Our research areas
Leading agricultural research
BARS features the latest digital agriculture technologies such as precision agriculture, and remote and non-destructive phenomic crop monitoring. It continues CSIRO's long history in agricultural breeding and genetics, with hundreds of small plots dedicated to the development of new varieties of wheat, canola and grain legumes, as well as pastures. The facility also operates experiments on innovative agronomic strategies such as nutrient management, tillage and stubble management, crop and pasture sequences for mixed-enterprise systems, and sowing times.
BARS makes it possible for CSIRO to conduct long-term farming systems experiments that investigate changes to the soil over time and provide a better understanding of the impact of factors such as soil organic matter and soil acidity on farm profitability.
BARS assists CSIRO to deliver on its commitment to increase food production in cropping and livestock systems, improve drought tolerance and disease resistance, and improve nutritional values to meet the challenges of the future.
[Music plays and a split circle appears showing photos of different CSIRO activities flashing
through on either side and then the circle morphs into the CSIRO logo]
[Camera pans over an aerial view of the Boorowa Agricultural Research Station, and then image changes to show an aerial view of people walking through canola and test plots]
Dr Alison Bentley: Boorowa Agricultural Research Station is a state of the art agricultural research facility.
[Images move through to show a close view of the experimental test plots, a wide view of the test plots, Gerard, Laura and Alison in a meeting room, and then a side view of Gerard]
The farm combines modern infrastructure, advanced technologies and commercial scale research in a single location.
[Images move through to show an aerial view of the station, the CSIRO station sign by the road side, and then a group walking out of the Research Station]
Located just outside the town of Boorowa in southern New South Wales, this purpose built facility opened in 2019.
[Image changes to show Alison talking to the camera, and then image changes to show a close view of Alison talking to the camera, and text appears: Dr Alison Bentley, Deputy Director Agriculture and Food]
CSIRO researchers and other scientists use the site to study farming systems including crop performance, soil health and other emerging agricultural technologies.
[Images move through to show an aerial view of the station’s field trials, a side view of Alison and Laura standing in a canola crop talking, and then a side view of Alison talking]
The station supports long term field trials that improve understanding of agricultural productivity, sustainability and resilience.
[Image changes to show Alison, Gerard and another colleague walking, a side view of them in conversation, and an aerial view, and then an aerial view of the station]
Gerard Ryan: As the BARS farm manager, I oversee the day to day operation of this facility and, alongside site staff, support researchers to establish and deliver field based agricultural projects.
[Images move through to show Gerard talking to the camera, a close view of Gerard talking to the camera, and then an aerial view of the Station’s farm land, and text appears: Gerard Ryan, Farm Manager, Boorowa Agricultural Research Station]
Our team helps transform research ideas into on ground trials and experiments, working closely with researchers from design through to harvest, enabling world class agricultural research at BARS.
[Image changes to show an aerial view of the station’s farm land, and then image changes to show a rear view of Gerard and a colleague walking through a canola crop]
On average, we set aside 15 hectares of land designated to trial plots, allowing for multiple trials in any given year.
[Images move through to show Gerard and a colleague inspecting the canola crop, Gerard holding up sprig of canola flowers, and then an aerial view of the canola crop]
The current cropping rotation allows staff to start preparing for trial areas six years in advance, ensuring we have a weed free uniform area ready for planting.
[Image changes to show a medium view of Gerard talking to the camera, and then image changes to show a rear view of them walking back through the canola to their ute]
BARS presents a unique opportunity to contribute to our region and the broader ag industry through influencing agricultural systems and practices with industry led science.
[Image changes to show a medium view of Alison talking to the camera, and then image changes to show an aerial view of cattle grazing in a field]
Dr Alison Bentley: A key strength of Boorowa Agricultural Research Station is the close collaboration between researchers and operational staff, enabling projects to be established and managed efficiently.
[Images move through of Gerard looking in a solar power meter box, a close side view of Gerard closing the meter box, and then an aerial view of the meter box]
We have the latest infrastructure at BARS, which we combine with advanced technologies to deliver commercial scale research in a single location.
[Images move through of an aerial view of the station, a medium view of Laura talking to the camera, and then a close view of Laura talking to the camera, and text appears: Laura Goward, Agronomist]
Laura Goward: Our farming systems research undertaken at BARS focuses on field based agricultural research running collaborative projects across CSIRO and partner organisations.
[Images move through to show Alison and Laura inspecting the canola crop while in conversation, a soil corer taking a sample, and then a group watching a soil test]
We conduct a range of research from crop physiology and agronomy trials aimed at improving crop yield and quality through to soil health research that helps us better understand soil variability and support more precise and sustainable farm management.
[Images move through of an aerial view of the station from the top of a drone, a close view of Gerard talking, Laura smiling, and then a timeline on a desktop screen]
We use technology such as drones, satellites and ground based sensors to develop and validate new tools in real world farming conditions.
[Image changes to show a medium view of Laura talking to the camera]
What motivates me is to develop practical solutions that growers can use on farm.
[Images move through to show a close view of a cropped hillside, a close view of a wheat crop blowing in the wind, an aerial view of sheep grazing, and an aerial view of the station]
Through our research, we're providing new options to support food production while building farming systems that are profitable, sustainable and resilient into the future.
[Image continues to show an aerial view of the station with a ute approaching]
Dr Alison Bentley: The BARS facility is unique.
[Image changes to show medium and close views of Alison talking to the camera]
As we look to the future we're ramping up our research at this site, which will play an important role in advancing farm productivity and supporting sustainable and profitable Australian agriculture.
[Images move through to show an aerial view of the station, a map showing the distance between CSIRO Black Mountain Site and Boorowa, and then the sign for Boorowa Station]
The site is situated just 100km from CSIRO at Black Mountain in Canberra, allowing easy access from the nation's capital.
[Images move through to show Alison, Gerard and a colleague inspecting a canola crop, an aerial view of them, and then a far side view of Laura making notes while in the crop]
BARS provides a purpose built environment where researchers can translate ideas into practical and impactful real world agricultural solutions.
[Images move through to show Laura and Alison in conversation, side and rear views of Gerard talking to Alison and pointing to the horizon, and then an aerial view of the station]
As farmers across Australia face increasing challenges of more extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change our work is more important than ever to support a sustainable and viable agricultural industry in Australia.
[Music plays and the image changes to show the CSIRO logo]