18 IREC Farmers' Newsletter No. 198 — Spring 2017 FarmConnect® is the complete automation solution that lets you manage your irrigation remotely. Featuring Rubicon’s rugged automated hardware, our through-the-bank and bankless channel solutions give you the precise control needed to grow higher value crops with less effort. And because it’s from Rubicon you can rest assured we’ll be here to support your investment now and into the future. Call 03 5820 8800 or visit rubiconwater.com/farmconnect Surface irrigation automation from the experts. BayDrive™ Software Smart Meter Soil Moisture Monitoring Point. Click. Grow. Water Level Sensor Understanding seed quality Understanding and developing quality parameters is an essential part of the projects activities and integral in growing this industry in Australia. The quality parameters include: l nutritional aspects, including protein and amino acid efficiency l physical aspects, including seed size and colour l chemical composition, including saponin. The saponin-containing layer on the quinoa seed needs to be removed prior to eating. This layer is the plant’s way of protecting itself against insects and it gives the quinoa a very sour taste. The saponin layer can be removed by scarifying the seed or by washing and drying it prior to sale or processing. Future priorities of NSW DPI for quinoa R&D are to increase productivity and innovation in agriculture through improved: l agronomy, by identifying key management practices to improve grain quality and yield potential of varieties identified as suited to this area l grain quality, by identifying and developing industry-relevant screening tools for colour and size l communication, by publishing outcomes of these trials and the project in general across various forums. Further information David Troldahl T: 02 6951 2546 M: 0447 276 997 E: [email protected] Rachelle Ward Cereal chemist T: 02 6951 2523 (Mon & Tue) E: [email protected] The Australian quinoa industry is in its infancy. Time and investment are required to overcome key barriers along the supply chain. The saponin-containing layer on quinoa seed needs to be removed before eating, so growers need access to seed processing facilities.