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Fire recovery update
There have been reports of wind erosion from across the Grainbelt, with fire affected areas particularly vulnerable to losing valuable topsoil. Advice on protecting paddocks and profitability is here. There are further resources on this web page. CFIG are hosting a recovering from bushfire information event on 2 March at 3pm. Contact CFIG regarding availability to attend.
To lime or not to lime
Soil acidity is a big constraint to crop profitability, costing growers $500m+ annually. As growers prepare for the upcoming cropping season, it's time to consider a liming strategy to counteract this collective financial loss. The WA Farm Data Sharing (WAFDS) model, a joint initiative with DPIRD, Curtin University and the Food Agility CRC, has solutions that could ease on-farm liming decisions.
Post frost strategy presentation 9 March
A free presentation on crop nutrition following severe frost events is being held on 9 March at Nungarin, hosted by MADFIG featuring ConsultAg’s Garren Knell. The content will also include frost mitigation strategies for the year ahead and farmers attending can discuss their personal frost management plans with input and guidance from ConsultAg advisors. Details here.
Partnering for growth course – $600 subsidy offer
All five GGA-subsidised places have been filled, but nine more $600 subsidised places remain available direct via DPIRD for a 'Partnering for Growth' training course on 15 March. This course is aimed at existing or aspiring agri-food producers and will cover the step by step pathway to developing key business relationships to grow a commercial enterprise. Enrol directly via the DPIRD site for the remaining 15 March course places. Eight other GGA members have opted in to a 1 July self-paced study intake for more general grower group business relationships. Both course options are delivered online over a five week period and require a commitment of around 25 hours. The 15 March intake is priced at an after subsidy cost of $575. The 1 July intake after a 50% subsidy is $388. Details on the two offers are here.
Governance training starts 29 April or 30 May
GGA’s next free governance training course starts on 29 April. The self paced e-course is ideal for new or experienced committee members or Executive Officers of not-for-profit groups. 12 of the 70 places have already been filled. The course comprises six easy-paced topic modules over six months; 12 hours study in total. Save the date for our regular one day workshop on 30 May that will be offered online and (Covid permitting) in person. Enrol in the upcoming e-course here.
RDE&A Plan – 75% subsidy offer
We have strong interest coming in for the 75% subsidy being offered to up to eight grower groups in 2022 to develop a Research, Development, Extension and Adoption plan in 2022. GGA has partnered with Agknowledge for a comprehensive process that helps groups develop a plan based on member priorities. Make your EOI soon to Kallista Bolton. Full details on the program here.
Diploma of Project Management - 10 August
Registrations are open for a Diploma of Project Management which begins at Muresk with a three day residential intensive on 10-12 August. Seven registrations have already been received with 25 places available. Cost includes all course, accommodation, meals and accreditation assessment and is priced at $1,490pp. The course is open to the wider ag industry with grower groups receiving priority placement. The course has great technical value for staff or volunteers required to deliver projects to a deadline and budget such as research trials, networking events or conferences. Details here.
Good to Great Public speaking workshop - 19 August
Back by popular demand, renowned speaking coach Esther Jones is booked to take 25 people to "the next level" with public speaking. This one day workshop covers anatomy of a speech plus Powerpoint set out. 25 places are available; tickets are from $250. This workshop is open to the wider ag industry with GGA Network organisations receiving priority placement. Register here.
ProcessWorx HR & Safety Laws Packages
Groups with staff should expect a courtesy follow-up call from Danielle McNamee from ProcessWorx regarding an HR Health Check Package, subsidised by GGA at $250+GST. A second support offer relating to the new Safety Laws, which Danielle can answer further queries on, has been discounted to GGA Grower Groups by 75%. Check your email inbox (10 Dec) from Kallista Bolton if you have not yet read the offer. Watch the recording of the HR Safety Laws info session from ProcessWorx via the GGA Video Library.
New Podcast: New technologies for monitoring crops for diseases and insects
In our latest podcast you’ll learn about important early warnings for diseases and insects, and the new technologies that are being researched to aid in crop monitoring. We also discuss why it’s necessary to monitor crops and identify some key resources on crop diseases and insects. Click here to listen on our website or subscribe to GGA's podcast GRAINS CONVO on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Find out more about Future Drought Fund
The $5 billion Future Drought (FDF) is providing secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives and will help Australian farmers 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 regular email updates directly from the FDF, subscribe here. For information about the FDF-funded South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, click here.
Explore drought resilience tool
WA Wheatbelt farmers are reminded they can assess their resilience against climate change, and assess options to build preparedness, with the help of a recently released tool. The free Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool (DR.SAT) also includes: regularly updated satellite imagery; remote sensed data; and climate projections that inform resilience assessments and support decision making on physical climate change risks. For more information and to access the tool, click here.
38 new Wheatbelt leaders in pipeline
Farmers and people working in agriculture and natural resource management are among 38 people from the Northern Wheatbelt who have commenced the Drought Resilience Leaders Development Program. This program is an initiative of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and is designed to strengthen the future of regional communities through capacity building and collaboration. Read the media release here.
New mentoring opportunities available
Round three of the Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilience Leaders mentoring program has opened nationally for applications. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the mentoring program joined experienced farmers and industry professionals with those that wanted the chance to learn about drought preparedness. Read the media release here.
Learn how to handle adversity
Learn how to handle adversity by tuning in to a recording of a recent webinar ‘Trial and error – What happens when we fail? Handling adversity for success’. The webinar was part of an eight-part series hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF), under the Drought Resilience Leaders Program. Watch the recording here. The next webinar on 17 March is titled ‘Health and wellbeing – How we can support each other in rural communities’. For more information, click here.
Off-farm income proves vital
One finding from a recent survey of 72 northern Wheatbelt farmers was that 70 per cent worked off-farm, or had a family member work off-farm, during the 2006-2007 drought in the region. The survey was part of work by the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) NRM, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Mid West Development Commission to deliver a regional drought resilience plan for the region – under the Future Drought Fund (FDF) Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program. Read the findings here.
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Last call for GRDC West survey
Julianne Hill, GGA Associate member and Grower Network Co-ordinator for the Western Region, is calling for input from grain growers into the current GRDC annual priority setting survey. Responses shape GRDC investments in research, development and extension in WA. Complete the survey here.
Stirlings to Coast win
Congratulations to Stirlings to Coast Farmers, winners of the 2021 Innovate with nbn™ Grants in the Agriculture category. They plan to use the grant to make the data collected from their weather station and soil moisture probe networks more easily accessible to grower members.
Mingenew Irwin Group 2021 trials review 9 March
Mingenew Irwin Group's 2021 Trials Review will be held on 9 March at the Mingenew Recreation Centre. It's a free (ticketed) event for MIG members, project partners and sponsors, reviewing the outcomes of Research and Development in the region over the last year. Register here.
West Midland Group seasonal updates 14-18 March
West Midlands Group is taking its Seasonal Updates event online. The ten sessions are free and open to all grower groups and related industry people. The WMG Seasonal Updates Festival happens daily in the lunchtime window (12 – 1pm) from 14-18 March. Speakers include Rabobank’s Crawford Taylor, CBH’s Ben MacNamara, The Livestock Collective’s Amelia Nolan, and Stirlings to Coast's Phil Honey, covering topics concerning pasture, livestock, cropping and agribusiness. Book a session/s and register your interest here.
Soils and saltland masterclass
MADFIG is collaborating with Wheatbelt NRM to present an interactive and entertaining masterclass in Marginal Soils and Saltland management. The workshop features internationally recognised researchers and local site visits, and ends with a sundowner. It’s on Wednesday 16 March in Bencubbin. Details here.
Grains Research Updates continue online
Sessions remain in the GRDC’s Grains Research Updates on 3 March (Crop Protection), 8 March (Canola / Cereals) and 10 March (Soils / Pulses). Registration is free but essential. The regional one Day Updates planned for March have been postponed to July/August 2022.
GRDC chickpea trial shows promise for WA
Promising results in trials of a new chickpea variety could see a spike in popularity of this pulse in Western Australia this year. A new variety, CBA Captain, is part of the Chickpea Breeding Australia (CBA) initiative; a five-year, $30-million breeding program, launched in early 2020, that is working to expand the geographic reach of chickpeas from their traditional stronghold in northern NSW and QLD into central and southern NSW and WA. CBA is a collaboration between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Read more here.
Facey Group weather and automation technology workshop
Facey Group is hosting a member only info session to outline its weather station & device network on 10 March at the Wickepin Community Centre, 8.30 - 11.30am. Contact eo@faceygroup.org.au for more.
ASHEEP trials online
A summary of ASHEEP's 2021 Pasture Variety Trials is now online. The results are from three sites across three different rainfall zones and soil types – Grass Patch, Cascade, and the Sandplain. Read the summary here.
New staff
The Corrigin Farm Improvement Group has welcomed Project officer Jaydip Vaddoriya and Communications officer Hannah Willis. Kalannie local Alicia has joined Liebe Group as its new administration assistant.
Liebe Group's R+D results book
The 2021/22 Local Research and Development Results Book is now available. Liebe Group members are encouraged to collect their copy from the Liebe office prior to Wednesday's Trials Review Day where results will be discussed.
Sub surface drainage demo Stirlings to Coast
The second Stirlings to Coast sub surface drainage demo layout is now fully mapped out, with layout implemented by Drainage Downunder and research supported by GRDC.
Mingenew Irwin Group's fox shoot
MIG's Annual Fox Shoot is back on 19 March. Get a team together and register with Dee McKeown on 0499 245 463 by 10 March.
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LIEBE Group Spring Field Day 2021 |
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Payments for soil data
A new Australian Government program will see farmers receive payment in exchange for sharing their historical soil test data. The Historical Soil Data Capture Payments Program makes $21 million available to land managers wanting to contribute to a national database. It’s part of the National Soil Strategy, building knowledge so that land managers can benchmark their soil against regional or type averages. Read more here.
New red meat program for value-adding
Farmers2Founders has launched a new program, value + d, for innovative Australian red meat producers (beef, lamb and goat) who are looking to explore a value-adding business. The program is delivered in three stages, and gives participants resources, tools and support to increase their confidence and capabilities. Learn more here.
Regenerative agriculture workshops at Muresk
Wheatbelt NRM presents two workshops on 31 March at Muresk, on harnessing natural capital for sustainable farming futures. The first session is about the transition to improving soil, business and farmer health. The second has a practical focus on landscape rehydration. Places are expected to fill fast; secure tickets here.
Covid questions answered
ProcessWorx HR consultants have been receiving a lot of questions from clients about managing COVID-19 in the workplace. With the presence of the virus increasing in WA, businesses need to be prepared to handle potential exposure. ProcessWorx HR consultants have answered some frequently asked COVID-19 questions here.
Robotics meets Ag – call for participants
The WA Agriculture and Automation Games (WAAAG) will be held at Curtin Stadium on 27 and 28 August this year. Event organisers are seeking Ag industry groups interested in participating by exhibiting or presenting at the careers expo, entering a team into the ‘Build a Robot in a Day’ competition, submitting ideas for research projects for the competition, and more. Get in touch with Suzanne Hawkes at DPIRD for more: 9368 3117.
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FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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DPIRD $10,000 Vouchers Program
Opportunity knocks with 10,000 reasons to read the memo on a new $10 for $1 Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program. The grant was launched last Friday by DPIRDWA to support farmers to explore carbon farming. Farmers can apply to access a voucher valued to a maximum of $10 000, with a minimum 10% cash co-contribution, for professional advice (from agronomists, natural resource, carbon or other specialist areas) to develop a high-quality land management strategy for a vegetation or soil carbon farming project. Applications close 1 April. Details are here.
Carbon and Biodiversity pilot Round 2
Applications for round two of the Carbon and Diversity Pilot close on 3 March. Under the C+B Pilot, farmers on WA’s south coast who plant native trees and shrubs, in line with a biodiversity protocol developed by the Australian National University, may receive payments for biodiversity outcomes. Read more here.
National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge – Development and Demonstration Round 1
This grant opportunity gives research and commercialisation organisations up to $20 million to develop lower-cost, accurate technological solutions for measuring soil organic carbon stocks. This delivers on the Technology Investment Roadmap’s goal to lower the cost of accurate soil carbon measurement by 90%, to $3 per hectare per year. Applications close 3 March. Read 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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DPIRD Carbon Farming workshops
The first of the regional workshops to help farmers better understand opportunities and planning for carbon farming projects is on 3 March in Bunbury. Details are here. Visit the 2022 Carbon Farming Workshops page to register interest for upcoming locations and events. For information and resources on carbon farming visit WA Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program.
Women’s STEM JumpStart
A grassroots capacity building program for young rural, regional, and remote women with a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Maths is on this month. Bring your smarts and an open mind to the two day Boot Camp and be guided through all the foundational skills and capacity building you’ll need to succeed. It’s on 15 and 16 March at Muresk. Sign up here.
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How do your faba beans grow?
A team of early-career research agronomists has worked with industry to provide a comprehensive guide to growing faba beans. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released the guide 'Growing Faba Beans on the south coast of Western Australia' to address increasing interest in faba beans as a rotational break crop, particularly on the South Coast. Read more here.
GRDC chickpea trial shows promise for WA
Promising results in trials of a new chickpea variety could see a spike in popularity of this pulse in Western Australia this year. A new variety, CBA Captain, is part of the Chickpea Breeding Australia (CBA) initiative; a five-year, $30-million breeding program, launched in early 2020, that is working to expand the geographic reach of chickpeas from their traditional stronghold in northern NSW and QLD into central and southern NSW and WA. CBA is a collaboration between the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Read more here.
Producer reference groups sought for satellite feedbase monitoring project
This year Cibo Labs and MLA will launch the National Feedbase Monitoring Project, allowing producers to access satellite images of their property pasture growth over 30 days. Ahead of the launch in July, Cibo Labs is establishing a producer reference group to provide feedback and pre-release testing of the platform. The intent is to create three to four sub groups to represent the Northern, Southern and Western regions. Each group would comprise 10 to 15 producers who would be willing to (virtually) meet and test the system closer to release. Interested parties should contact Alastair Rayner for the Terms of Reference. Please do so before 8 March.
Global food challenges addressed by new degrees
The University of Western Australia has introduced new specialisations to the Master of Biotechnology and Master of Biomedical Science degrees, which will empower students to develop solutions to global challenges such as hunger, malnutrition, food production and environmental impact. As coordinated by the School of Molecular Sciences, Master of Biotechnology students can now specialise in Synthetic Biology, and Master of Biomedical Science students can now specialise in Food Biochemistry. Read more here.
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GRDC West Survey
Grain growers that missed the GRDC West summer sessions over the holidays can still give general feedback and have input to the current GRDC priority setting process for WA investments in research, development and extension projects. Their annual survey remains open for a couple of weeks. Find it here.
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