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December 1, 2021: Grower Group Alliance Newsletter
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IN THIS EDITION

INSIDE GGA
GGA NETWORK NEWS
GENERAL NEWS
FUNDING & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP
CALENDAR 
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
INSIDE GGA
Salary Benchmarking Survey open now
GGA has opened its 2021 Salary Benchmarking survey for the GGA Network. The survey is anonymous and seeks to gauge the going remuneration bands for paid positions within the network. This assists groups with budgeting and recruiting. Results will be shared with the GGA network Executive Officers and Chairs. Complete the survey here before 24 December. For groups that don't have staff but may contract some admin or treasurer services, we still hope to capture the metrics around costs of that resourcing. The last GGA Network salary benchmarking was done in 2018.
New grains podcast: Leading the way in soil management
It's World Soil Day on 5 December and to celebrate, we invited DPIRD’s Soil Science and Crop Nutrition Manager Chris Gazey to the podcast. No matter the soil type or individual constraints, Chris has been dedicated to finding techniques and solutions to see WA grain growers maximise productivity, water and nutrient use efficiency. In this episode you’ll learn about strategic soil renovation and the key learnings from comparison work done on soil acidity, from 2004/2006 and 2010/2012. Click here to listen.

Storage for moist grain
With wet weather hampering some harvest efforts, aeration cooling could play a critical role in on-farm storage this season. According to GRDC National Grain Storage Extension Project Coordinator Chris Warrick, aeration cooling allows grain harvested slightly over moisture to be stored for up to four weeks before it's dried or blended with dry loads. Aeration cooling discourages mould and insects, and helps preserve grain quality. See more here or via GRDC Grain Storage Extension Project website.
DPIRD 2022 Crop Sowing Guide for WA is now available
The crop sowing guide is a one stop shop for information on all the major crops grown in Western Australia, compiled by officers in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The publication offers information to support growers with decisions on the best choice of crop variety for the upcoming season. Click here to get your copy.

ProcessWorx Safety Laws Webinar recording available
On 23 November, GGA hosted a free 'Zoom with a Guest' information session: Preparing Grower Groups for the New Safety Laws (effective 1 January 2022). HR and Safety expert Danielle McNamee from ProcessWorx delivered 30 minutes of content followed by questions. Watch the recording via the GGA Video Library. Follow-up technical enquiries to Danielle at ProcessWorx. 
Under Construction now - 2022 Capacity Building Program
Many thanks to the GGA Network for the impressive level of engagement with the recent Capacity Building needs survey. We had 63 responses, representing over 75% of the network. GGA is now costing the activities and options and aims for a 13 December release of the 2022 Program. Member groups can still complete the survey here up until December 7.
Save the date training overnighter - 1 and 2 February
Based on insights from the Capacity Building survey, GGA is considering a new two-day training overnighter for 1 and 2 February (the week school goes back). It's likely we will run content on servicing membership, digital admin and communications tools on one day, and agronomy and trial training on the other. Zoom will be an option. Save the date, details resolved by 13 December. 
Update contact details with GGA
GGA will be mailing a copy of its annual report to groups, by actual post! Please take a moment to check your key contacts and postal address are up to date in GGA records to ensure we mail to the correct location. Browse your group's details here
Hurry, send in 2022 events dates
Groups are urged to send in their events for the next calendar year before the Christmas break, even if they are just 'save the date' entries for now. Many organisations will be scoping the GGA Calendar to plan their own events and trying to avoid a clash of dates. Complete the GGA event form here to be featured in the GGA Calendar for free. 
DROUGHT HUB
Future Drought Fund annual report
The first Australian Government Future Drought Fund (FDF) Annual Report has been released. The report details the achievements of the Fund in its foundational year. Australia’s eight Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, including the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub), are part of the Australian Government’s $5 billion FDF, that aims to provide secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives. The FDF annual report is available here. To provide feedback on the report, visit here and share your thoughts before December 15.
Make leadership skills your New Year’s resolution
Whether it's harvesting or the upcoming festive season – everyone has a lot on their plates right now. That's why more time was provided by the Future Drought Fund and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation for people to apply for the Future Drought Resilience Leadership and Mentoring programs, and you have until December 5 to apply.  Applications for the Drought Resilience Leaders Development Program are open in regions across Australia, including Western Australia’s Northern Wheatbelt and Gascoyne Murchison regions. For more information or to apply for the programs, visit here
Join drought webinar series
Join panels of producers and industry professionals in an eight-part webinar series and learn what it takes to make rural communities resilient to drought and climate change. The webinars are part of the Future Drought Resilience Leaders Program funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and facilitated by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. For more information about the series ‘Adapting to a future with drought – unlocking resilience in rural Australia’ or to register, click here.
Innovation Grant EOI feedback
The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund (FDF) has provided interim feedback to those who submitted applications under the Drought Resilience Innovation Expression of Interest (EOI) and Grants Program. The EOI grant opportunity application period opened on 29 July and closed on 8 September, and attracted more than 800 applications for the three types of grants. The feedback is designed to assist applicants to understand what generally comprised a strong EOI application and is available here.
GGA NETWORK NEWS
Wattle Seed Harvest event
The Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) and Slow Food Swan Valley are marking year’s end by joining forces to help with the 2021 Wattle Seed Harvest, followed by a Bushfood lunch provided by Slow Food. It’s happening from 10am to 3pm on 12 December in Beverley. The lunch is free for those who wish to join, but please book with Vincenzo on 0417 943 211 or abeattie@noongarlandenterprise.com.au

Network changes
Southern Dirt  has a new CEO, Adele Scarfone. Executive Officer Paul Leonie is soon departing the Nyabing Farm Improvement Group. At Morawa Farm Improvement Group, the new Chair is Travis Collins, and Vice Chair is Reece Hutton. At Corrigin Farm Improvement Group, the new Chair is Geoff Fisher, and Vice Chair is Clint Pitman. Grower groups with staff changes or movements are encouraged to update GGA by contacting Kallista Bolton.
GENERAL NEWS
New seasonal forecasting tools
Australian grain growers will be able to better prepare for the onset of extreme climate events following the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) release of two comprehensive new seasonal forecasting tools. Developed through the $14 million industry-wide research project Forewarned is Forearmed (FWFA), the tools offer agricultural producers access to regionally relevant information beyond the traditional seven-day forecast. The project is set to deliver five new multi-week and seasonal forecast products relating to heat, cold and rainfall. 
Calling grain farmers keen to diversify 
As part of the Farmers2Founders Hatch program, Brendan Dobson is keen to talk to grain farmers to discuss the issues they are having on their farms and their thoughts on diversification opportunities. If you have 20 minutes to share your thoughts, contact Brendan.Dobson@hotmail.com
COVID support suites
ProcessWorx is offering three different COVID Document Suites to help businesses support compliance and employee vaccination management. The COVID Suite for Business, the Mini COVID Suite for Business and the COVID Suite for Farms each include various policy documents and letters relating to vaccination and workplace management. To find out more about these suites call (08) 9316 9896 or email enquiries@processworx.com.au
Partnering Essentials e-book
For those that completed training in 2021 with Ian Dixon in how to develop strategic partnership relationships, you will want to get your hands on his new e-book. It highlights seven key questions that should be addressed by partners prior to and during their partnering process if they wish to have a successful partnership. It’s available as a free download.
Check for Footrot
With summer approaching, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is encouraging producers to start checking their sheep and goats for signs of virulent footrot. As well as abattoir surveillance, DPIRD will be conducting tracing for feedlot lines. Producers are asked to remain vigilant for possible signs of footrot in their flock at any time of year, and to report any suspicions to their local DPIRD biosecurity officer. Producers are also asked to undertake good on-farm biosecurity measures, including isolating newly purchased sheep for two weeks and checking their feet regularly during this time.

Grains Social Leadership Program 
Applications for the GrainGrowers Grains Social Leadership Program (GSLP) close on 6 December. It’s for enthusiastic and capable people who use social media for business and the farm who are keen to promote agriculture in the best possible light. The GSLP aims to provide confidence and skills to participants to enhance their enthusiasm, and provides a network of like minded people across the country. There is no age limit and industry people are welcome to apply as much as growers. For further information contact Tracy Butler at tracy.butler@graingrowers.com.au 
Everyone’s talking carbon
The Great Southern Science Council is holding a Science Café event to discuss Carbon in WA agriculture during the afternoon of Saturday, 11 December, at the Great Southern Marine Research Facility in Albany. Tickets are $10, bookings essential. 
FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Enterprise Support Program
Projects that support the scale up of the State’s food and beverage manufacturing industry are the focus of The Enterprise Support Program, a $3.8M competitive grant open to WA agri-businesses, enterprises and entrepreneurs. A partnership between the Shire of Murray, Development WA and the DPIRD, the program offers up to $200,000 in dollar for dollar co-funding for agri-businesses seeking to pursue business development and innovation opportunities. Find out 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.
LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP
Drought Resilience Leaders Development Program - applications extended
The application deadline for the Drought Resilience Leaders Development Program has been extended until Sunday 5 December. The program is aimed at curious individuals who seek to understand their region, have strong relationships within the community or want to develop them, and who want to influence the resilience their community has to adapt to and manage uncertainty. You can watch a recording of the Q&A webinar that outlines more information about who can apply, what is involved, and what you will learn. 
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Harvest 5 Agtech program
AgriStart has launched HARVEST 5, Western Australia’s agtech accelerator program. Applications are now open for the program with a focus on Agtech innovations delivering value to the grain industry. From February to June 2022 the successful applicants will participate in workshops, webinars, field trips, pitch events and mentorships.
An online HARVEST idea validation and information session is being held via zoom from 12-1pm on Monday 13th December. Click here to register.

Genetic Variation Map to enhance chickpea breeding
An international team of scientists, including researchers from The University of Western Australia’s Institute of Agriculture, has successfully catalogued the genomic diversity of chickpea. This will lead to breeding new high-yielding and more resilient varieties. A research article, published in the prestigious Nature journal, outlined how 57 scientists from 41 organisations and 11 countries used genomic sequencing to map the variation in 3171 cultivated and 195 wild chickpea accessions. Read it here
CALENDAR
ADD EVENT

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Get visible by adding your event to  the Grower Group Alliance Calendar, it's WA's most browsed agriculture industry calendar. Complete the Event Form at gga.org,au, we'll add your event it if it aligns with our calendar content priorities.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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