Summary

Farming practices have changed substantially in the past 25 years.

But what hasn’t changed is the South Australian Grain Industry Trust’s commitment to its goals – to provide an avenue for South Australian researchers to innovate and deliver results to growers to improve their farming businesses.

Throughout SAGIT’s history, we have supported, funded, encouraged and strived for results. The achievements of SAGIT-funded research are many. Developments in soil DNA diagnostics resulted in the PreDicta B test and the practical elimination of cereal cyst nematode and take-all soil diseases. Foundational support of organisations such as the South Australian No-Till Farmers Association and the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia enabled them to become self sufficient and grow. Modern advances in technology have seen equipment such as microwave and X-ray used to progress farming. These are just a few to which SAGIT has contributed.

SAGIT has long been a champion of innovation. We pride ourselves on considering all applications – the research projects that need a kick-start, the researchers who would not be able to secure larger scale funding but have a valuable idea that will work at a local scale, and those who have already proved their work is valuable and need to take it to the next level.

Being a grower-run organisation, we understand the needs of growers. We know what works in the Mallee will not necessarily work on the Eyre Peninsula and we know how important it is for researchers and extension specialists to work directly with growers to achieve the best outcome for all.

The foresight and wisdom of SAGIT’s founders have placed this state in good stead to lead the way in grain research. However it is the growers who continue to support SAGIT, pay their levy, allow trials to be sown among their own crops and attend numerous field days and crop walks – they are the true champions of innovation.

We trust you will enjoy this short history and case studies of some of the key research projects that have been highlights of SAGIT’s funding over the past 25 years and we look forward to working with you into the future.

Michael Treloar
CHAIRMAN (2016)