From Seed to Solution

research dome

Australian Research & Development

At the heart of Barenbrug Australia's research endeavours lies a commitment to addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers and land managers. With a focus on developing resilient, high-performance pasture varieties, research initiatives encompass a wide array of areas; from genetic selection and breeding programs to agronomic practices and environmental sustainability.

A cornerstone of research at Barenbrug is genetic improvement and breeding of pasture and forage species. Through meticulous selection processes and advanced breeding techniques, we aim to develop cultivars that exhibit superior traits such as seasonal yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and feed quality. 
These efforts result in higher yields, seasonal utility, improved animal performance, and contribute to the overall resilience of agricultural systems.

When developing new seed varieties, the breeding and commercialisation process is quite long. 
Depending on the species and initial pre-breeding activity required, development can take anywhere from 8 to 12+ years.

commercialisation

We place a strong emphasis on agronomic research aimed at optimising pasture management practices. By conducting field trials and experiments, we seek to identify the most effective strategies for establishment, fertiliser usage, and grazing management, tailored to diverse climatic and soil conditions.
 

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Pre-Breeding Projects

In many situations, we form relationships with science organisations across the world that have expertise and infrastructure to deliver on our needs. 
Work can also include science activities aimed at validating new methods of achieving genetic gain or reducing cost of development.
An example of this relationship here in Australia is our work with SARDI and DairyBio.

  
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Plant Breeding

Plant breeding activity involves initial crossing activity to generate new breeding lines, with targeted traits.
Initially thousands of potential new lines are created that require screening. Through multiple generations of selection, the number of breeding lines is reduced, and by combining the best lines, plant breeders aim to generate superior germplasm to current marketed products.

  
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Germplasm Evaluation

As the germplasm moves from the breeding stage, there is a requirement to test and validate the germplasm over a wider range of sites & years. 
We replicate plot trials in order to assess the performance of these new breeding lines and their genetics x environment interaction.
This is needed to have confidence in the germplasm and its reliability. 

  
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Agronomic Extension

These  activities can include grazing and weight gain trials, performance under grazing, product demonstrations, herbicide or fertiliser trials, plant populations and sowing rate information as well as whole system approaches where growth curves are considered in context to the farm system and how they provide a benefit.
Furthermore, product and agronomic training for our customers, both distribution and farmers, is undertaken to make sure they are aware of our products and how to best manage them to optimise performance.

Seed Technology

Barenbrug leads seed technology innovation through our investment in skilled technicians and researchers who leverage from our global network. We explore advanced seed coating technologies and enhancement treatments to improve seedling establishment and early vigor.

Barenbrug is a leader in science, innovation, and stewardship, which we believe contributes to a more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural future for Australia.