To include a primary trial of breeding material funded by GRDC, at Minnipa, to investigate advanced common vetch lines with specific traits best suited to this region, and enable comparison with other sites in the southern cropping region.

SAGIT trials looking at vetch for a genuine legume break crop option for cereal and mixed farmers in the marginal cropping areas of South Australia were conducted at Piednippie and Minnipa. Other trials were conducted at Morchard, Loxton and Kingsford research centre.

• Vetch grain and dry matter yields were very good at Minnipa in 2015, the grain trial mean was 1.4 t/ha with the top lines achieving 2.1 t/ha, mean dry matter yields were 4.1 t/ha with the top line achieving 4.3 t/ha.
• The Piednippie SAGIT trial was poor, suffering from moisture stress post emergence which stunted growth and limited the potential once the crop received rain in mid-June, the site mean was only 1.1 t/ha of dry matter.
• Early sowing (mid-April) can achieve good results but is heavily reliant on either good subsoil moisture or follow-up rain.
• The new varieties, Volga and Timok continue to out yield all existing varieties in both grain and hay production on the EP.
• Herbicide choices for vetch are very dependent on local conditions so talk to your local agronomist about the best options for your conditions.