Without people willing and in a position to take on calculated risk, the wheels of innovation grind to a halt. Benchmarking identifies management of risk as one of the four key levers to increase profitability in grain production businesses and the ability to do this well is one of the reasons innovators and early adopters so crucially shape the agricultural landscape. But if most growers are taking a steady and cautious approach, it begs the question: how are innovators making informed decisions about which risks to take?

The grains research landscape in Australia is diverse and knowledge-rich, and one of its primary reasons for existing is to help growers mitigate the risk of adopting new practices. It provides sufficient scientifically rigorous, repeatable evidence to inform growers' decision-making processes. Innovators not only have the ability to critically evaluate data presented to them, but increasingly they also rely on the use of an array of trusted advisers to validate their approaches.

It is interesting to note that in a landscape where more than 70 per cent of growers already use fee for service advisers to assist with decision-making, the influence and impact of advisers in an increasingly data- rich and complex environment is only growing. It is also important to note that whilst advisers act as a relay of information, their knowledge development stems from the findings of our vibrant research community. Secure research funding provided through the Australian levy system is the envy of the world, and a model for which Australian growers should be immensely proud. Wheat levies have been around since 1935, having been introduced as a way to pool resources and achieve economies of scale, increase total investment and impact and ensure a long-term view was taken for the good of the industry.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation invests in more than 700 active projects at any point in time, so it is impossible for any one individual (grower, adviser or otherwise), to be across 100 per cent of the latest findings. So if you're seeing issues in your paddock and aren't aware of what research is being conducted or think there may be a gap in research, I urge you to pick up the phone to the GRDC, your local Regional Cropping Solutions Network or GRDC Southern Region Panel member. Help inform the investment of your levies and make sure grains research is delivering as an older sibling for your business.