New NIR calibration technology developed through the Premium Grains for Livestock Program has the potential to provide great benefits for grain growers. It enables them to meet the market's demand for grain for livestock and also opens the door to the possibility of payment based on energy value.

 

NSW Partners in Grain were invited by the Premium Grains for Livestock program to contribute a grower perspective to the AusScan forum, "NIR technology for valuing and trading feed grains".  The new technology, which evaluates the nutritional value of grains, has been developed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Pork CRC.

 

The forum was held in Melbourne on March 24, 2009 and included representatives from the livestock and feed industries as well as researchers and providers of NIR technology and feed testing services.

 

The forum was opened by Peter Reading (GRDC) and Roger Campbell (Pork CRC) and included speakers from Ingham Enterprises, CHM Group (pig industry), Dairy Australia, Australian Crop Forecasters (Ron Storey), Feed Central, Better Blend Stockfeeds and Longreach Plant Breeders. Pam Krieg, Coordinator of NSW Partners in Grain made a presentation on behalf of grain growers.

 

Licenses have already been provided to several grain handlers, stockfeed manufacturers, livestock integrators and feed testing laboratories to use the new NIR calibrations which provide a basis for the rational trading of feed grains. Rather than trading grains on the basis of protein content, test weight and screenings content the new calibrations for trading grains for livestock are based on measures of the energy value of the grain for each animal type. The commercialisation of these NIR calibrations and their adoption by the feed industry have the capacity to offer a win/win for grain growers and livestock producers.

 

Further information about the current availability and use of the NIR feed calibrations can be obtained from John Spragg, AusScan project manager at jspragg1@optusnet.com.au.

 

Dr.John Black (centre back), Premium Grains for Livestock Program, pictured with representatives of NSW Partners in Grain, sponsors and speakers at the 2007 "Grain Quality - It's in Your Hands" forums.