GRAIN farmers are being called on to share three kilograms of their wheat harvest for the development of the 2015 Wheat Quality and Variety Report.
The report enables farmers to benchmark the performance of wheat varieties on a classification zone level.
By taking part farmers also receive the complete test results for the samples they submit.
The annual report is a joint initiative of Grain Growers Limited and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC).
GrainGrowers says following farmer feedback in 2015 there will be an increased focus on varietal performance.
GrainGrowers general manager - grower interests, Michael Southan, said the aim of the report was to assist growers in their sowing decisions.
“Feedback indicates there has been a lack of available information on how varieties perform in terms of quality in each classification zone," he said.
“Such data is obviously highly valuable when planning for the next growing season."
He said analysis this year would report the processing and end use quality of individual varieties and some grade samples from each classification zone.
This is a change from past seasons where the focus has been primarily on the quality of grades.
As well as an information tool for farmers the Australian Wheat Quality and Variety Report delivers benefits across other areas of the supply chain, according to GrainGrowers.
“The analysis provides domestic and international customers of Australian wheat a summary of the quality attributes of the most recent harvest which assists their buying and processing decisions,” Dr Southan said.
“In the long-term the report is also contributing to the development of a historical quality profile of Australian wheat which benefits marketers, traders, plant breeders and those responsible for wheat classification."
Dr Southan said for the report to be statistically valid and accurate a sufficient number of samples was needed for analysis.
“Each year farmers are generous in they time and effort in collecting and submitting wheat samples – we’re hoping that this year will be no different.”
Farmers can register to receive a wheat sample collection kit by emailing: cropreport@graingrowers.com.au
