WeedSmart Week study tour inspired change
When ten South Australian farmers from the Eyre Peninsula travelled to WeedSmart Week in Geraldton, WA, last year, they expected to learn about weed management strategies, but came away with much more.
As clients of Planfarm’s farm business consultant, Peter Newman, these growers took the opportunity to attend the WeedSmart Week event, to visit high-performing farms across the Geraldton region, and engage in structured discussions surrounding emerging technologies, long-term systems approaches, and on-farm business management.
“In my role as WeedSmart extension agronomist, I have seen growers and agronomists benefit enormously from attending WeedSmart Week for more than a decade,” says Peter. “To bring some of our clients to my home region was particularly rewarding as they had the opportunity to not only observe successful practices on the ground but also to compare systems, challenge assumptions, and explore new options for their own enterprises.”
By combining practical demonstrations, detailed paddock-scale insights, and open conversation with innovative growers, the study tour created an environment that encouraged critical thinking and strategic planning.
“These growers left the tour with practical ideas, renewed motivation, and clear strategies to implement in their own farming systems, reinforcing the value of experiential learning and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange,” says Peter. “There were several practical weed management strategies that have direct application to farms on the Eyre Peninsula that the growers were keen to implement at home.”
“The other major talking point amongst the study tour group came from the farm business-related discussions of system design, rotation simplicity, well-timed operations, and investment in staff retention and efficiency, machinery, and business governance.”
Following the study tour, members of the group planned to adopt or enhance several Big 6 strategies, including the use of chaff carts, impact mills, and stricter herbicide rotation schedules to better control resistant weeds in their own paddocks.
In the short- to medium-term, several growers intend to invest in camera or sensor-assisted sprayers to improve spraying accuracy, reduce chemical use, and optimise timing in their cropping systems. One grower has already purchased a Swarmbot for improved fallow weed management.
Within the group there was also discussion around potential soil amelioration strategies and modifications to their current fallow management strategies on the Eyre Peninsula.
Registrations are now open for WeedSmart Week 2026 in Griffith, NSW, on 18 and 19 August, showcasing how growers have implemented the WeedSmart Big 6 pillars to conserve soil moisture over summer, and optimise water efficiency to remain profitable despite variable climatic conditions.
Day 1 is the WeedSmart Week Forum, a day of sharing knowledge and the latest in weed control, hosted by the WeedSmart Extension Agronomy Team with speakers from across the industry.
At the forum, respected growers and agronomists will share their knowledge and experience of implementing WeedSmart Big 6 strategies. Spray technology, mixed farming, soil amelioration and herbicide management adjacent to sensitive crops and other areas in the Riverina will provide food for thought for both local and visiting growers and agronomists.
The Day 2 bus tour of farms in the Rankins Springs area and machinery demo will highlight innovations in herbicide application technology, including weed detection and spot-spraying, alternative herbicide programs, and more diverse farming systems that have been critical to tackle the challenges of herbicide-resistant weeds in a low-rainfall cropping zone.
In addition to the forum, farm tour and machinery expo on Tuesday, 18 and Wednesday, 19 August, all attendees are invited to join one of two tour groups on Thursday, 20 August, visiting either dryland or irrigated farms in the region.
To apply for study tour support to attend WeedSmart Week in Griffith, NSW, follow this link or search for ‘grower and advisor study tour’ on the GRDC website. Applications for the current round close on Thursday, 30 July, 2026.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is a platinum supporter of WeedSmart. This investment ensures growers can access world-class research outcomes and strategies to mitigate weeds and control herbicide resistance.
More grower and agronomist experiences from attending previous WeedSmart Week study tours
Time travel – an unexpected study tour bonus