The Merredin and Farm Districts Improvement Group (MADFIG) collaborated with FEAR to host a Research Update event in Westonia on 18 March 2026, bringing together local farmers to discuss and hear the latest research on crop establishment, soil challenges and strategies for managing increasingly variable autumn conditions in the Eastern Wheatbelt.
With the help of GIWA, GRDC sponsors grower groups to hold events across grain-growing regions to share the latest research and trial results in a practical, locally relevant way. They give growers the opportunity to hear directly from researchers and agronomists about seasonal challenges, new ideas, and what’s working on farms in similar environments.
Key topics and messages from the day!
Andrew Fletcher (CSIRO) spoke about Canola establishment, small seed size means seedlings struggle when moisture is marginal and soil temperatures are high, which is common early in the Eastern Wheatbelt. Key takeaways included the importance of shallow sowing (1–2 cm), using good-quality seed, managing press-wheel pressure, and keeping fertiliser away from the seed, particularly when sowing early.
Tina Astbury (Facey Group) discussed deep sowing oats as an option when autumn rainfall is delayed. WA trials, including low-rainfall MADFIG sites near Merredin, have shown oats can establish well from deeper sowing depths (around 80 mm) when moisture is present. Tina noted that success depends on soil type, available moisture and suitable machinery.
Gaus Azam (DPIRD) shared insights from his work on re-engineering soils, explaining that improving yield reliability often requires tackling both surface and deep soil constraints, particularly those affecting water availability. Gravel mulch trials at Moorine Rock have delivered strong results by reducing evaporation and conserving soil moisture, reinforcing that managing water loss can be just as important as nutrient supply on challenging soils. Gaus has a MADFIG trial site at Hines Hill.
Ashton Hagboom (SLR Agronomy) spoke about progress in the long coleoptile wheat project, which aims to help wheat emerge from deeper sowing into stored moisture when surface soils are dry. WA trials show these lines can emerge from depths greater than 100 mm, giving growers more flexibility when the seasonal break is late. Growers were encouraged to complete a short survey to help guide future research and ensure new varieties suit local soils, machinery and farming systems.
Read / hear the research here:
Andrew Fletcher: Top tips for effective canola establishment | GroundCover
Tina Astbury: Rainfall change prompts deep-sowing questions | GroundCover
Dr Gaus Azam: Sandy soils series: Re-engineering sandy soils into productive land – Drought Hub
A reminder that MADFIG membership is open to all farm businesses within 150 km of Merredin. Joining MADFIG gives growers the chance to be involved in hands-on local trials, gain early access to new technology and industry events, and stay connected with what’s happening across the grains industry. It’s also a great way to share ideas, learn from other growers, and connect with researchers and industry representatives shaping the future of agriculture in our region.
MADFIG would like to acknowledge and thank Erin Pope and the FEAR team for organising and co-hosting this opportunity as well as the presenters who travelled and provided their expertise.
