Northern Pulse Check

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GRDC Northern Pulse Check - Local Extension and Communication for Profitable Pulse Production

Project Partners:  GRDC, FarmLink, Pulse Australia; Heuston Agronomy Services, Central West Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Irrigated Cropping Council, Irrigation Research and Extension Committee, Southern Growers, Riverine Plains.
Project Duration: 2018 - 2019
Project Location: Liverpool Plains NSW (project code FLR1809-002SAX), Central West NSW (FLR1809-003SAX), Central East NSW (FLR1809-004SAX), South West NSW (FLR1809-005SAX), South East NSW (FLR1809-006SAX)

GRDC Sub-Regions (click on your location to find your local Pulse Check Group)

CROP UPDATE 2020
Northern Pulse Check facilitators from the Central West, Central East, South East and South West are providing regular in-season updates on what is happening in pulse crops in YOUR region

PODCAST SERIES
The Northern Pulse Check Groups have created a series of podcasts to help you learn more about growing pulses. Tune in on the tractor, having a cuppa or whenever it suits you!

CASE STUDY COLLECTION
A series of case studies have been created describing experiences of growers from across the GRDC Northern Region. Follow the links to read about what growers have encountered as they add pulses to their cropping program.

A series of pre-season meetings to be held under the GRDC Northern Pulse Check Project could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the presenters, Ian Menz of NSW DPI, prepared the following powerpoint presentation so that growers could still get the message on pulse crops going into season 2020.

As 2020 kicks off, The GRDC Northern Pulse Check Groups are combining forces to bring you a regular Pulse Market Update

As a summary of the 2019 season, all regions contributed to the GRDC Northern Pulse Check 2019 wrap

Southern Region Pulse Extension Project WEBINAR SERIES

Background

An increase in the tools, knowledge and confidence of growers and advisors across the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Northern Region to optimise pulse crop yields is the aim of a new GRDC funded project titled ‘Pulse Check - local extension and communication for profitable pulse production in South East NSW’. FarmLink is working with Pulse Australia in co-ordinating the GRDC Pulse Check project across five GRDC sub-regions in NSW. To ensure local relevance and the best outcome for growers, local organisations have been engaged to facilitate the Pulse Check groups –

  • Liverpool Plains - Heuston Agronomy Services

  • Central West - Central West Farming Systems, FarmLink and Heuston Agronomy Services

  • Central East - LLS

  • South West - Irrigated Cropping Council, the Irrigation Research and Extension Committee and Southern Growers

  • South East - Riverine Plains and FarmLink/LLS

These discussion groups will allow growers, advisors and researchers to identify the challenges and opportunities created by pulse crops in the rotation identifying the current state of play with them allow the groups to direct their own learning tapping into information and tools being delivered through GRDC and other pulse investments. Activities could include pulse expert evenings, field walks, and experienced agronomist, grower and marketer presentation events.

FarmLink Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Cassidy said the discussion group structure had been selected as the best method for grower extension activities to maintain continued engagement.

“The activities will be directed by the group members themselves and supported by experienced agronomists,” Ms Cassidy said.

Groups will meet two to three times each season and remain connected through social and other media. A program of interactive seasonal activities will be conducted by each group to include all aspects of the pulse value chain. Meetings will be facilitated by an agronomist or farming systems group extension officer, with guest presenters included (marketers, researchers, experienced growers etc.) on an as needs basis as identified by group members. This will build the knowledge required for pulse production, in turn increasing capacity for greater production in the region.

Pulse Australia’s Phil Bowden said that despite poor seasonal and market conditions this season for pulses, fundamentals remain strong globally with factors such as Indian economic growth in demand for chickpeas and lentils, increased Chinese demand for peas and faba beans, and short supply of pulses in Pakistan all contributing.
“In addition, the current drought in eastern Australia, along with the high prices for livestock and wool are increasing demand for pulse-based stock feed particularly lupins, field peas and faba beans,” Mr Bowden said.
Pulse Check groups will be forming soon in your area. 

If you would like to be involved, click on the links above for your area.

Publications