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New Team Members Appointed
GGA and the South-West WA Drought Resilience and Adoption Hub (SW WA Hub) has appointed several new team members. Maddison McNeil has taken up the role of Adoption Officer, Jo Wisdom joins as Innovation Manager and Theo Nabben has started as Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and Adoption Officer. Later in the year, a Hub Adoption Manager will also commence. Read the media release here.
Drought Priorities Identified
Priority topics for drought resilience projects have been identified for the Wheatbelt, Mid West & Gascoyne Coastal and Southern Rangelands agro-ecological zones following situational analyses that have been ground-truthed with Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). Regional Node Leads will seek feedback from local farmers soon. Priority topics for the South-West will be determined next month. Read about GGA's Drought Hub for more.
Hub and GGA Heading to Dowerin
If you are attending the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days on 24 - 25 August, drop in to the DPIRD shed and chat with SW WA Hub and the GGA team. You can have your say on proposed drought resilience priorities and talk with the Climate Services for Agriculture (CSA) developers, accompanying the Hub team. For more information about the field days, click here.
Opportunity to Shape Climate Tool
Growers have the opportunity to shape the online drought tool, CSA when its developers visit WA from 22 - 26 August. The SW WA Hub and Regional Node Leads will facilitate informal meetings between producers and the CSA team. Funded by the Future Drought Fund, CSA will help Australian producers and advisers plan for the impacts of future droughts and other climate risks. For more, contact Hub Knowledge Broker Tanya Kilminster.
Science to Practice Forum Recordings Now Live
If you missed out on participating in the 2022 Future Drought Fund Science to Practice Forum held in June, you can now catch up on all the sessions from days one and two of this annual event. Video recordings and transcripts are available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website. More here.
Hub Addresses GRDC Events
SW WA Hub team members have been on the road recently, speaking at industry events including the GRDC regional Grains Research Update series. It has been great to update farmers and industry stakeholders about the activities of the Hub. Upcoming GRDC update events are at Moora on 16 August and Wickepin on 18 August. More here.
Drought Resilience Webinar Recordings Available
Did you know a webinar series has been produced looking at what it takes to make Australian rural communities more drought and climate resilient? The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) has hosted these webinars which feature panels of producers, industry professionals and scientists. Recordings are available here.
Register Interest for Farm Business Program
DPIRD funded Farm Business Resilience (FBR) program is open to all agribusinesses - including those that participated in the former Drought Pilot and iterations (Plan Prepare and Prosper). Two previous intakes have seen success in the Gascoyne and Perth regions with the Peel region commencing this week. We invite farmers/farm businesses to register their interest to determine the possibility of additional workshops; Book your spot here.
DR.SAT Provides Tools for a Thriving Future
The Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool, DR.SAT, launched last year by the Future Drought Fund, gives WA farmers more options to thrive despite a changing climate. Farmers are encouraged to explore this free new tool, and to provide feedback on how it is helping them on-farm. DR.SAT can be found here.
Find out about Future Drought Fund
The $5 billion Future Drought Fund (FDF) is providing secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives and will help Australian farms and communities prepare for the impacts of drought. Find find out more about the Australian Government’s FDF and its programs. Subscribe to receive email updates from the FDF via the ‘Have your say’ webpage.
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Stay Tuned for WANTFA Conference Digital Recording
It was the biggest face-to-face farmers conference since 2017, WA No-Tillage Farmers Association is preparing a digital recording full of tips and lessons from researchers, farmers and industry involved in their recent National Soil Amelioration and Controlled Traffic Conference held the first week in August. Stay tuned for more.
Western Beef Presents Bull Select Workshops - 22-26 August
Learn how to get the best bull for your buck with this latest WA Beef Association Event. Join the mixed offering of theoretical and practical yard sessions to learn all you need to about the genetic potential of bulls. Read more.
Brush Up on your Harvester Set-up with Facey Group and GRDC
Growers are invited to attend this series of half-day forums hosted by Facey Group. These forums bring together specialists to shed light on preventable grain losses, improvements in efficiency and output, methods of harvest weed seed control, the prevention of harvester fires, and correct calibration. Find a location as part of the series that works for you here.
AgZero2030 hosting transition for WA Agriculture event - 21st September
The North Midlands Project and AgZero2030 would like to invite you to a full day forum at Carnamah on the 21st of September addressing Climate Solutions and Navigating the Net Zero. The line-up of key speakers will share information on a range of topics related to WA Agriculture, climate change, decarbonisation and sustainability. Find out more here.
West Midlands Group Student Crop Walk & and Spring Field Day - 10 & 20 September
Students in both secondary and tertiary education are invited to learn more about the agriculture industry with a focus on the Wheatbelt Region. Join the full program for the West Midlands Group Spring Field Day on the 20th of September. The day will include industry speakers, static displays, pasture and cropping trials and more. Learn more about both events here.
Mingenew Irwin Group Spring Field Day and Sandplain Field Day - 7 September
Back again for another exciting year of research and development, join MIG for two days of learning.
Liebe Group is Hiring
Liebe Group have openings for Executive Officer, Agricultural Research & Extension Officer, and Project Administration Officer positions each with different closing deadlines. Contact EO Katrina on 0400 941 412 or visit Liebe Group site for details. Congratulations to Juniper Kiss who has recently filled one of the Agricultural Research and Extension officer positions.
AgZero2030 is hiring
AgZero2030 is seeking a Group Coordinator to manage and administer the activities and objectives of AgZero2030. Details here.
WA's first Climate Smart Agriculture Fellowship
AgZero2030 & Farmers for Climate Action are partnering to deliver WA’s first Climate Smart Agriculture Fellowship. The Fellowship will support 20-30 WA farmers to develop a high level of climate, carbon and energy literacy: covering global scale challenges and opportunities through to locally specific adaptation and mitigation.
GIWA Barley Forum Recordings Available
On behalf of GIWA Thank you to all who took part in the 2022 GIWA Barley Forum 2022 at Optus Stadium on Monday, 25 July! The proceeding's recordings on now available to watch.
New Rural Edge Website & Membership Platform!
Rural Edge is pleased to announce the launch of its new website and membership platform. There are many options to join this training and business support hub as a member. Have a look for yourself.
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Foot and Mouth Disease Resources – Get Up to Speed
DPIRD has several resources offering insight into Foot and Mouth Disease, including a prevention and preparedness document. Meat and Livestock Australia has produced a fact sheet on Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease. See it here. A recording of MLA's recent webinar on the subject can be viewed here.
FREE Farm Biosecurity Signs Available via DPIRD
Did you know you can pick up a free Farm Biosecurity sign from your regional DPIRD office. Find one close for your location here.
Salt Bush for Fire Affected Farmers
Chatfield's Tree Nursery has allocated 50,000 salt bush to Facey Group and Corrigin Farm Improvement Group farmers for those impacted by this season's fires. Contact Chatfield's for more.
Yellow Spot on Wheat May Not be What it Seems
Yellowing in wheat is often observed in the paddock and appears to be triggered and exacerbated by stress, such as unfavourable wet and cold conditions. However this is not always the case. Australian Grain Technologies Recently Conducted a Trial to gain further understanding about this crop issue. To learn more contact Floyd Sullivan.
Significant Mouse Damage to Crops has been Detected in Merredin and Surrounds
With reports of rodent damage to crops growers are being urged to monitor their farms to mitigate the risk through early detection and integrated management. Read more about what you can do.
GRDC Updates
GRDC’s Grains Research Updates continue this month. More details here.
Young Farmer Challenge at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days
WA’s largest agricultural show, the Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days, will host a Young Farmer Challenge on Wednesday 24 August. Mixed teams of four will complete challenges against the clock, focusing on safety and providing audience entertainment. Winners receive a share in $1,000 cash. If you're between 18-35 and studying or working in agriculture contact the Field Days team.
GrainGrowers Launches Farm Safety Program
GrainGrowers has launched its farm Safety course which aims to provide practical, useful tools for grain growers to improve their workplace health and safety practices. Start the course now.
The UWA Institute of Agriculture Annual Research Report
Researchers affiliated with The UWA Institute of Agriculture published more than 420 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in 2021. This achievement is celebrated in the Institute’s Annual Research Report 2021 released last week. Read the report.
Women in Crop Science Coffee Across the World - 9 September
One for the women and non-binary agronomists, researchers, analysists, consultants, journalists, breeders, academics, and others. You are invited to attend UWA's School of Agriculture's Crop Science Coffee Catchup designed to build networks and promote and inspire collaborations. For more, contact Dr Judith Litchenzveig. Register here.
Harsher Penalties for Employers In Breach of WHS
Recent WorkSafe prosecutions indicate a trend towards harsher penalties for employers who have breached their WHS duty of care. Most recently a Perth engineering business and its Director have been fined $460,000 and pleaded guilty to the death a worker crushed by a pipe that fell off a truck while it was being unloaded. If you are concerned about your WHS duty of care or the implications of the Work, Health and Safety Act (2020) please contact ProcessWorx or phone (08) 9316 9896 to speak to the team.
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FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Grants are open! 2023 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People
If you’re 18-35 and want to make a difference for Australia’s agriculture industries, this is your chance to apply for a grant of up to $22,000 to fund your project to benefit primary industries. Find out more about your eligibility and the application process. Applications close 5pm AEST Friday 23 September 2022.
Visionary new 20.4 million project
The WA Farming Systems project aims to ensure the long-term health of the state’s grains industry. The WA Government has injected $12 million in the five-year project, while the GRDC has committed $8.4 million to deliver the agronomic tools and business pathways necessary for growth. The project will explore various farming systems' risks and opportunities, including crop diversity, expanded seeding windows, and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. Learning hubs will be established in the Merredin, Geraldton and The Lakes districts. Read more here.
Silicon Valley targets Australia and New Zealand AgTech
Silicon Valley based AgriFood investor SVG Ventures will launch a $50 million venture fund targeting AgTech firms across Australia and New Zealand. SVG Ventures will establish an Australia and New Zealand headquarters in Melbourne and launch the SVG Thrive Australia Venture and Innovation Platform. This includes a $50 million Thrive Australia Venture Fund. Read more here.
RED grants
The McGowan Government has opened the fifth round of the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program, which will see $5 million invested towards regional projects. Funding is available for projects that support jobs, expand or diversify industry, develop skills, increase business productivity and attract new investment to the regions.The program has supported 263 regional projects to date. More here.
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Grain Leaders Program
Nominations are now open for GrainGrowers Australian Grain Leaders Program (AGLP). It’s open to outstanding young growers (under 35s) keen for professional development, and to meet other growers from across the country. Program participants will complete a personal project and gain a broad understanding of agricultural practices in other places. There is no cost to participants other than their time off the farm. Nominations close 29 August.
Boodja Soil Science Lecture
The annual Boodja Soil Science Lecture is at Perth’s Aloft Hotel on 28 September. The lecture series, presented by Soil Science Australia (WA branch), acknowledges the important role of Aboriginal understanding in the responsible management of soil and land. This year’s speaker is the Hon. Penelope Wensley AC. It’s free to all; registrations are here.
Statistics Workshops: Is It Time to Improve the Experimental Design of your Field Trials?
Do you carryout field research? Are you ready to improve the rigour of your work helping growers improve productivity? The SAGI-West team is calling for expressions of interest to run a statistics workshop in your region to upskill in statistics and data analytics. Interested parties should contact the team at sagiwest@curtin.edu.au
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Research into the Role and Value of Data in Digital Agriculture
Grain producers are increasingly producing significant amounts of data. To determine who derives value from such data the Food Agility CRC is calling producers to participate interviews to aid its research process. Findings will allow various agricultural stakeholders a better understanding of the views and needs of grain producers in relation to the future use of data, data sharing and digital agriculture. Those interested can contact Philip Browning on 0417631721.
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