The Evolution of Dual-Purpose Canola: A Game-Changer for Australian Farmers
In the world of agriculture, innovation often comes from unexpected places. Take, for instance, the story of dual-purpose canola, a crop that has transformed the way Australian mixed farmers approach their land. This isn't just about growing a crop; it's about rethinking farming systems and unlocking new levels of profitability and sustainability.
A Problem in the Making
By the late 1990s, dual-purpose wheat was already proving its worth in the high-rainfall areas of southern NSW and Victoria. However, the heavy reliance on this crop and grass pastures began to show its weaknesses. Increased disease and herbicide-resistant weeds were becoming a major concern. This is where the idea of dual-purpose canola as a forage and break crop emerged, led by Dr. John Kirkegaard and his team at CSIRO Agriculture and Food.
The Proof is in the Foraging
Dr. Kirkegaard's hypothesis was that early-sown canola could be grazed in winter with minimal loss of grain yield, providing both forage and a profitable break crop. Between 2004 and 2007, experiments near Canberra demonstrated that April-sown canola could produce 2.5 to 4.0 t/ha of forage for winter grazing. This was a breakthrough, as sheep were found to gain 210 g/day from grazing canola, indicating a win-win situation for both farmers and livestock.
Managing the Risks
One of the early challenges was managing blackleg in dual-purpose canola. Researchers expected that grazing damage during winter spore release would increase disease severity. However, Dr. Susie Sprague, with GRDC co-investment, showed that by selecting highly resistant cultivars, grazing during the vegetative stage, and avoiding heavy grazing, blackleg severity could be minimized.
On-Farm Trials and Commercial Success
By 2007, the results were compelling enough to move beyond small-plot trials. Commercial trials at Bobbara Station in NSW provided valuable insights into best management practices. Grazing typically begins when sufficient biomass has accumulated, and the suggested stocking rate is 30 dry sheep equivalents per hectare. The key is to remove sheep before buds elongate, as late grazing can delay flowering and reduce grain yields.
Winter Canola: A New Frontier
Early research relied on European winter varieties due to the lack of Australian options. From 2010, efforts expanded to identify optimal variety and management combinations. Commercial breeding soon followed, with the release of Australia's first winter canola, CB Taurus, and others. Dr. Kirkegaard emphasizes the importance of selecting varieties that flower in the optimal window according to location, taking into account the impact of grazing on flowering time.
Whole-Farm Benefits and Impact
By 2010, research shifted to whole-farm analysis. Modelling by CSIRO's Dr. Julianne Lilly and Dr. Bell, along with Dr. Jeff McCormick from Charles Sturt University, mapped early sowing opportunities and likely grain yields across Australia's high-rainfall areas. Subsequent experiments over 4 years showed that dual-purpose canola and wheat increased greasy fleece weight, weaner lamb sale weight, and meat production per hectare. Grazing reduced canola yields by 17% on average, but this reduction is small when viewed across the entire enterprise.
A Recognized Impact
In 2021, the team received the CSIRO Sir Ian McLennan Impact from Science and Engineering Medal for their contribution to productivity, sustainability, and mixed-farming resilience. This award is a testament to the long-term GRDC investment in the research. Today, the work continues through co-investments by GRDC, CSIRO, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in farming systems projects, aiming to refine the role of dual-purpose canola and ensure its high water and nitrogen use do not reduce whole-farm profitability.
Personal Takeaway
What makes this story particularly fascinating is how it challenges traditional farming practices and encourages a more holistic approach. By integrating forage production and livestock management, dual-purpose canola has not only increased profits but also improved feed supply and system resilience. This is a prime example of how innovation can come from within the industry, driven by the need to adapt to changing conditions and the willingness to rethink established practices.
In my opinion, the journey of dual-purpose canola is a powerful reminder that progress in agriculture often requires a shift in perspective. By embracing new ideas and collaborating across disciplines, farmers can unlock new opportunities and build more sustainable and profitable enterprises. As we look to the future, it's clear that the potential for innovation in agriculture is vast, and it's up to us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
