Project background
Australia produces around 1.3 million tonnes of export fodder each year, with a gross value of over $500 million (2024). South Australia and Victoria are key contributors to this sector, together accounting for 52% of national production.
This AgriFutures Australia-funded project (PRO-016615) supports the profitability and sustainability of export fodder production in SA and VIC by addressing two key industry priorities:
- increasing hay yield by 10% without compromising quality
- reducing curing time by 20% to shorten the time between cutting and baling.
Objectives
This project has four main objectives:
- Survey and benchmark current in-paddock export oaten hay agronomy practices in South Australia and Victoria
- Assess new approaches to regulate the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth in oats, aiming to increase biomass while maintaining quality
- Evaluate agronomic strategies to improve tillering in oat varieties
- Demonstrate paddock-scale practices that maintain hay quality, reduce yield variability, and shorten the time from cutting to baling by achieving suitable moisture content faster
Research approach
The project will work closely with export fodder producers in South Australia and Victoria to ensure research activities align with current industry practices and priorities. Two industry surveys will be conducted to benchmark existing agronomic approaches for export oaten hay and to identify key RD&E priorities.
Each year, plot-scale field trials will be run in both states to assess new agronomic strategies aimed at improving vegetative growth and tillering in oaten hay varieties. These trials will focus on practices that are practical for producers and have the potential to achieve the industry’s target of a 10% increase in hay yield.
In addition, paddock-scale trials will be conducted in partnership with commercial fodder producers. These trials will evaluate strategies to reduce hay curing time by 20%, using realistic field conditions and practices already in use by industry.
Expected outcomes
This project is led by the University of Adelaide and SARDI, in collaboration with the Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) and Hart Field-Site Group. The research team aims to deliver the following outcomes:
- Benchmark current agronomic practices for export oaten hay production in South Australia and Victoria, and capture industry views on RD&E priorities (industry survey report available from AgriFutures Australia)
- Identify new agronomic strategies to increase hay biomass and improve tillering, while maintaining export quality standards
- Demonstrate practical, industry-ready methods to reduce curing time for oaten hay
Collaborators
- The University of Adelaide: Research expertise
- Birchip Cropping Group Inc: Field trial management for Victoria
- Hart Field-Site Group Inc: Field trial management for South Australia
- Sharon Nielsen Statistical Consulting and Training: Statistical analysis expertise