ORGANISERS say the 42nd Hart Field Day attracted a large crowd, on par with past events.

Hart executive officer Sandy Kimber said about 550 people attended the field day on Tuesday, September 17.

Participants were eager to learn from this year’s adverse weather patterns and be armed with the latest research to help plan for next season, Ms Kimber said.

“The Hart team was so pleased to see growers, advisors and industry representatives from across South Australia and interstate meet at the Hart Field Day again this year, especially in such a challenging season,” she said.

“While our core business is cropping research and extension, we’re also about bringing people together to learn from and network with each other.

“Seeing the farming community embrace our program and all it offers in terms of driving improved productivity and profitability, is very humbling.”

Stephen Loss, GRDC manager agronomy, soils, and farming systems — south, officially opened the new Hart Research Hub, funded by a GRDC infrastructure grant.

A former shed redeveloped to create the hub has a more comfortable indoor/outdoor meeting and learning space, hot water on tap and kitchenette, and a storage room.

The field day featured 20 rolling sessions.

Highlights included presentations entitled Emergence and rainfall: getting to the basics; and Crop establishment after a dry start.

Nitrogen-efficient fertilisers, oaten hay agronomy and export markets, and advancements in technology to support better on-farm decision-making were also on the program.

The new technologies sessions generated plenty of interest, with drone imaging, ag-tech for soil monitoring and the autonomous Trektor and precision soil sampling on display.

Ms Kimber welcomed all to attend the Spring Twilight Walk at 5pm on Tuesday, October 15, for a social catch-up and walk through the trial site.

She encouraged those interested in getting involved with Hart Field Day to attend the AGM, via Zoom, at 8am on Tuesday, October 1. See www.hartfieldsite.org.au for details.