Feeling pulse of cropping at national event in Horsham

Croppers who want to be able to put their finger on the pulse of different crops should attend this year’s Australian Pulse Conference.

The event, which will be held in Horsham from October 15–17, will combine a field day and a conference program to give a snapshot of an important part of the cropping sector.

Agriculture Victoria is a gold sponsor of the event and senior research scientist Garry Rosewarne said it was appropriate that the district was the venue for this year’s event.

“The Wimmera is the centre of Victoria’s pulse growing industry and visitors will have the opportunity to not only hear the latest about the industry but also see it,” Dr Rosewarne said

The three-day event kicks off with the Southern Pulse Agronomy Field Day, an annual event which showcases pulse research as well as new varieties and agronomic practices. There is also the opportunity to visit Agriculture Victoria’s Grain Innovation Park.

The second and third days of the conference will cover important issues for the pulse industry. The call for abstracts centered around “Innovation leading to transformational change”.

Topic areas which will be addressed include pushing up yields, smart farms and remote sensing, expanding pulse production, accessing new markets and value-adding.

A number of keynote speakers from both Australia and overseas have been invited to make presentations, including Dr Judith Burstin from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, and Nevin Rosaasen from Alberta Pulse, Canada.

In addition to the impressive list of guest speakers, there will be poster presentations of key projects which could benefit the pulse industry.

The field days and conference program are balanced by social events which allow networking with a range of scientists, producers, researchers and marketers who share a common interest in the future of the pulse industry.

Croppers are encouraged to register, with various options available including a one-day pass or a three-day pass which includes access to the field day, a ticket to the conference welcome reception and a ticket to the conference dinner. There is also a discounted rate for students.

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