Sorghum growers now have access to the latest independent variety performance data with the recent release of the 2021 GRDC National Variety Trials Sorghum Harvest Report.
The report draws on data generated from the first four seasons of sorghum NVTs in Queensland, NSW and WA.
Sorghum was included in the NVT program for the first time in 2017-18 in response to grower requests for independent data to underpin choices around the most appropriate hybrid grain sorghum varieties to plant in their paddocks.
Harvest results from 50 trials across locations in Central Queensland, southern Queensland, northern NSW, Liverpool Plains and Kununurra in WA have been included in this report.
GRDC NVT manager north Laurie Fitzgerald said the report was a significant step in continuing to develop and improve the nation's sorghum production and grower profitability.
"Sorghum is the dominant summer crop in Queensland and northern NSW, so it is vital growers and advisers have access to independent, robust and relevant yield and quality data to help them select the right hybrid for their farming enterprise," Mr Fitzgerald said.
Mr Fitzgerald said because the data ran across four seasons, some of which suffered drought, he encouraged growers and advisers to look beyond the results from a single trial conducted at one location in one season and consider performances across multiple seasons.
Read more: GRDC wants grower feedback
Pioneer Seeds grain sorghum product portfolio manager Rob Johnston said as supporters of the NVT system, Pioneer valued the availability of impartial results to both the farmer and agronomist.
"The independent results of the NVT system support the results we see in our extensive internal research and STRIKE (Seed Technology Research in Key Environments) trialling programmes," Mr Johnston said.
Mr Johnston said Pioneer had released a few new hybrids that had been through the NVT system; most recently A75 (trialled as 85A75).
"Pioneer Seeds was confident A75 was an excellent hybrid, a fact that was reaffirmed by the NVT system," he said.
"We have seen consistent performance in this hybrid in Queensland during dry seasons, and top yields when conditions are more favourable."
Barenbrug tropical and summer crop portfolio manager Ben Vercoe said reports such as the independent NVT trial results for grain sorghums were an invaluable resource for growers and agronomists when deciding which hybrids to sow on their property and region.
"Barenbrug's offering of grain sorghum has shown good solid, consistent results across multiple locations in central and southwest Queensland trial sites," Mr Vercoe said.
"Cracka grain sorghum, in particular, has been consistent in yield and grain size which is evident through the low screenings and high test weights across the board even in tough seasons."
S&W Seed Company national sorghum product manager Rodney Coe said S&W Seed was one of the newest participants in the sorghum NVTs and saw it as a valuable tool for growers to select the best hybrids for their enterprise.
"Based on encouraging results in the last few years, S&W has released two new commercial medium maturity red grain sorghums, Tanami and Gibson," Mr Coe said.
"These two hybrids have performed well, particularly in the higher stressed sites, giving S&W confidence to continue investment into our grain sorghum breeding and development program."
The report is available online and is being emailed to growers.
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Brandon Long
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
