Spring fungicide, crop management and future tech in focus at Riverine Plains In-season Update

Key messages

• Timely spring decision-making: Riverine Plains' In-season Update will provide practical, locally relevant advice to help growers make informed decisions on fungicides, disease management, frost risk and crop inputs ahead of spring.  

• Research in action: Attendees will tour the new Riverine Plains SCOUT Trial Block to see innovative technologies and local research trials, including Rainstick canola, microbial and malt barley trials, performing under local conditions. 

• Expert insights for local conditions: The event brings together researchers, agronomists and farmers to share the latest seasonal observations, research findings and practical strategies to improve productivity, profitability and on-farm decision-making. 

Spring fungicide, crop management and future tech in focus at Riverine Plains In-season Update

With key spring crop input and management decisions just around the corner, Riverine Plains is inviting farmers and ag industry professionals to hear the latest crop and pasture insights at its annual In-season Update at Mulwala on Wednesday 5 August, 2026.

This half-day event brings together farmers, local researchers, agronomists and industry experts to explore strategies for the season at hand, with a field tour of the Riverine Plains’ trial site an opportunity to see how innovative and emerging technologies are performing under local conditions.

Riverine Plains’ Senior Research Agronomist Alex Grant said the event has been designed to provide growers with practical information they can take straight back to the farm.

"Spring is when many of the season's biggest decisions are made, but it’s also a time of increased risk and uncertainty in terms of rainfall, temperature and disease and how this affects yield and profitability.

Balancing this risk while maximising yield potential is a challenge, so it’s important for growers to have access to the latest information and the opportunity to ask questions of experts about what's happening in their paddocks," Mr. Grant said.

Wet conditions and increasingly dense plant canopies are providing ideal conditions for disease build-up, and a key feature of this year's In-season Update program will be a discussion on managing disease and insect pressure, with a focus on blackleg and sclerotinia risk in canola and whether a second fungicide spray is warranted.

"We'll be discussing what we're seeing across the region and sharing practical strategies to support grain growers in making confident, informed decisions as the season progresses," said Mr. Grant.

With crops being more advanced than normal due to favourable germination and warmer temperatures, frost remains a key production risk and a dedicated session will explore the decisions that may arise if this occurs, including weighing up hay versus grain options in canola, wheat and barley.

The Update also features a tour of the SCOUT for Riverine Plains Trial Block, which is host to several exciting and innovative local trials, including a Rainstick canola emergence trial, a microbial trial and a Malteurop malt barley trial.

“This will be the first opportunity for local farmers to see the new Riverine Plains Trial Block and we’re looking forward to showing some of the novel and innovative in-paddock technologies that we’re evaluating for their potential fit under local conditions,” said Mr. Grant.

The In-season Update is also an opportunity to connect with other farmers and experts and compare experiences from around the region.

“Every season is different, and getting together at the Update is an opportunity to hear what others are seeing and doing on their farms, what the experts are recommending and what we can learn from local trials to improve yield and profitability, and we hope to see you there," added Mr. Grant.

The Riverine Plains In Season Update will be held on Wednesday 5 August, 2026 from 8:30am to 1:30pm. The event is free for Riverine Plains members and $55 for non-members. Morning tea and lunch provided.

Registrations are now open, and places are limited. To secure your spot, register via this link: riverineplains.org.au/events/in-season-update-2026