Elected Directors for GGA
GGA Directors Nicole Batten (Yuna Farm Improvement Group) and Debbie Gillam (Mingenew Irwin Group) were returned for a further two-year term as GGA Directors at the recent AGM held on 16 September. A third vacancy remains and the GGA Board will now undertake the process of appointing a Member Director for the final Board position. Enquiries to Chair Peter Roberts.
Inaugural Chairs Summit
Chairs from 10 grower groups were among 23 delegates that attended a new networking dinner on 15 September aimed at developing working relationships between leaders of GGA's voting member groups. Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan and DPIRD's Deputy Director General Primary Industries Development (PID) Cecilia McConnell also attended. An additional two Chairs joined the next day for update presentations prior to the AGM.
WaterSmart Dams Survey - closes 31 October
GGA invites grower groups and industry to share an important producer survey regarding on-farm water storage issues and technologies as part of the WaterSmart Dams project. Responses will shape activities featured in this two-year project focused on improving dam design and involving 12 demonstration sites, workshops, field days and training. To complete or share, access the survey here. The deadline for responses is 31 October.
Grain Storage Workshop - book now
It's not too late to book a free grain storage demonstration with grain storage expert Ben White – for your group event or field day. Presentations cover pests, moisture, seed storage, and temporary storage. Additionally, a pre-harvest pressure test of silos can be requested allowing growers to fumigate with confidence. Lodge a booking request form here.
Harvester Losses Study - key findings released
Key findings from a 'scale of grain and profit lost' study conducted during harvest 2021 as part of the Measuring Harvester Losses project are being shared at GRDC Harvester Set Up workshops. View a summary of results and access resources here. The study revealed that grain worth more than $300 million was left in paddocks during the last WA harvest.
New Podcast: Managing diamondback moth
In our latest podcast we discuss diamondback moth – a serious pest of canola, and all brassica crops. In addition to damaging canola crops, diamondback moth is renowned for developing insecticide resistance, so it is important that growers apply an integrated pest management strategy if numbers are high. Listen here and subscribe to GGA's podcast Grains Convo on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Legumes Project Trial Sites
Trial sites of grower groups partnering in the Closing the Economic Yield Gap of Grain Legumes in WA project have been available to visit this spring. Visit the project page for details and sign up to the 'Project Follower List' for updates from partners as the four-year project develops. A 'Legumes Leader' gallery is being established sharing insights from experienced growers.
Agriculture Emissions Forum - Save the Date (28 October)
Grower groups and wider industry are invited to attend a full-day forum hosted by DPIRD on October 28 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The forum will provide an opportunity to discuss the potential to lower emissions in the agricultural sector, with discussions to be held around climate projections, carbon neutral initiatives, carbon neutral grain calculating and the 2020 emissions of WA agriculture industries. More here.
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New project Will Arm Horticulturalists Against a Drying Climate
Assisting horticulture producers to use irrigated water efficiently is the aim of a new project that will help maintain crop production in a drying climate. The project is being led by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) in collaboration with other Hubs. Read the media release here.
Contact Your Local Regional Node Lead
Do you want to have your say on future projects that will enhance the drought resilience of farmers in your region? Then you are encouraged to contact one of the Hub’s eight Regional Node Leads. See the Hub webpage for Regional Node Lead details and draft priority project lists. More here.
On-the-Ground Knowledge Shared
SW WA Hub staff are meeting regularly with representatives of the Hub’s eight Regional Node Leads to share knowledge, discuss drought resilience priorities and plan consultation with farmers. Node Leads help link the Hub to end users. Their details are on the Hub webpage. More here.
Webinar Recordings Available
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) hosted the webinars which feature panels of producers, industry professionals and scientists. Recordings are available here.
DR.SAT Provides Tools for a Thriving Future
The Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool, DR.SAT, supported by the FDF, 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 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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GGA Chair Peter Roberts addresses the 2022 AGM attendees
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MADFIG Welcomes New EO
Glenice Batchelor is Merredin & Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG’s) new Executive Officer. She has worked in community, environment and agricultural roles and projects over an extensive career based in the Central Wheatbelt. Glenice will oversee member-driven research and engagement activities, ensuring strong and inclusive process and governance. She works closely with SW WA Hub Merredin Regional Node Lead representative Meg Gethin, as part of a suite of MADFIG collaborations.
Liebe Group on the Hunt for New EO
The Executive Officer role is still open at the Liebe Group! If you want an opportunity to expand your leadership skills and industry networks and to work alongside innovative farmers and a hard-working team, they want to hear from you. Contact eo@liebegroup.org.au or contact Katrina Venticinque on 0400 941 412.
Facey Group AGM - 13 October Save the date
With spring field day season done and dusted, groups are turning their focus to annual general meetings. Join the Facey Group for its pre-harvest event touring the new Patmore Feeds facilities followed by drinks and nibbles at the Cuballing Hotel, where the group will hold its AGM. Contact admin@faceygroup.org.au for more details.
Welcome to the New Faces of Facey Group
Last week the Facey Group welcomed two new faces. Maree Dougall has joined the team as Innovation Coordinator. She brings with her a background in trials, sustainable agriculture, animal health and fertility. Claudia Hadlow, who has landcare expertise, has filled the position of NRM Coordinator.
WMG Leading New Soil CRC Alongside CFIG
The West Midlands group (WMG) will lead a new Soil CRC project that will collaborate with the Corrigin Farm Improvement Group, Central West Farming Systems (NSW), and Charles Sturt University (NSW). Having returned from the Soil CRC conference in Adelaide, WMG will have this CRC underway by October. Read more.
Save the date - The Sheep's Back MLP Project Site Field Day - 21 October
The Pingelly Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) Project site's annual field day is a chance to inspect each sire’s ewe progeny groups from both the 2016 and 2017 drops, along with their current results. Program to come.
ASHEEP & DPIRD's Lambing Planner App Refresh - Have your say
Developed by DPIRD and ASHEEP in 2017, the Lambing Planner App was designed to provide info about management for each stage of the ewe reproductive cycle based on your joining date. It's time for an update and ASHEEP is calling for your feedback via this two-minute survey.
MIG's Annual Photo Competition
Harvest just around the corner can mean only one thing ... Mingenew Irwin Group's annual harvest photo competition is back! With three entries accepted per person it's time to get snapping. Submit your photos to tech@mig.org.au by 23 December.
GIWA September Grain Report - WA Set for Another Bumper Grain Season
It's looking as though WA may be in for another record year. See for yourself with GIWA's September Grain Report.
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Soil Plan Draft Open for Consultation
The Australian Government is seeking public input for its National Soil Action Plan 2022-2027. The action plan is a key component of Australia's 20-year Soil Strategy. The five-year action plan will lay the foundation for management, improvement, research, and investment for the longer term strategy. Have you say on the future of Australian soil here.
AgCAREERSTART Program Connects Farmers and Employees
Delivered by the National Farmers Federation and funded by the Australian Government, AgCAREERSTART is a unique 10–12 month program connecting farmers and prospective employees. The program is currently taking applicants between the ages of 17 to 25 years who are keen to start their agriculture career. Apply now.
AWI Wool Harvesting Demonstration Day
An Australian Wool Innovation demonstration day on 7 October in Boxwood Hill will demonstrate commercially available options for mobile, upright and adaptable wool harvesting alternatives. Interested producers are encouraged to register here.
Heat Tolerance Research to Deliver Improved Wheat Varieties
In an effort to develop more heat tolerant wheat varieties that boost business resilience, sustainability and profitability, grains trials have been sown at Merredin and Kununurra. Led by the University of Sydney, the project is a collaboration between DPIRD, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), InterGrain and Agriculture Victoria. Read more.
ProcessWorx Harvest Employee FAQs
Coming into harvest, farmers may have questions about employing staff including: What paperwork is required? How much do I need to pay staff? What should I do if my worker is on a visa? ProcessWorx has significant experience assisting farmers with their HR needs. With agriculture highlighted as an area of focus for the Fair Work Ombudsman this year, it's worth taking the time to set your business up for success. Read more.
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FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Grants of up to $25,000 available through Strengthening Rural Communities program
Under the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, the Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Prepare & Recover program supports communities to prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters. Those impacted by WA’s Cyclone Seroja in 2021 are eligible for grants of up to $25,000. Read more.
Rural Women's Award & Acceleration Grant Applications Open
AgriFutures Australia invites interested parties to register for an upcoming Award & Acceleration Grant Q&A session. These sessions are intended to provide clarity around the differences between the two programs and the respective eligibility criteria. The final session will take place on 5 October from 12 noon to 1pm (AEDST). Find out more.
RED grants
The WA 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.
Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program – APPLY NOW!
Do you have a soil or vegetation project eligible for registration with the Clean Energy Regulator's Emissions Reduction Fund? Round 2 of the WA Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program's ACCU Plus funding stream is now open. Access the online SmartyGrants Application Form via the CFLRP webpage. Applications close at 12 noon (AWST) on Friday, 2 December.
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Research into the Role and Value of Data in Digital Agriculture
Grain producers are increasingly producing significant amounts of data. The Food Agility CRC is calling producers to participate in interviews to aid its research process and derive value from this data. Findings will provide a better understanding of the views and needs of grain producers for the future use of data, data sharing and digital agriculture. Those interested can contact Philip Browning on 0417 631 721.
Future Sheep – Climate Adaptation: Ensuring a Sustainable WA sheep industry
“FutureSheep” is a Meat & Livestock Australia and DPIRD project assessing the impact of projected climate changes by 2030 and 2050 in WA, to identify potential adaptation strategies. The 'partner farm' activity matches producers from one region to those in another region who are already farming in an environment that has projected similarities to that of their land in 2050. Contact Dr Kevin Foster.
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