The WA Government has invested in a new locally-developed forage crop that it says is set to reap rewards for Western Australian grain and livestock producers.
The new multipurpose triticale variety, developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), will appeal to sheep and cattle producers in medium and low rainfall environments wanting to maximise stockfeed options on challenging soils.
Named Dyna-Trit 1143, the new versatile variety is the result of an international collaboration with the Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc.
The selection and commercial release of this variety involved field trials at Merredin, Wongan Hills, Manjimup and DPIRD’s Katanning Research Station over several seasons.
A unique characteristic of this variety is that it does not have awns, the bristle-like growth in the triticale head, making it more suitable for direct grazing, silage or hay production, while still being suitable for traditional grain harvest.
“We see great potential for Dyna-Trit 1143, and triticale more generally, as a robust option for both grain growers and livestock producers, particularly on marginal soils, and in medium to low rainfall areas,” said Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis.
“This initiative is part of our investment to help industry respond to a changing climate and deliver year-round feed options for sheep and cattle growers across WA’s diverse environments.
“Our government is committed to supporting research and development collaborations that deliver new innovations and farming systems that boost growers’ resilience and returns.”
Dyna-Trit 1143 is a part of the Government’s ongoing investments to increase the profitability and sustainability of WA’s livestock and grains industries and will be marketed in Australia by Nutrien Ag Solutions.
