survey and collate benchmarking information on current in paddock export oaten hay agronomy practices in SA and VIC
Objective 2 – Assess novel strategies to regulate the switch between vegetative and reproductive stages of oats to increase biomass and maintain quality.
Objective 3 – Evaluate agronomic strategies to enhance tillering of oat varieties
Objective 4 – Evaluate and demonstrate paddock scale agronomic practices that maintain quality, reduce yield variability, and reduce the time from cutting to baling at a suitable moisture content.