4Farmers Ausplow partnership trials are kicking off on a 60-hectare site at Quairading, with a focus on real-world solutions for sandy, water-repellent soils across the WA wheatbelt.
What the 4Farmers Ausplow partnership means for WA growers
Western Australian agriculture has always been defined by its ability to adapt, innovate and collaborate. A new research and development partnership between 4Farmers and Ausplow at Quairading aims to build on exactly those strengths – bringing together leading agronomic minds, practical machinery expertise and a challenging trial environment to accelerate the development of farmer-focused solutions.
At the heart of the proposal is a 60-hectare site on the northern edge of Quairading, owned by Ausplow. While the sandy soils present significant constraints – being infertile, water repellent and with many weeds – these very challenges make the site ideal for robust, real-world testing. Rather than relying on “perfect” trial conditions, this initiative is deliberately grounded in the realities faced by farmers across the Western Australian wheatbelt.
The partnership is underpinned by strong existing relationships. 4Farmers already works closely with chemist David Seagreen, while Ausplow has engaged Dr Margaret Roper. Combined with the experience of Bill Crabtree and a broader network of researchers, growers and industry participants, the collaboration brings together a powerful mix of scientific knowledge and practical farming insight.
The vision is ambitious but practical. In its first year, the site is expected to host up to 10 trials, expanding further in subsequent seasons through to 2029. These trials will focus on key constraints affecting light soils, with an emphasis on reliable crop establishment in margin moisture conditions, the safe application of UAN, partner molecules and Aquifer placement. The key being profitability and applicability for growers. Cropping programs are likely to include lupins, canola, serradella and cereals, with lupins potentially occupying half the site each year to support system resilience and soil improvement.
Research themes will be wide-ranging. Soil amelioration strategies such as lime, gypsum, claying, delving and deep tillage will be tested alongside emerging approaches including humectants, wetters and biological inputs. Product evaluation will span multiple application methods – from in-furrow and on-seed treatments through to foliar and flowering-stage applications. The site will also provide an opportunity to explore dry sowing strategies, improved seeding systems and genetic innovations targeting frost tolerance, disease resistance and drought adaptation.
Importantly, the project is not just about research – it is also about engagement. Field days planned for July and September will open the site to growers, providing a platform to showcase results, share insights and foster discussion. There is also potential to involve local farmer groups and industry partners such as fertiliser companies, strengthening the connection between research and on-farm adoption.
Operationally, the site will be managed by 4Farmers, with support from Ausplow in machinery and logistics. Any surplus generated from the cropping program is intended to flow back into the local community, reinforcing the project’s regional focus.
The anticipated outcomes are significant. Beyond developing new products for registration and commercialisation, the initiative aims to strengthen farmer engagement and demonstrate practical pathways to improving productivity on sandy soils. Perhaps most importantly, it seeks to reignite enthusiasm for innovation at a time when growers are increasingly looking for solutions that are both effective and economically viable.
In a landscape where collaboration is often the key to progress, the Quairading R&D partnership represents a compelling model – grounded in real-world challenges, driven by shared expertise and focused firmly on delivering value to farmers.
For all enquires, call the team at 4Farmers on 9356 5445 or send an email to sales@4farmers.com.au.
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