Condobolin Agricultural Research and Advisory Station

 

What happens at Condobolin

The Condobolin Agricultural Research and Advisory Station, located in the centre of the NSW cereal belt, continues to make an important contribution to farming systems practice in the Central West. The station has been part of the local community since its founding in 1913. It is a leading dryland research facility with a history of improving efficiency, profitability and viability of agriculture in low rainfall zones.

The Station covers 1722ha, predominantly of gradational red and red-brown earths with near neutral pH and low inherent fertility and organic matter, typical of the wheat-sheep zone of central west NSW. It has an average rainfall of 427mm, which is non-seasonal and highly variable. The topography is predominantly level with a small area of slightly undulating land in the north western corner.

The natural vegetation was open savannah dominated by white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla) and bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea) with scattered shrubs and a short grassy understorey. Much of the station is now cleared of natural vegetation and used for farming and grazing of introduced pasture species.

The Condobolin ARAS aims to provide high quality dryland research to Australian farmers thereby increasing efficiency, productivity and profitability of low rainfall zone farming. Crop, pasture and soil experiments are conducted at Condobolin ARAS and throughout the district, facilitating interaction with research staff, the farming community, local businesses and educational institutions. Current research focuses on cereal production and agronomy, best management practices for canola and pulses, and a range of crop variety trials.

Sectors: Dryland cropping research including wheat, barley, canola, field peas, lentils, chickpeas, lupins and pastures. Livestock production

R&D capabilities: Dryland cropping, farming systems, variety trials, pastures, livestock, glasshouse, shadehouse and supplementary watering capabilities.

The research station operates as a commercial farm with mixed cropping and livestock in addition to the research.

The station celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2013, with a proud history of providing important research contributions to Central West growers, and continues to provide high quality research outcomes. The original administration building, stables, and agronomy sheds are all still on site and in good condition.

Research

Our research

The Station conducts research into cereals, canola, pulses, cropping systems and crop rotations, pastures and new industrial crops.

Aerial view of Condo ARAS

Our facilities and services

The Station has a range of research, education, farming and community resources.

Aerial view of Condo ARAS

Our climate

Located in the Central West, the station experiences a predominately semi-arid climate.

Historical building

Our history

Established in 1913, the station has been conducting agricultural research for over 100 years.

LocationContact

152 Fifield Road
Condobolin NSW 2877

Postal address:

Condobolin Agricultural Research and Advisory Station
PO Box 300
Condobolin NSW 2877

Phone: (02) 6895 1025

International: +61 2 6895 1025

Fax: (02) 6895 2688

Email: condobolin.office@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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