This comprehensive project will combine extension, trials, and technical and economic analysis to support growers to access the benefits of legumes in crop rotations moving forward.
Established as a project with investment by the GRDC, GGA will collaborate with government, agribusiness, researchers, grower groups and growers to address the low adoption of grain legumes in WA farming systems.
Origins of the project stem from GRDC analysis indicating farmers are aware of the benefits of legumes in crop rotations. However, concerns around pulse reliability, profitability and lack of confidence in their consistent production are causing barriers to integration. Consequently, Western Australian farmers have been slow to exploit the recent advances in grain legume genetics, acid-tolerant rhizobia, management strategies, and weed and disease protection products.
Combatting this situation requires an extensive technical and extension program to change grower sentiment, driving new capabilities into profitable cropping systems. The project will see collaboration between government, agribusiness, researchers and end-users to address the current poor rate of adoption of grain legumes in WA farming systems.
Aims
- Demonstrate recent advances in the production of grain legumes, across a range of environments and soil types, through 25 user-defined farm-scale trials and, where appropriate small plot trials.
- Apply trial results to refine best-fit grain legume recommendations
- Produce a statistically rigorous economic analysis of grain legumes as a cash crop in the year they are grown and calculate the financial contribution of grain legumes to the longer-term cropping sequence
- Develop and deploy key messages from credible entities to market the improved performance of grain legumes.
Project Map
Trial locations – 2022 legume trials for (red) and 2023 sites (yellow).
Centres of Excellence – Green stars show the trial host grower groups locations which are establishing their local knowledge and developing into 13 Centres of Excellence in legumes production around WA.
Legume Leaders – Numbers show local Legumes Leaders, experienced legume growers sharing insights about how and why legumes have been a long-term part of their farm system model.
Grower Group Trials
Project Updates
Legume Survey Results
In 2023, GGA surveyed 105 WA growers on grain legume use and adoption. While legumes provide benefits like nitrogen fixation and soil health, challenges—including fluctuating prices, market access, and yield variability—limit uptake. Over half of respondents find legumes unprofitable, but many seek greater investment in market access, genetics, and nitrogen research to enhance profitability. This survey highlights the need for continued research and collaboration to integrate legumes into sustainable WA farming systems.
News
Follow the grower group project partners on Twitter.
Get Involved
Add your details here to follow the project and join our legume knowledge community. You’ll hear about the trial field days and trial results and receive updates when Legume Leaders are added showcasing how and why legumes have been a long-term part of their farm system model.
Resources
GRDC GrowNotes
The GRDC GrowNotes series provides comprehensive resources for growers and advisors. These downloadable PDFs cover topics specific to grain legumes in the Western region, such as planning, pest management, planting, and harvesting.
Closing the Economic Yield Gap of Grain Legumes in WA
Recording of the project overview given at the GRDC Grains Research Updates in February 2024, presented by Project Manager Daniel Kidd, Jason Batten from Yuna Farm Improvement Group and Ed Naisbitt from Lakes Information Farming Technology (LIFT).
Ground Cover – Issue 169
‘Legume leader’ set to share 40 years of Lupin experience
Legume Leaders
Insights from experienced long-term WA legume growers that advocate for legumes in a farming system.
The Business Case for Legumes
- Reduced inputs to the farming systems
- Commercial trends in plant-based protein
- Business resilience through diversified crop options
GIWA Pulse Forum 2022
A day filled with great presenters, thought-provoking content and all things pulses. All the presentations and videos from the day can now be viewed here.
Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council – Resource Library
GLNC’s mission is to promote grains and legumes as part of a balanced diet through evidence-based information while supporting the industry to benefit all Australians.
Project Team
Project Shortcuts
Contact
Enquiries to Daniel Kidd at GGA
Collaborators
