Sorghum is a popular choice in the feedlot industries, especially for pork and poultry. However, transporting grain outside the local region is often not economical for intensive animal facilities. This presents a great opportunity for growers in Central NSW to diversify their cropping enterprises and meet local demand. There are potential markets in boxing (Bathurst or Dubbo), two large pet food manufacturers in Bathurst / Blaney, and an emerging demand for feedlot sorghum.

While growers in Central NSW have been experimenting with sorghum, variable yield have made it a high-risk and uneconomical option. By understanding varietal selection and optimal planting conditions, such as times of sowing (TOS), row spacing, and plant populations, growers can achieve consistent yields. This knowledge will give them the confidence to implement crop production strategies on a commercial scale.

Document contact and enquiries

Attention: Lyndal Gordon, Contracts Administrator Grains Research and Development Corporation

Email: lyndal.gordon@grdc.com.au

Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to 21 March 2025.

GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.

Outcome

By June 2027, growers in Central NSW understand the impact of agronomic management on current sorghum hybrid growth and development and confidence to adopt relevant practices.

Outputs

• Output 1

Title: Demonstration trials - By 30 June 2027, G*E*M studies over consecutive summer seasons which include a range of sorghum hybrids by nutrition, TOS, plant density and row configuration, and seasonal outlooks.

• Description

Conduct sorghum field trials in red soil with no subsoil constraints and pretty good PAW (180mm plus), over 2 seasons in Central NSW where yield is currently considered unreliable. Small plot and/or field scale trials are expected to achieve the output.

Field sites must be well characterised (environment and soil) and in crop measurements should include but not limited to emergence, establishment counts, tiller count and crop biomass, flowering date and harvested yield.

Water dynamics should be monitored pre, in and post crop.

All field trials recorded Online Farm Trials (https://www.farmtrials.com.au) and datasets published to an approved data repository.

• Output 2

Title: Extension Activities - By 30 June 2027, Central NSW growers have attended sorghum field days and/or crop walks and can access published resources relating to ideal hybrid by agronomic management to improve the reliability of sorghum performance.

• Description

Develop a communication and extension plan, including activities and schedule, themes, technical expertise, publications and key stakeholders (animal facility operators, breeders, advisors, growers) for the term of the contract

Report delivery of communication and extension plan to GRDC, referencing field day fliers, tweets of key learnings, publications as appropriate to demonstrate delivery.

Document grower practice and changes in attitude, confidence or adoption resulting from the investment.