The annual event, which was scheduled to take place on 9 September, brings together specialist researchers to exchange knowledge with local grain growers and agronomists.

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Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) chairman John Ferrier said the event was cancelled due to health and safety concerns for BCG staff and the wider community.

"The Board decided unanimously that it was necessary to act on current information and to make the call early, allowing BCG time to investigate alternative options for effective extension and communication to our members," Mr Ferrier said.

"It wasn't an easy decision, and we're disappointed that we are unable to run this highly successful event.

"I look forward to it every year. The BCG Main Field Day is a great opportunity for growers to interact socially and to share information about their farming systems and solutions to common issues."

BCG will provide alternative methods to communicate their research to ensure the Australian broadacre farming community has information available to improve their operations.

"We have recently seen the effectiveness of online forums as a method of extension, and we will look to supplement digital delivery with small scale events which allow our members, partners and local growers the opportunity to engage with the BCG trial sites," Mr Ferrier said.

The restriction on movement into Victoria from interstate and metropolitan areas has also been a factor in the decision to cancel this year's Main Field Day.

BCG extension and communication manager Tom Draffen said: "The inclusion of interstate contributors who bring new ideas and practices to our region, the presence of research partners from metropolitan areas and the opportunity for physical site-engagement are integral in providing impactful extension and social interaction between growers, industry representatives and researchers."

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