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New Podcast: How the PestFacts WA service can help you
In our latest grains extension podcast, DPIRD Research Agronomist Cindy Webster discusses the recently renamed PestFacts WA service. Previously known as the PestFax service, this interactive service provides timely information and advice on pests and diseases threatening crops and pastures throughout the grainbelt. PestFacts WA is upgrading its reporting app and map and will deliver various tools (e-newsletter, insecticide spray guides, webinars, free pest and disease diagnoses, identification training events and more) for WA growers and consultants throughout the growing season. Click here to listen or subscribe to GGA's podcast GRAINS CONVO on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Tackling mouse and insect hygiene for stored grain
It is a busy time of year for growers, but it pays not to overlook hygiene around seed and grain storage infrastructure. GRDC grain storage extension specialist Ben White recommends cleaning up any spills or tailings from the seed cleaner to minimise potential mouse and insect damage. “Promptly cleaning up silo and auger hoppers, seed cleaning tailings and any grain spills eliminates a potential food source for pests,” he said. See more at the Best Practice Grain Storage Management project page.
SheepLinks Feed365 low rainfall groups EOI
The Feed365 project is seeking a low rainfall grower group (less than 300mm) to host trials over the next three years. This EOI follows on from last year’s selection of three farm demonstration sites. A collaboration between GGA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Feed365 project is co-funded by DPIRD and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). It aims to redesign livestock forage systems for grazing all year round, to minimise supplementary feeding. Further details at the project page or contact DPIRD project lead Daniel Real on 9368 3879.
Help design our GGA study tour itinerary
GGA has begun exploring the design and viability of a proposed intrastate 4-day / 4-night agricultural study tour for July or early August 2022 for the GGA Network groups. Do you have a suggested farm, location or another site visit to be featured in the itinerary? The 2022 tour proposes to visit the geographic area north of the Great Eastern Highway, through parts of the northern Wheatbelt and Mid West agricultural regions. The scope is wide open in the current idea capture phase. We are looking for sites and experiences to inspire and inform delegates about interesting practices and innovations in agriculture. Please submit a brief outline of your suggestion via this form.
One Day Governance training workshop – 30 May
For those keen to take in a day of training to learn about governance and improve your impact as a committee or staff member of a not-for-profit, GGA's annual one day (six-hour) free online governance workshop is coming up on 30 May. Content includes Roles and Responsibilities of a Not-For-Profit Board, Characteristics of a High Performance Board, plus Strategy and Risk for committee members. Thanks to sponsors the CBH group, the training is open to the wider regional community. Register here.
Reading Financial Statements workshop – 31 May
New this year, GGA is offering a free half-day workshop on reading financial statements for not-for-profit groups. It's delivered online and ideal for committee and staff. Content covers financial statements, committee duties on reporting and solvency, using financial ratios, and the role of board/committee in improving financial performance. Register.
Business Models Masterclass – 31 May
Also new this year, GGA is offering a free half-day masterclass on business models for not-for-profit groups. Delivered online, content will cover revenue streams, value proposition and customer/member segments, differentiation, distribution channels, PR, resources, key activities, partnerships and cost structure. Register.
Diploma of Project Management – 10 August
GGA's Diploma of Project Management in 2022 begins with a three day residential at Muresk on 10-12 August. The course is open to the wider ag industry with grower groups receiving priority placement. It's ideal for those delivering projects with a deadline and budget focus, such as research trials, networking events or conferences. Register here.
Good to Great Public speaking workshop – 19 August
Sort your messaging and inspire engagement through improved public speaking at our workshop with Esther Jones on 19 August. Tickets (from $250) are available to the wider industry, with GGA organisations receiving priority. There are 23 places remaining. Register here.
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Hub 'knowledge network' kicks off
The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub has appointed Regional Node Leads and Regional Advisory Committees (RAC) in four agro-ecological zones to help it deliver on its aim of increasing the uptake of drought resilience practices and technologies. Read the GGA media release here.
$4 million for projects across national Hubs
The Australian Government has invested $4 million in five collaborative projects spanning all eight national Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs. This funding will support researchers, farmers and rural communities to work together and address common goals as they build local and national drought resilience. More here.
Register now for Science to Practice Forum
Registrations are now open for the Future Drought Fund Science to Practice Forum, to be held 7-9 June. It’s a great opportunity to meet the scientists and farmers working together to make Australian agriculture more drought resilient. To register, visit here.
DR.SAT provides tools for a thriving future
The Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool, DR.SAT, was launched by the Future Drought Fund to give farmers more options to thrive despite drought and a changing climate. Farmers are encouraged to explore this free new tool, which can be found here.
Drought resilience webinar
How do we build resilient minds, farms and communities? To find out, join a coming webinar ‘Resilience practices – practical tips to building drought resilience from the community to the farm’. The webinar will be held on 12 May, as part of an eight-part series hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), under the Drought Resilience Leaders Program. More here.
Find out about Future Drought Fund
The $5 billion Future Drought (FDF) is providing secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives and will help Australian farms and communities prepare for the impacts of drought. To find out more about the Australian Government’s FDF and its programs, click here. To receive email updates from the FDF, subscribe via the ‘Have your say’ webpage. Information about the FDF-funded South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is here.
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Grants for Noongar Land Enterprise Group
The Noongar Land Enterprise group has secured two grants associated with the Boola Boornap nursery, which was acquired by NLE with support from COmON. Funding from the Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation has gone towards purchasing key capital equipment including a new drum seeder, truck, tractor and a 4wd Utility. Additional funding was received from the Wheatbelt Development Commission’s Regional Economic Development grants to upgrade and expand the capacity of the tree nursery.
GIWA Pulse Forum
The latest on pulses can be gleaned from the GIWA Pulse Forum, held in partnership with DPIRD and the UWA Institute of Agriculture, on 22 June at the UWA Club. Both in-person and virtual attendance is offered. Agenda and registration info is here.
Mingenew Irwin Group trial
MIG’s crop display planter is serving a dual purpose this year, acting as a lupin sclerotinia depot to monitor the germination and longevity of apothecia. It’s a trial being conducted by DPIRD Broadacre.
CFIG Rockstar trial
The second season of CFIG’s Narembeen pulse site has been sown with high-yielding Rockstar wheat. The group looks forward to seeing how it performs on the different rotations, including early vs late chickpea stubbles from 2021 season.
Stirlings to Coast clay project
Stirlings to Coast CEO Nathan Dovey spent Anzac Day spreading clay and incorporating it into pastures with a speed tiller; all part of a Western Dairy-supported project to improve the nutrient and water holding capacity on dairy farms.
West Midlands Group Paddock Chat
In the latest WMG podcast, DPIRD's Daniel Real talks about Feed365, and solving a common problem for farmers in the West Midlands region and across WA: early and late season feed gaps. Tune in here.
Liebe Group trials
In recent weeks, Liebe Group staff have been busy completing soil sampling and other trial activities for a number of projects. To catch up on all their current projects, go here or contact projects@liebegroup.org.au
MADFIG canola trial
Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group is working with ag consultants Living Farm to determine a relevant canola establishment trial in the low rainfall zone, as part of a GRDC project. A recently sown trial includes seed size, Open Pollinated versus hybrid canola varieties, and use of soil wetter.
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Deep ripping can pay off despite fuel prices
Diesel price hikes and hard soils from a dry summer have many growers asking whether deep ripping is worthwhile. According to analysis by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, it is if you are deep ripping a soil type that typically has a good yield response. On sandplain with a 600 kilogram per hectare wheat yield response, for example, deep ripping is economically viable. Even at a fuel cost of $3 per litre, with a wheat price of $330 per tonne, the additional return from deep ripping is $28 per hectare in the first year. For more on the research, contact Jodie Thomson.
Help set WA’s sheep & goat traceability agenda
DPIRD is seeking sheep and goat industry people to participate in the WA National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Sheep and Goat Advisory Group, established last year. The purpose of the Advisory Group is to explore the sheep and goat traceability reform recommendations, which are currently the focus of some national discussion, including the costs, benefits and feasibility of mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats, and to facilitate engagement and discussion across the supply chain. The views and advice from this group will assist DPIRD in representing WA’s position at national forums. It's anticipated that the Advisory Group will meet 3-4 times annually, with the next meeting scheduled for late May. For information contact Beth Green.
Digital toolkit for NWDAP stakeholders
According to National Wild Dog Action Plan (NWAP), wild dogs have no boundaries and require a best practice nil-tenure landscape approach by livestock and grain growers. It is important for grain growers to monitor and bait/trap for wild dogs. NWDAP has developed a suite of digital tools for social media platforms to help stakeholders spread the message. Download them here.
GIWA Crop Report
A roundup of the early Autumn activity across the state can be found at the GIWA website. See the crop report here.
Mining and Agriculture Meet
The latest instalment in the WA Agtech Meetup series is Haul Trucks & Combine Harvesters – Where mining and agriculture intersect. An expert panel will discuss issues of manned or unmanned machinery, electric or diesel, and whether AI can be used to leverage value. Join in person on 3 May at Flux Perth or via Zoom, 5pm – 7pm.
Innovation Generation conference
Early bird tickets are on sale until 6 May for Innovation Generation, the premier conference for young ag professionals. It’s on in Sydney from 18-20 July, and this year it looks at 'Emerging Ag' across all elements of farming, be it creative ways Aussie growers are connecting with the community, or innovative ways to create additional revenue streams. More info and registrations are here.
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FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Value Add Investment Grants now open
The Value Add Investment Grants (VAIG) Program supports agriculture, food and beverage businesses to invest in the expansion or relocation of their operations in WA. It also supports the planning of expansion projects through feasibility study grants. The Capital Investment stream (grants $250,000 to $750,000) closes on 22 June. The Feasibility stream (grants of $30,000 to $100,000) closes 8 June. A webinar providing further information on the VAIG Round Two will be held on 18 May at 10am. Register here.
Funds to support on-farm soil testing
The Australian Government is providing $54.4 million over two years to support farmers and land managers to access low-cost soil sampling and certified testing in exchange for sharing their data under the Pilot Soil Monitoring and Incentives Program. Farmers and land managers may be eligible for benefits up to $10,000 subsidies while contributing to a national soil database. More here.
Mt Burdett Foundation grants
The Mt Burdett Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation aims to give back to the rural and regional community by investing in vibrant people and projects. Applications can be made all year round for the three streams of funding: Individuals, groups and scholarships. Everything from skills development to network building opportunities are supported, and applicants need not be from the farming sector. Early to mid-career people with a passion and vision for the local community are the target. Apply here.
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Ag Innovate micro course
Ag Innovate’s next Extension Micro-Course on 9 May is about ‘Learning Groups’: why they work, what they are, how to facilitate them, and all the tips and tricks. It’s a 90 minute online workshop starting at 9.30am. Reserve your spot here.
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UWA named top for Plant Science and Agronomy
The University of Western Australia is the top university for Plant Science and Agronomy in the world, according to the academic research portal Research.com, which analysed and ranked more than 2,575 researcher profiles from more than 594 institutions and affiliations around the world. Read more here.
Lefroy Fellow Research Seminar
The UWA Institute of Agriculture is hosting the Lefroy Fellow 2022 Research Seminar on 11 May at UWA, led by Dr Kelsey Pool. Under discussion will be the results of 18 months of the on-farm trials, multi-generational fly models and lab work across several institutes in Western Australia. Investigating strategies to improve sheep production in WA. Register here.
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