March 25, 2022
Trials of “dual purpose” peanut varieties were highlighted at a field day hosted by the Northern Australia Crop Research Centre of Excellence at Emerald on Thursday.
About 40 farmers, agronomists and service providers attended the day along with more than 60 students from local high schools.
Trial crops, planted at ‘Deneliza Downs’, showcased the latest research into “grain and graze” farming systems being led by CQUniversity.
Representatives from the Peanut Farming Services team at Bega Cheese described the varieties which are being evaluated for dual-purpose production.
The “grain and graze” peanut production project is being co-funded by the CRC for Developing Northern Australia.
It is hoped the dual purpose peanuts will provide both high-value fodder for cattle as well as financial returns from the sale of peanuts.
Other highlights of the field day included performance evaluation of Green Dragon mungbeans, the outcomes of research trials into growing sesame and kalonji; and the latest soil moisture and weather monitoring technologies.
- Related article: ‘Dual Peanuts’ Push Into NQ, NT
