R&D delivers value and premium product to Australian grain growers
December 11, 2020 All Regions
The Australian-based Research and Development (R&D) section of S&W Seed Company is a key element in the creation of S&W’s hybrid field crop products.
From North Queensland to Tasmania, our R&D teams test and select plants with the best performing genetics to fit the demanding production systems of our customers.
Having access to great genetic research and development, combined with an understanding of the constraints and production systems at a local level help S&W deliver the very best products and support to our customers.
“We’re an international company, working locally,” said Nicholas Willey, S&W’s Research and Development Lead – International Division.
“Delivering value and premium product to Australian grain growers is our priority.”
S&W’s hybrid crop breeding centre, located in Toowoomba, Queensland, is key to developing sunflower, grain and forage sorghum products.
Breeding and early stage selection is carried out on the Darling Downs in Queensland, with later stage nursery and field trials carried out across wider Queensland, New South Wales, as well as other states and territories.
Forage sorghum is a focus for S&W and key products include Chomper and Sweet As, both of which have been well-received by our customers.
S&W Seed Company Chomper Forage Sorghum, ‘Little River’ Guerie near Dubbo NSW
Trials conducted throughout the growing regions are focused on feed quality testing, superior stem quality, standability, high sugar content as well as high dry matter production and low prussic acid levels, that ultimately results in a highly stock-palatable and agronomically sound product.
S&W sunflower products include our proven performer for producing high quality polyunsaturated oil, SuperSun 66.
Collaboration with our breeding programs in Europe and South America allows our local Australian breeding operations to tap into and deliver new sunflower hybrids, in demand by our local customers.
With a six-year development pipeline, S&W invests heavily in developing new grain sorghum hybrids adapted to Australian conditions.
S&W’s breeding team targets the development of hybrids possessing key traits including tolerance to lodging, midge resistance, stay green and providing a stable yield across multiple regions and years.
Accessing genetics from Australia, South America as well as our sorghum breeding program in Texas USA, enables our breeding teams to develop the best hybrids, tested under tough Australian conditions, that add real value to Australian grain growers.
“We test the hybrids for four to five years before we release it to market,” explains Nicholas.
“It’s these tests and S&W’s breeding programs from around the world that allow us to produce the best possible seed for Aussie conditions.”
Our key grain sorghum products include SW12472 and SW11668, both due to be commercially released in the coming seasons.