Australia’s grains industry is confronting significant challenges due to climate extremes and rising plant diseases, jeopardizing both profitability and international competitiveness. To address these issues, researchers at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) have partnered with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to develop a cutting-edge analytics dashboard. This tool aims to integrate various datasets related to climate, grain varieties, crop productivity, and plant diseases, providing valuable insights for stakeholders across the industry.
Dr. Duc-Anh An-Vo and Dr. Francis Gacenga are leading the research team, which focuses on unlocking and merging data that has previously been isolated. Dr. An-Vo emphasized that this initiative will create a reliable and extensive resource for grain growers, extension officers, researchers, and government agencies. “This project will deliver value multipliers to the grains industry by enabling more accurate modelling for practice changes that increase productivity, slash labour costs and boost profits,” he stated.
The integration of advanced technology is central to this initiative. Recent advancements in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence mean that the vast amounts of data funded by GRDC are now “ripe for harvest.” Dr. Gacenga noted, “We aim to lead internationally in delivering practical solutions for the sustainable management of complex agricultural enterprises and agroecosystems.” By combining scientific research, technological innovation, and industry insights, the team seeks to enhance the resilience of Australia’s grain sector.
Project Details and Funding
This initiative is conducted through UniSQ’s Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, drawing on expertise from the Centre for Crop Health and utilizing digital research infrastructure. The project is also leveraging capabilities from Australia’s Commonwealth-funded National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The GRDC has supported this ambitious project with a substantial investment of $455,000.
The research team comprises several experts, including Dr. An-Vo, Dr. Gacenga, Dr. Kirsty Owens, Dr. Cassy Percy, and Dr. Jason Sheedy. Together, they are committed to transforming the grains sector by making critical data accessible and actionable. The overarching goal is to empower grain growers to make informed decisions that enhance productivity and profitability while navigating the complexities of modern agriculture.
As climate change continues to pose risks to agricultural productivity, this initiative represents a crucial step toward securing the future of Australia’s grain industry. By harnessing the power of data, researchers aim to equip growers with the tools needed to adapt and thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.
