Welcome to Hart

Agricultural research and extension since 1982

Hart is South Australia’s premier agronomic field trial site, managed by farmers and industry professionals to provide independent research that is timely, relevant and unbiased, as well as cutting edge and innovative.

Located between Blyth and Brinkworth in South Australia’s Mid-North, Hart is situated on 40 hectares owned by the Hart Field-Site Group Inc.

Our event calendar begins with our annual Getting The Crop In seminar (March). Our trial program is then the focus of our remaining events, all held on site; the Winter Walk (July), main Field Day (September), and at our Spring Twilight Walk (October). Other workshops and demonstrations are also run to further extend research projects to growers.

Soil type at the site is a clay loam grading to calcareous and dispersive clay. Soil pH values which are slightly alkaline are typical for the soil. A number of soil profiles in the area have been characterised for Yield Prophet and in general have a plant available water capacity (PAWC) or 'bucket size' around 180 - 200 mm.

Hart's average annual rainfall is 400 mm with an average growing season rainfall of 300 mm.

What's new?

HART BEAT IS BACK IN 2025

Since 2009 we've been providing Mid North farmers with wheat yield predictions for 8 sites across our region through our HART BEAT newsletter - a great tool to assist with fertliser application and other decision making.

The latest edition, HART BEAT 67, is out now and features our first run of predictions for 2025, plus a review of our 2024 - did we make the 'right' call??

We'll again take you through our RiskWi$e nitrogen decision making process, based on a risk-reward analysis.

Importantly, Yield Prophet® outputs for the Hart site this year are not just simulations – we’re using actual data and important climate information, then explained how we’ve pulled this together to make informed N decisions.

*Predictions for the Hart site in this edition were run after a recent rainfall event (~23 mm), while the remaining 7 sites were run before.

Read it here: HART BEAT 67

HART WINTER WALK 2025

Join us for an informative and practical half-day event exploring key agronomic challenges and decision-making for the 2025 season.

This year's Winter Walk will focus on nitrogen strategies, pre-emergent herbicide performance, crop emergence under limited rainfall, and the impacts of residual herbicides.

A big thank you to event sponsors, Nufarm. Their support allows us to bring it to you free of charge.

Your registration is appreciated, please click here.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

We're seeking a Research Assistant to support our applied grains research trials in SA’s Mid North.

This short-term, casual role offers hands-on fieldwork, skill development and direct exposure to Hart’s research, extension activities and networks.

It’s ideal for anyone with a genuine interest in broadacre farming systems—from aspiring researchers, to farmers seeking seasonal work, to school leavers.

We'll provide on-the-job training, and a collaborative team environment make this an exciting opportunity to contribute to ag research right here in the Clare Valley.

Check out our one-pager for the basics, or for more detail, click here.

APPLY NOW!
*Applications close COB July 15, 2025 unless filled prior

If you're ready to apply, download the position Information Sheet before submitting.

NEW PODCAST SERIES TO HELP FARMERS GET IT MORE RIGHT, MORE OFTEN

Farming is full of big decisions - some risky, some rewarding (some are both!) - and we're here to help you make them with confidence.

Our new 5-part podcast, 'Navigating on-farm risk & reward: getting it more right, more often', is packed with tips, tricks, and real-world advice from experts in farming, farm consulting, climate science, aplied research and risk management.

Barry Mudge, Dr Kate Burke, Danielle Lannin England, Peter Hayman, and Rebekah Allen are among the featured guests who share personal approaches to managing farm risk while inspiring growers to challenge their own perspectives and improve outcomes.

All episodes have now dropped, so listen now on Spotify and Apple.

For more information or to listen straight from the Hart website, click here: RISKWI$E

HART 2024 TRIAL RESULTS

Our 2024 Trial Results are now available to download FREE, either in full, or article by article.

Search the Hart website
Have you noticed the search bar at the top right hand side of our website? We hope it you'll find it useful, particularly if you're researching trial results for a particular topic.

Social Media
You can find us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and SoundCloud; search for @hartfieldday or click on the icons at the top of the page.