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Hub team recruiting
Recruitment for a team to operate the WA SW Hub Project is underway. Applications closed on 21 May for the Hub Director, Knowledge Broker and Communications & Stakeholder Manager. A Project Manager position closes on June 25.
Hub Consortia information forum
The first gathering of the GGA-led WA SW Drought Hub Consortia on 19 May was well attended, with 65 delegates in person and another 25 via Zoom. A copy of the Interim Hub Directors presentation can be found at the GGA SW WA Hub web page.
Hub Public Consultation Workshop - 2 June
The second phase consultation begins on 2 June with an online workshop at 7.30am. Info and Registrations here.
Hub Drought Resilience Science to Practice Forum – 29 June
A three-day forum, ‘Building the Foundations of Drought Resilience’, will run from 29 June to 1 July. Most sessions will take place in the central Hub in Canberra with participation online and a physical presence in each of the eight regional Hubs. The SW WA venue will be the Merredin Dryland Research Institute. Register here.
Hub tenders
Keep an eye out in the GGA Hub web page where we will be advertising three new tenders for the new South West Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub. Successful tenderers will provide situation and trend analysis of the current industry and farm business operating environment, and new insights into sustainability, community and growth opportunities from a short, medium and long-term viewpoint.
GGA Grower Group Toolkit Volume 4 released
Have you downloaded a copy of the freshly updated Grower Group Toolkit V4 yet? It's a 26 page blueprint for how to run a grower group, ideal for groups struggling with any aspects of group formation and operation. Download it here.
Precision Ag workshops - June - Aug
GGA invites you to get hands-on with Precision Agriculture at one of nine upcoming workshops to be run through June to August. Working with your local grower group, we will bring together local dealers, PA experts, and software providers to demonstrate PA using the tools you have. Activities will vary for each location based upon your feedback. RSVP to secure your spot and give feedback to ensure the right people are available on the day to answer your questions. See GGA calendar for individual workshop dates.
Grain Storage Project
GGA will be offering training workshops on grain storage. Ben White, GRDC grain storage extension specialist and agricultural engineer, will be conducting the workshops and offering advice on grain storage hygiene to help growers maximise grain quality retention and seed germination. Expressions of interest will be invited via a direct email to grower groups. Updates will appear here.
Growing Leaders Scholarship open
Sponsored by CBH Group, two scholarships each valued at $15,500 place recipients into the 2022 Leadership WA Signature Program, which is aimed at high performing senior leaders looking to develop their own courageous, powerful, and authentic leadership on a 10-month journey of self awareness and self mastery. Apply here before 31 July.
Good to Great public speaking workshop – 20 Aug
Esther Jones will return for a full-day public speaking training workshop for 25 Agriculture industry delegates in Perth on 20 August. Aimed at those whose roles put them in the spotlight – Grower Group Chairs, Executive Officers or Extension delivery staff – the workshop will help lift the public speaking game of both rookies and experienced speakers. Details to come via GGA in June.
Last spots for June Governance training
A few places are still available at the Governance training workshop in both Esperance (25 June) and Perth (18 June). The new Governance e-course launched in late April is now full. Details and registrations here.
Grower Group Leadership Changes
Dr Kelly Pearce has filled an interim role as Executive Officer for the Facey Group. Grey Mackay is acting CEO at the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association. Carolyn Reid and Tina Harding have filled roles as Chair & Vice Chair at the Women in Farming Enterprise group. John Sanderson has stepped into the seat as founding Chair at the newly formed Esperance Zone Innovation Agtech group. Jon Beasley and Alainia Smith have filled the seats as Chair & Vice Chair at Stirlings to Coast Farmers. And in case you missed her appointment, Joy Sherlock has filled the CEO position at Mingenew Irwin Group. Keep up with the GGA Grower Group Network here.
Grab your tickets for GGA Forum21
Grower Groups have a subsidised ticket of $150pp and we're offering an industry rate of $300pp to attend GGA's 18th Annual Forum on 22|23 July. The exciting program features a mix of topics, and includes a marketing Professor, a membership expert, tips on running modern events, a dairy industry speaker sharing insights on industry social licence, and our inaugural Gala Cocktail Party where plenty of relationship building will happen! See bottom of this page for pricing. Program and tickets here.
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TC Seroja recovery support
The State Government has announced one-off payments of $4,000 per household to residents (owners or tenants) who had their primary place of residence damaged or destroyed, including those on farming properties. The payment is to assist with expenses, such as securing temporary accommodation, purchasing food and securing emergency transport. To find out if you are eligible and submit a Residential Payment application click here. Land management and cropping issues associated with the impact of TC Seroja may emerge in coming weeks. For any queries, contact your local DPIRD office or email tcseroja@dpird.wa.gov.au.
WALRC Livestock Matters Forum
No PowerPoints, just a day on farm with a focus on simple livestock systems, led by WA Livestock Research Council Chair Tim Watts. Discussion will be enriched by a team of MLA technical staff, consultants and research scientists. The WALRC Livestock Matters Forum starts at Don Nairn’s farm at Binnu. There are a few spots available on a coach departing Geraldton at 8am. Details and registration here.
Animal disease outbreak risk
Sheep Producers Australia warns against biosecurity complacency and fatigue, following a recent Animal Health Australia session that suggested a 42% probability of significant animal disease outbreak in the next 5 years. The sobering message from a presentation by Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Mark Schipp was that the probability of African Swine Fever reaching Australia is 21%, and 9% for Foot and Mouth Disease. It’s one of the reasons SPA has been pushing for the recent SAFEMEAT recommendations on biosecurity reform to be followed through. Producers are encouraged to participate in a survey to inform the development of an app that will predict and alert producers to biosecurity threats affecting the Australian red meat industry. See it here. The Federal Government made a recent commitment to invest over 400 million dollars into modernising Australia’s biosecurity system. The National Farmers Federation media release is here.
Community outreach events
A series of community outreach events is being staged by the Recovery and Resilience Agency, which works with regional Australians dealing with the immediate and long term effects of drought and flood. Information about available support and how to access it is shared. The events are on 21 June (Pingrup), 22 June (Lake King and Newdegate) and 23 June (Lake Grace). Brad Middleton from Hav-a-chat Services will be the guest speaker at each event. Contact Kaz Carey 0428 830 476 for details.
Towards 2030 Forum
How is progress towards the National Farmers Federation’s goal of Agriculture becoming Australia’s next $100 billion industry? The Towards 2030 Forum will discuss that, courtesy of a range of producers, regional leaders, policy makers and politicians. It’s at Muresk Institute on 24 June, followed by the WA Farmers Livestock and Grains forum on 25 June. Register here.
GRDC Farm Business livestream
The next GRDC Farm Business Update national livestream event is Opportunities and Outcomes of current tax concessions. The interactive, interview-style discussion will cover accelerated depreciation schemes (instant asset write-off) and Farm Management Deposits. It’s on Wednesday 16 June at 11am. It’s free to register.
Minister's Climate Forum 9 June
Grower groups are invited to an event to discuss the opportunities and challenges of climate change for farmers, and how best to use the $15 million Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund. Agriculture Minister Alannah MacTiernan wants to hear directly from grower groups and their members. Invitation letters have been sent directly to grower groups. It’s a full day event on 9 June, starting 8.30am at Muresk Institute. RSVP essential to Alison Lacey.
RRR Women's Leadership report
The RRR Network is striving for more Rural Regional and Remote women to step into leadership roles in their community or at work. Its new report is a contribution to strengthening RRR leadership, working on closing the gap between regional and metro women, and edging towards gender equality. Read the 'Women's Leadership in Rural Regional and Remote Western Australia' here.
AFI conference – Ag and Trade
The many disruptors of trade in the agriculture sector will be discussed at the Australian Farm Institute conference in July. Ideas about managing the disruptions, and using ‘creative destruction’ to renew systems and improve business, will be part of the program. The conference is in Toowoomba on Thursday 17 June, but there's an online option. Details here.
The Liebe Group’s Women’s Field Day is on Tuesday 15 June in Dalwallinu. The keynote address will be by former WA Telstra Business Woman of the Year, Leonie Knipe, (also the only female Dealer Principal for Toyota and Nissan in WA) and the field day covers things as diverse as technology, machinery ownership, crop insurance and farm safety legislation. Register here.
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FUNDING AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Networks to Build Drought Resilience
A new grant opportunity is available under the Future Drought Fund, aimed at community networks. A share in up to $2.3 million is on offer for projects that encourage collaboration, and improve the skills and capacity of network members to help communities become more resilient to the impacts of drought. Applications for the Networks to Build Drought Resilience program close 5 July.
If you’d like to help contribute to the funds available for these grants, the FRRR (Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal) is seeking to raise 1.125 million in co-funding. For every dollar donated, $3 of on-ground grant impact will be generated, thanks to government support. Learn more and donate.
COGGO Research Fund
The COGGO (Council of Grain Growers Organisations) Research Fund invests in innovative research and development projects across the whole supply chain that can demonstrate a direct benefit to Western Australian grain growers. Applications are open for projects starting after 1 January 2022. Funding of up to $75,000 per annum for two years is available. Expressions of interest should be submitted by 5 July.
Rewards for Biodiversity
Applications for the Carbon + Biodiversity Pilot close on 11 June. It's trialing arrangements to reward farmers for improving on-farm biodiversity. The pilot, developed with the Australian National University, is part of the Australian government's $34 million commitment to biodiversity stewardship on farms. Eligible activities will build on Emissions Reduction Fund carbon projects. Examples include planting and managing vegetation, and regenerating gullies, waterways and degraded hillsides. See here for more information.
NRM grants
South Coast Natural Resource Management is offering grants for professional development to people working and volunteering in natural resource management on the South Coast. The grants are in response to community requests for targeted training and professional development. Grants are available for groups, NRM officers and NRM volunteers. Apply before 30 June.
BRII deadline extended
The application deadline for the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), an Australian Government program, has been extended until 17 June. Ten million dollars in grant funding is available to Australian startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help bring big ideas to market. The current round of BRII is seeking innovative solutions to government challenges focussed on regulatory technology (RegTech).
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Grains Social Leadership Program
The search is on for the next 10 Australian growers to take part in this six month program. If you feel there are misconceptions about what a grain grower does on-farm, it could be for you. The Grains Social Leadership Program involves in-person and online workshops and coaching. It’s been designed to help growers who are influencers and leaders to better engage in critical discussions. The program works with a bespoke group to develop skills in leadership, advocacy, communication and stakeholder engagement. Grower groups are encouraged to identify potential candidates within their ranks. Applications close on 6 June. More information is here.
2022 Nuffield scholarship
Applications are now open for the Nuffield Scholarship, for which scholars receive a $30,000 bursary for a 14-week program. It’s an opportunity to identify new best practices and ideas from leading and innovative businesses around the world. The alumni has a strong network built over 70 years – 485 scholars in Australia and 1800 worldwide. Applications close 6 August.
Cost-Benefit Analysis workshop
A full day introductory workshop on Cost-Benefit Analysis for evaluators is being held via Zoom in two sessions on 17 and 24 June. The interactive workshop will be led by David Marchant, MD of Inform Economics. Space is limited to 25 participants. Register online by 11 June.
Sheep producer webinars
Two webinars discussing case studies of sheep producers are being held by Kondinin Group’s Farming Ahead this week. The first, on 3 June, is about the commercial benefits of electronic identification in sheep. On 8 June, the focus is on the outcomes for ewes and lambs on weaning at 12 to 14 weeks. Details are here.
GQIS training course
A training course in GQIS, a tool for analysing geospacial data, is being offered to NRM professionals in WA. The two day course, to be held in June at the Albany DPIRD office, satisfies the criteria for South Coast NRM’s 2021 Professional Development Round 2 grants. Final dates are to be confirmed. Contact Simon Neville to register your interest on 0429 409 512 or email ecotones@westnet.com.au.
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NVT Harvest Reports
The Harvest reports from the National Variety Trials (NVT) program have been published. Designed to complement the Sowing Guides which are published prior to harvest, each report contains the last five years of results for every NVT trial across Australia. The information on yield, quality and disease ratings is presented at the local site level to support growers in making varietal decisions for their location. Find your region's report here.
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HAVE YOUR SAY – SURVEYS AND SUBMISSIONS
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WA grain grower input sought
Local Grain growers are invited to contribute their views on the issues that are important to their business, and the policies that are required. A national survey conducted by GrainGrowers will help the organisation develop policies and advocate for growers in Australia. They’re keen for Western Australian growers to be well represented. Cash prizes are in the offing for participating. The deadline is 6 June. Details are here.
ERF Methods - contribute to potential change
DPIRD is working with WA industry to identify potential carbon abatement opportunities with the potential to create or amend an approved Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) method. Ahead of the next round of ERF method priorities by the federal department, DPIRD wants to know about new methods (or amendments to existing methods) that are suited to WA’s unique landscapes, soils, vegetation, and seascapes. Anyone using such methods can advise DPIRD by contacting carbonfarming@dpird.wa.gov.au before 30 June 2021.
Future Drought Fund survey
The Future Drought Fund team wants to hear from people working in agriculture to participate in co-design activities for the Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool (DR SAT) and Climate Services for Agriculture (CSA) programs. Farmers, farm advisers, natural resource managers and businesses servicing agriculture are invited to complete a survey to capture information about IT access requirements and information needs. The survey also asks about preferences for participation in co-design activities as the DR SAT and CSA programs roll out across Australia. Complete the survey by 30 June here.
Changing your flock?
If you're making changes to sheep numbers, or have already done so, Sheep Producers Australia would love to hear about it. Register your details here.
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