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