Strategies implemented by some innovative Wimmera grain producers to adapt to a increasing farm input costs and a changing climate will come under close examination at the Grains Research and Development Corporation update at Warracknabeal on August 28.

GRDC Southern Panel chair David Shannon said growers in the Wimmera region were facing pressures on a number of fronts.

"In addition to experiencing a run of poor seasons, Wimmera grain producers have had to contend with dramatic rises in the cost of farming inputs such as chemical, fertiliser and fuel," Mr Shannon said.

"There are strategies that growers can implement to reduce their input costs without reducing their profitability, and we’re fortunate to have a panel of innovative local growers talk about their individual strategies."

A panel featuring three local growers will discuss how they are making better use of the resources available to them, how they are cutting input costs, making changes to their livestock-cropping ratio and crop rotations, managing their time of sowing and the cost-effectiveness of precision agriculture systems.

"This will be followed by a detailed discussion on phosphorus issues," Mr Shannon said.

"Dr Sean Mason of the University of Adelaide – who recently developed a new soil phosphorus test with the support of the GRDC – will discuss viable phosphorus strategies for the 2009 season, the cost-effectiveness of liquid versus granular phosphorus applications, whether phosphorus distribution using reduced applications rates of MAP and DAP is adequate, and alternative products that can be used."

South Australian farmer Mark Branson will continue the theme of the day with a discussion about variable-rate technology (VRT).

"Soil mapping and VRT enable growers to more accurately determine the nutrients available in a paddock, and to apply the appropriate amount of fertiliser," Mr Shannon said.

"Growers considering an investment in the technology will gain some valuable insights from Mark Branson, who will discuss the relative necessity of soil mapping, the usefulness of yield map data and the best nutrition strategies for different soil types."

The Update will also include presentations and discussions about beneficial insects and integrated pest management, world grain markets, and farm business management and planning.

* The GRDC Update will be held from 9am at the Warracknabeal Community Centre on August 28. Registration commences at 8.30am. Growers seeking more information about the Update can visit www.grdc.com.au/updatedates.