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GROWER GROUP ALLIANCE
National Forum: Celebrating 10 Years
Proceedings 2012
Grower Group Alliance
National Forum Celebrating 10 Years
Thursday, 16th
August 2012
Proceedings
The Grower Group Alliance acknowledges the continued support
of the Grains Research and Development Corporation
Contents
1. Introduction 3
1.1 Purpose of the day 3
2. Grower Group Alliance outline 4
3. List of Forum participants 5
4. GGA Annual Forum Agenda 8
5. GGA Annual Forum Opening 9
6. Making a difference: lessons from a Nobel Laureate 10
7. The Way We Were: reflections from the GRDC international study tour 11
8. Postcards from the East: models & motivations from interstate grower groups 12
9. Partnership strategies 13
10. Concurrent Panel Sessions 14
10.1 Project Updates 14
10.2 Show me the money: views on sponsorship, membership & partnership 15
10.3 Young scientists: GGA Scholarship recipients 16
11. The position & perception of agriculture (in a town ruled by resources) 17
12. Conversations with the Minister 18
Appendix 1. Project Updates Presentations 19
Appendix 2. Young Scientists Presentations 25
Appendix 3. Full Evaluation Results 32
3
1. Introduction
The Grower Group Alliance Annual Forum is the premier event for interaction between farmer
groups, researchers and industry to inspire participants with new ideas and perspectives, and
provide opportunities to develop collaborative partnerships.
On Thursday 16th 2012, the GGA celebrated 10 successful years of collaboration between grower
groups, researchers and industry bodies.
Celebrating 10 years: the way forward began looking back at achievements, and toward a
sustainable future, with a call for self efficiency and independence at the grass roots level, and for
an 'occupy movement' where grower groups occupy the state. It was highlighted nothing worthwhile
is ever achieved without collaboration, and that the industry needs to work together to improve,
RD&E delivery, sustainability and public perceptions.
Support from groups and industry endorsed the future of the GGA, collaboration, and grower group
networks, to improve the future of our industry.
1.1 Purpose of the day
The forum’s speakers and activities are intended to inspire and challenge attendees, and provide
networking and collaboration opportunities.
The purpose for grower groups was to:
Gain fresh ideas and skills,
Learn about current and proposed research and innovations, and
Boost relationships with other groups, researchers and industry.
The purpose for industry partners was to:
Meet grower groups from around the state, developing key connections,
Gain perspective on the grower group operating environment, and
Interact and discuss the best way to engage with grower groups in collaborative projects.
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2. Grower Group Alliance outline
Background
The Grower Group Alliance (GGA) is a farmer-driven organisation funded by the Grains Research
and Development Corporation (GRDC), which has been supporting formation of networks between
grower groups, researchers and agribusiness across WA since its inception in 2002.
The formation of these networks began in 2002 with the GGA developed by groups seeking to
improve communication and function, thus delivering greater benefits to members. It was followed in
2004 with the formation of the Local Farmer Group Network, supporting the smaller groups across
the state. These GRDC-funded projects were merged in 2007 to better establish collaborative
research and development projects between farmer groups and research providers, irrespective of
size, without duplication of resources. The GGA has supported grower group operations, projects
and initiative; promoted grower group’s and developed an understanding of their issues, priorities
and operating environment at a regional, state and national level.
Role of the GGA
The GGA intends to:
Expand the network of grower groups and their partners to allow the exchange of
knowledge, ideas and research results between members;
Enhance the participation of grower groups in collaborative projects developed between
grower groups, research providers and industry; and
Support grower groups to work towards becoming more efficient and effective as a group.
Grower groups
The majority of WA farmer groups aim to increase the production and profitability of their farm
businesses through the adoption of new production technologies while minimising impact on their
environment. Groups are mainly broadacre farmers of the WA grain production zone located from
Binnu in the north, to Bodallin in the east and Esperance in the south east. The network includes
more than 40 grower groups involving about 2500 farmer members, which is about 50 per cent of
WA farmers.
GGA key outputs
Grower group operational support, including corporate governance, running events,
sponsorship development
Coordination of project opportunities, and support of groups and stakeholders in developing
projects and partnerships
Policy advice relating to grower groups
Annual Grower and Researcher Forum
Study tours
Communications including the website (www.gga.org.au), fortnightly Calendar of Events,
monthly Newswire
Coordination of field day presenters or workshops
Regional breakfast meetings and annual executive officer meeting
UWA 4th year student scholarships
Grower group exchange and support for event attendance
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3. List of Forum participants
Industry Representatives
Richard Apps MLA [email protected]
Bob Belford MURESK Institute [email protected]
Guy Boggs Wheatbelt NRM [email protected]
Peter Bostock Landmark [email protected]
Mike Bowley DAFWA [email protected]
Danielle England Planfarm / Grain & Graze 2 [email protected]
William Erskine CLIMA - UWA [email protected]
James Fisher Desiree Futures [email protected]
Ken Flower UWA [email protected]
Johanna Gastevich GIWA [email protected]
Mike Grasby Caring for our Country [email protected]
Jill Griffiths Future Farm Industries CRC [email protected]
Susan Hall GGA [email protected]
John Harvey GRDC [email protected]
Julianne Hill GRDC Regional Cropping Solutions Network
Gerri Hinkley Wickepin Shire Council [email protected]
Natalie Hogg Partners in Grain [email protected]
Fran Hoyle DAFWA [email protected]
Pam I'Anson DAFWA [email protected]
Greg Kirk Planfarm [email protected]
Natalie Lee Cox Inall Communications [email protected]
Lachlan McDougall UWA Honours Student [email protected]
Hellene McTaggart GGA [email protected]
Peter Metcalf DAFWA [email protected]
Brogan Micallef GGA [email protected]
Ray Morgan Grain Growers Ltd [email protected]
*Eric Nankivell Farmanco [email protected]
Peter Nash Growing Australia [email protected]
Mark Norton Rabobank [email protected]
Dale Park WA Farmers Federation [email protected]
Brianna Peake CBH Group [email protected]
Deborah Pett Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Belinda Pope PICSE UWA [email protected]
Steve Porritt DAFWA [email protected]
Richard Quinlan Planfarm / GRDC Regional Cropping Solutions Network
Pete Rees Graincorp [email protected]
Garry Reynolds Caring for Our Country [email protected]
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Peter Roberts GRDC [email protected]
*Michael Robertson CSIRO [email protected]
Colin Rose Planfarm [email protected]
Bill Ryan GRDC Western Panel [email protected]
*Kadambot Siddique UWA Institute of Agriculture [email protected]
Jon Slee GIWA [email protected]
Mark Sweetingham DAFWA [email protected]
Dean Thomas CSIRO [email protected]
Rebecca Walker South West Catchment Council
Rebecca Wallis GGA [email protected]
Hollie Webster Murdoch University [email protected]
Ben White Kondinin Group [email protected]
*Peter White DAFWA [email protected]
Simone Wilson Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Natarsha Woods Wheatbelt NRM [email protected]
Eastern States Grower Group Representatives
Mark Stanley Ag Excellence Alliance [email protected]
Nigel Herring AMPS Agribusiness [email protected]
Caroline Welsh Birchip Cropping Group [email protected]
Naomi Scholz Eyre Peninsular Agricultural Research Foundation
Che Trendell Grower Group Services [email protected]
Gemma Walker Mallee Sustainable Farming [email protected]
Fiona Hart Riverine Plains
Andrew Russell [email protected]
John McDougall Southern Farming Systems [email protected]
Nicole Dimos SPAA Precision Agriculture Australia
Luke Byrnes
Tony Kent Victorian Grower Group Alliance [email protected]
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WA Grower Group Representatives
Jan Clawson ASHEEP [email protected]
Brad Auld Bodallin Catchment Group
Merrilyn Temby [email protected]
Brian Taylor Broomehill-Tambellup Farmers / Gillamii Centre
Sally Thomson Bugs and Biology [email protected]
Bob Hall Darkan Farm Management Advisory Service
Erin Gorter Evergreen Farming / Southern DIRT [email protected]
Felicity Astbury
Facey Group
Sarah Hyde [email protected]
Wade Hinkley [email protected]
*Grayden Lang [email protected]
Anne Sparrow Fitzgerald Biosphere Group
Jalisa Small [email protected]
Ian Walsh Gillamii Centre [email protected]
Scott Dixon Kellerberrin Demonstration Group [email protected]
Chris O'Callaghan
Liebe Group
Angela Mazur [email protected]
Clare Johnston [email protected]
James Butcher [email protected]
Stephen Sawyer [email protected]
Rebecca Jenkinson Living Farm [email protected]
Jane Bradley
Mingenew-Irwin Group
Ian Thomas [email protected]
*Clancy Michael [email protected]
Tony White Moora Miling Pasture Improvement Group
Jeremy Lefroy [email protected]
Chris Wheatcroft North East Farming Futures [email protected]
Kevin Wise North Stirlings-Pallinup Natural Resources
Marnie Vaux [email protected]
Jim Wedge Northern Agri Group [email protected]
Elisa Spengler RAIN [email protected]
Ian Longson Southern DIRT [email protected]
Niki Curtis
SEPWA
Lyndon Mickel [email protected]
Steve Tillbrook [email protected]
Julia Ashby [email protected]
Heather Adams Stirlings to Coast Farmers [email protected]
David Minkey
WANTFA
Trevor Syme [email protected]
Matt McNee [email protected]
Anne Wilkins West Midlands Group [email protected]
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4. GGA Annual Forum Agenda, 16th August 2012
Time Topic Presenter/Format
8.15 Welcome and coffee
8.45 Introductions and format of the day Susan Hall
8.50 Opening John Harvey, GRDC Managing Director
9.15 Making a difference: lessons from a Nobel Laureate
Dr Barry Marshall, 2005 Nobel Laureate
10.00 The Way We Were: reflections from the GRDC international study tour
Tony White
10.30 Morning tea
11.00 New tables & introductions
11.05 Postcards from the East: models & motivations from interstate grower groups
Grower group panel
SPA Precision Ag Australia
AMPS Agribusiness
EPARF
11.45 Partnership strategies Garry Reynolds, Caring for Our Country National Coordinator – Business & Industry
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Concurrent Panel Session 1
Choose two options to attend:
Project updates: GRDC Regional Cropping
Solutions Networks, Grain & Graze 2, The
'economies' of managing soil organic carbon.
Show me the money: views on sponsorship,
membership and partnership.
Young scientists: GGA scholarship recipients
14.10 Concurrent Panel Session 2
14.45 Afternoon tea
15.15 New tables & introductions
15.20 The position & perception of agriculture (in a town ruled by resources)
Mark Pownall, WA Business News, Editor-At-Large
16.10 GGA Strategic Review: An industry perspective
Have your say!
16.45 Conversations with the Minister & Close
Hon. Terry Redman MLA, Minister for Agriculture & Food
17.15 –
19.30
Cocktail celebration: recognising the volunteers to drive the success of grower groups
Sponsored by GrainCorp
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5. GGA Annual Forum Opening
John Harvey, GRDC Managing Director
John Harvey, Managing Director of the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC),
discussed the GRDC’s perception of grower groups, including the view that most grower groups
grew out of need, either due to a research gap, a good idea, and/or the cycle of wanting to solve a
problem. He said that the biggest challenge for grower groups relates to their future, and in deciding
what the driver is for continuing their group.
Presentation highlights
Key points Further information
Variability of total crop
production
Future food security
9 billion people by 2050
Importance of investment in Argentinean and Eastern European
markets
Rationalisation of the
supply chain
Deregulation and globalisation
Input costs Consider total factor productivity
Allows growers to manage risk associated with grain production
Changes in the system
Bigger farming systems and fewer growers
Emergence of sophisticated young growers
GRDC: being the best
investment for growers
Five-year plan specifically for growers:
1. Create value
2. Coordinate nationally
3. Deliver regionally
4. Connect globally (~ 2% of the world's research is conducted in
Australia; we are early adopters)
5. Engage with growers and industry
Fund more productivity-focused RD&E
Private sector and regional interaction
Recent website upgrade (www.grdc.com.au)
Over 35,000 pages of content
Mobile and iPad version
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6. Making a difference: lessons from a Nobel Laureate
Dr Barry Marshall, 2005 Nobel Laureate
Dr Barry Marshall, clinical professor at the University of Western Australia, was awarded the 2005
Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine together with Dr J. Robin Warren in recognition of the 1982
discovery that a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, causes one of the most common and important
diseases of mankind, peptic ulcer disease. In a well publicised 1984 experiment, Dr Marshall proved
that H. pylori was harmful by drinking a culture of the bacteria. Despite widespread scepticism, Dr
Marshall determined that a combination of drugs which killed H. pylori eliminated peptic ulcers
permanently.
Presentation highlights
Key points Further information
Historical
misconception: stress
causes ulcers
Alfred Nobel suffered from ulcers
Around 30 million people around the world require treatment
Marshall infected himself, and proved bacteria cause stomach ulcers
Robert Koch vs.
Marshall & Warren
Koch won the Nobel Prize (Physiology or Medicine) in 1905, one hundred
years before Marshall and Warren
Laid down the conditions needed before it is accepted that a bacteria
causes a disease (Koch's postulates)
How to win a Nobel
prize
1. Take an interest in all new sciences
2. Think about someone else's data
3. Do a mind experiment (and maybe a real experiment to follow up)
4. It's done!
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7. The Way We Were: reflections from the GRDC international study tour
Tony White, Moora-Miling Pasture Improvement Group
Tony White, Chair of WA’s oldest grower group, the Moora-Miling Pasture Improvement Group,
farms 2800 ha at Miling in the Central Wheatbelt and 2200 ha at Nambung Station on the west
coast. Tony was awarded the opportunity to take part in the GRDC’s The Way We Were campaign
in 2011, which encouraged Australian growers to reflect on the industry’s progress, travel abroad on
a 21-day study tour encompassing Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, America and
Mexico, and share their personal stories of advancement and achievement.
Presentation highlights
Key points Further information
Singapore Concerns about quality of Australian grain since deregulation
Major weevil problems
United Kingdom
Using a working farm as an education facility
2000 visitors per weekend
Information boards, farm machinery, etc.
Saskatoon, Canada
(Monsanto)
Mostly canola crops, with wheat as break crop
Much lower cost of machinery than Australia
USA
Research into crop yields doesn’t include wheat
Advertising agriculture – corn/bean bus for tours
Mexico
GRDC collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement
Center (CIMMYT) – working with the country’s poorer people
Good rust genetics program – real threat for Australia (wind
dispersal from South Africa)
Mexicans don't want GM maize; doing a lot of work with rotations
Major outcomes
Huge market potential for Australian grain in Asian markets
(requires specialisation)
Land prices have doubled in USA & UK in the past three years
Genetic improvement of wheat a long way behind corn and
soybean
More than 40% of corn produced is used for biofuels (ethanol)
Important for every farmer to get out, travel, learn, network, and
see what is going on in the rest of the world
Start with the younger kids, and get the farming story into the city
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8. Postcards from the East: models & motivations from interstate grower groups
As part of the 10 year celebration of the GGA, the 2012 Forum saw 10 Eastern States grower
groups join the mix to demonstrate that collaboration and information sharing works on a national
level. The panel outlined the motivations behind their groups, and discussed the factors contributing
to their success.
Nigel Herring: AMPS Agribusiness, Tamworth NSW
AMPS has grown in a relatively short space of time to form a group of agribusiness companies with
interests in the supply of agricultural research, agricultural inputs, commodity marketing, export
packing, importation distribution, sale of grain storage and handling equipment, wholesale seed
distribution, and value adding.
A percentage of profits get back to the grower, recognise good people, build career paths
Emphasis on collaboration - work on the belief that there is no intellectual property (IP) in
agriculture; about working together to get information out
Eastern States not terribly good at learning/sharing information - learn much from WA model
For more information, visit www.ampsagribusiness.com.au, or contact Nigel Herring,
Nicole Dimos: SPAA Precision Agriculture Australia, Mildura VIC
SPAA is a non-profit and independent membership based group formed in 2002 to promote the
development and adoption of precision agriculture (PA) technologies in Australia. SPAA is different
in that the group only works in extension and communication, using research from other groups, and
contracting out a lot of the work. SPAA provides small group training, helps to up-skill consultants
and farmers, and maintains a presence at major events (expos, conferences, and trade exhibits).
Collaborate with other groups with your events
Utilise other groups contact databases
Bring in the experts to engage as many famers nationally and internationally as possible
Have a varied program
For further information, visit www.spaa.com.au, or contact Nicole Dimos, M: 0437 422 000,
Naomi Scholz: Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation, Minnipa SA
Incorporated in 2004, Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation (EPARF) proactively
supports all sectors of agriculture research including the building of partnerships in promoting
research, development and extension on Eyre Peninsula and like environments across Australia.
EPARF provides a leading role in establishing interaction with various industry bodies, negotiates
funding opportunities, utilises reserves to leverage other funds and provides a service to members.
A research centre and working farm
Long relationship focused on keeping grower relevance through local research
Farmer directed day (really popular)
For further information, visit www.minnipaagriculturalcentre.com.au, or contact Naomi Scholz,
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9. Partnership strategies
Garry Reynolds, Caring for Our Country National Coordinator – Business & Industry
Garry Reynolds is the current business and industry Caring for our Country National Coordinator. The
Caring for our Country program funds projects across the country to achieve national targets that
improve biodiversity and sustainable farm practices. The projects aim to achieve an environment that
is healthy, better protected, well-managed, resilient, and provides essential ecosystem services in a
changing climate.
Presentation highlights
Key points Further information
GGA dating agency Focus on innovation, government, community
Creating shared value No magic bullet: adapt to situation/people, focus on the triple bottom line
Forms of business
commitment
Core business: moving from sponsorship to relationship
Non-core business: social licence to operate
Sponsorship
Partnerships: less of, but deeper relationships with each
Alliance: more opportunistic, leaner
Trying hard is not the
same thing as focus
People: pressures and opportunities, propositions and profile
People in the team: committed with something compelling to offer; suit the
position; no more than three to reduce likelihood of us/them mentality
The game plan Research target business/people (SWOT analysis)
Have a compelling value proposition
Impress with quantifiable outcomes, referrals/testimonials
Be alert for opportunities, prepare for success, anticipate the business
Brief business plan
Framework: set clear boundaries; have simple messages at the ready
Critical path: the f(ocus) word
Corporate social responsibility (community)
Social licence to operate (regional communities)
Embedded sustainability (industry practices)
Staff commitment (community on ground action)
Supply chain alignment (risk management)
Climate change/biodiversity (landscape approaches)
Create your own brand: have value so people want you (aim)
14
10. Concurrent Panel Sessions
10.1 Project Updates
Julianne Hill, GRDC Regional Cropping Solutions Networks
The purpose of the GRDC’s Regional Cropping Solutions initiative is to provide essential on-ground
linkages between growers, farming systems groups, agribusiness and researchers complimentary to
the National Grains Industry RD&E Strategy to better plan and design local activities.
Projects are developed out of regional priority issues, and include:
Non-wetting soils
Weed biology and herbicide sequencing
Variable rate technology (VRT)
Water use efficiency (WUE)
Break crops
For further information, visit www.grdc.com.au, or contact Julianne Hill, M: 0447 261 607,
Danielle England, Grain & Graze 2
Grain & Graze 2 is supporting growers to make better decisions about the integration of their cropping
and livestock systems. In WA, it has five components: livestock and no-till interactions crop grazing,
twin and summer sowing of pastures, relative advantage, and risk and uncertainty.
G&G2 on-ground:
Risk and uncertainty: support for advisors and groups through workshops and regional forums
Relative advantage: through workshops, paddock walks, forums, Facebook, webinars, grower
group support
Decision tools & whole-farm modelling
Trials: pasture cropping, twin and summer sowing, stubble management, grazing crops
Opportunities for grower groups include: hosting a farmer forum 2013, paddock walk, workshops;
speakers to field days; join Facebook and the mailing list.
For more information, visit www.grainandgraze2.com.au, or contact Danielle England, T: 9881 1422,
Fran Hoyle, DAFWA-led ‘economies’ of soil organic carbon (SOC) project
The concept of increasing SOC is attractive as it seemingly provides a ‘win-win’ situation in which
farmers earn extra income for removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, while
simultaneously lifting the productivity of arable soils.
Re-measuring from 2005-2006 study to identify what is relevant for growers
SOC: a slow process, hard to do, hard to keep
Potential SOC - defined by soil type (nothing you can do about it)
Attainable SOC - driven by climate
Actual SOC - comes into land management practises
Liebe Group long-term soil biology trial
Storage vs. sequestration (minimum of 100 years)
Put land systems where they're suited - response in carbon is due to land use and rainfall
Store carbon for system productivity and not to take part in the carbon market
For further information, contact Fran Hoyle, E: [email protected].
15
10.2 Show me the money: views on sponsorship, membership & partnership
Gerri Hinkley, Wickepin Shire Council & Facey Group
In a unique means of support, the Wickepin Shire Council has been a strong partner of the Facey
Group for more than 11 years. The partnership includes cash contribution, office space, provision of a
vehicle, and an award (contributions to agriculture) through a three-year cycle funding agreement.
Clear and open communication is incredibly important
1.5% of annual budget given in funding
Facey Group provides employment for locals, helps farmers economically/ socially, and
reaches the community in a way that is valuable to the Shire
Extent of funding: groups need to provide relevant services to the community to retain funding
For further information visit www.wickepin.wa.gov.au, or contact Gerri Hinkley, T: 9883 2062,
E: [email protected]. To learn more about the Facey Group, visit www.faceygroup.asn.au,
or contact Executive Officer Felicity Astbury, T: 9888 1223, E: [email protected].
Simone Wilson, Chamber of Commerce and Industry
For more than 120 years, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) has been the undisputed
voice of private enterprise in WA, is a private, not-for-profit business organisation, and is one of most
influential and respected chambers of commerce in the country, boasting a membership of 7,800.
Welcome and follow-up calls, plus personal visits
Exclusive access to services for running your business; a one-stop-shop for members
Provide networking opportunities
Competitive rates - cost of membership determined by numbers in the organisation
Provide insurance for smaller businesses
Value-adding for associations (buy membership for their own members)
Brianna Peake, CBH Group
The CBH Group is one of Australia's leading grain organisations with operations extending along the
value chain from grain storage, handling and transport to marketing, shipping and processing. CBH is
based in WA and is owned and controlled by more than 4,500 grain growers.
Sponsors seven of the largest grower groups in WA
No ‘silver bullet’ when it comes to funding, it is really important for groups to be well resourced
What is your value proposition?
What is different and special about you?
What to you bring to the table?
What is your differentiating factor?
Grower groups are important as they have access to what CBH wants - innovative, cutting
edge growers, and local grass roots members
Provide feedback to the company, which helps return value to growers.
For further information, visit www.cbh.com.au, or contact Brianna Peake, T: 9237 9818,
16
10.3 Young scientists: GGA Scholarship recipients
Lachlan McDougall, Summer grazing of stubbles: Soil water relationships
Lachlan McDougall (UWA) is working with WANTFA and the Facey Group, adding value to a Grain &
Graze 2 project by testing the hypothesis:
Grazing crop residues in the summer fallow period will not significantly impact on soil properties, soil
water infiltration and crop establishment compared with ungrazed residue.
As the interaction between livestock and cropping soils is not widely understood, Lachlan aims to:
Increase on farm water use efficiency (WUE)
Create more sustainable farming systems
Identify antagonistic relationships between livestock and cropping
Rebecca Jenkinson, Adapting to a Drying Climate: Genetics x Environment x Management
interactions of Wheat
Rebecca Jenkinson (Curtin), who also works as Living Farm’s Coordinator, is focusing on the new
wheat cultivar Cobra, comparing the variety to Magenta and Wyalkatchem, and explaining genotype
by environment interaction at three sites: Katanning, Arrino and Meckering. Rebecca is testing the
following hypotheses:
The maturity of a wheat plant will accelerate with an increase in seeding rates
An increase in plant density (seeding rate) will result in higher screenings as the plants
compete for water and nutrients
Sowing wheat varieties later in the season will result in accelerated maturity of the plants and
decreased yield
Wheat plants that have access to more rainfall will yield higher than plants in water stressed
environments
17
11 The position & perception of agriculture (in a town ruled by resources)
Mark Pownall, WA Business News, Editor-At-Large
Mark Pownall is editor-at-large, a senior writing role at WA Business News aimed at trying to
provide a more in-depth look at news and views in WA. Pownall’s presentation explored the familiar
stereotypes and connotations associated with agriculture by the general public, and how these
public perceptions heavily influence where governments stand on associated issues. He finished by
providing lessons from the mining industry, demonstrating how the industry has successfully turned
public opinion in its favour.
Presentation highlights
Key perception Further information
Nostalgia Public don't often understand the science that goes on behind the scenes
Lonely Connotations associated with isolation; ‘Beyond Blue’
Harsh Extreme weather: drought and flooding
Lifestyle Idealistic view of country life; people looking for escapism
Private Focus is always on the battlers and those who are struggling
Industrialisation Negative connotations, use more positive words
Uncaring Animal rights groups
Organic Why so much positive media, when organics is not going to feed the world?
Wholesome vs. industrialisation
Food scarcity/security Confusing perception, ‘one size fits all’ approach
Defensive 'Lock the gate’ mentality; opposition to foreign ownership
Conflict
‘Battling’ with neighbours (tree plantations, GM crops), supermarkets, other
industry (gas), foreign importers of produce, banks, foreign market access,
animal rights groups, land developers, government treasuries, carbon tax
Preservation Overall word that summaries nostalgia
Lessons from
resources
Have a strong voice (real farming lacks a voice) i.e. Mitchell Hooke (the
golden tonsils of mining)
Ensure transparency: public hears less about successful operations
Improve the image of food and farming businesses
Increase industry coordination: become a significant brand in the public eye
How to reconnect the industry with the public?
18
12 Conversations with the Minister
The Hon. Terry Redman is the WA Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry and Housing. He was
appointed to the Ministry in September 2008 following the election of the Liberal-National
Government.
Minister Redman has been a member of the WA parliament since February 2005, representing the
electorate of Blackwood-Stirling. Since entering parliament, Minister Redman has built a solid
reputation as a staunch defender of regional interests. He believes strongly in making decisions that
will lead to progressive and profitable agriculture, food and forestry sectors – which remain the
unsung heroes of the WA.
During the Wednesday grower group workshop, groups were invited to pose a question to minister,
with five groups chosen to ask their question on the day:
1. What are the State Governments plans and budget for biosecurity (i.e. weeds, bugs, ferals)
in the broadacre farming Zone with the continued loss of locally based biosecurity staff?
Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network (RAIN)
2. With the reduction in DAFWA resources and change in direction, who is going to do all the
research that drives production gains and profitable farm enterprises, and who will fund it?
Lyndon Mickel – South East Premium Wheatgrowers Association (SEPWA)
3. Because DAFWA no longer do necessary mundane trials e.g. crop trials that are not NVT,
they should give grower groups access to Royalties for Regions money or other funding to
do this. There are many trials that are beneficial to the farmers but do not require expertise
of DAFWA employees.
Ian Thomas, Mingenew-Irwin Group
4. There was a Royalties for Regions application that went up for baseline/core funding for
grower groups, submitted by DAFWA on our behalf. Why wasn’t this successful? What are
the chances of a new funding model for grower groups in Western Australia, considering the
massive benefits we offer DAFWA, being supported?
David Minkey, WANTFA
5. The message we’re receiving is that DAFWA are no longer engaging in RD & E – they work
in the economic development space. Grower groups are working hard to meet on-ground
needs and DAFWA at an organisational level have their hands tied. Thank god for
committed ‘rogues’ in there! One initiative that seems to indicate a direct link to broadacre
crop and livestock producers is the grower group relationship manager program – where is
this at, and what outcomes can farmers and groups expect to see out of it?
Sally Thomson, Bugs & Biology (Great Southern Wheatbelt)
7 Minutes for 7 Deadly Sins
Priorities and Projects for 2012
GRDC’s Regional Cropping Solutions Julianne Hill and Sally Thomson, Co-ordinators for Kwinana
East, Kwinana West, Esperance and Albany Port Zones. Cam Weeks, Co-ordinator for the Geraldton Port Zone.
Welcome to the Kwinana East, Kwinana West, Esperance and Albany Port Zone Regional Cropping Solutions Networks
7 Deadly Sins in 7 Minutes
In biblical terms, the 7 deadly sins are wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.
These can all be applied to us all at some stage, and to farming also.
(Bet you are wondering where I’m going with this……..)
TOP ISSUES AS IDENTIFIED by the 4 Southern RCS Networks at their July 2012 meeting
Issues Albany Esperance Kwinana West Kwinana East TOTAL
Weeds – ecology in particular √ √ √ √ 4
Soil Characterisation, soils and nitrogen,
water use efficiency
√ √ √ 3
Break crops (preferably Profitable) √ √ 2
Variable Rate Technology √ √ 2
Non-wetting √ √ 2
Frost √ 1
Rotations – W,W,W or Can, Can etc √ 1
Pests – Snails, mice, slugs √ 1
HR and staff employment √ 1
Information technology √ 1
Central database of information √ 1
Business management √ 1
TOP ISSUES AS IDENTIFIED BY RCS Networks at their February 2012 meeting. 11 projects are now on the ground tackling each of these issues.
Issues Albany Esperance Kwinana West Kwinana East TOTAL
Water use efficiency. Projects - Workshops,
and 13 new Yield Prophet sites
√ √ √ 3
Non-wetting. Projects – 6 trials in Kwinana
West and Esperance Zones
√ √ 2
Frost. Project – Using grazing crops to
extend the frost window
√ 1
Weeds. Project – harvest weed seed
collection case studies
√ 1
Wheat work (sprouting). Project – Daryl
Mares to check out WA sprouting work and
present at spring field days.
√ 1
Canola nutrition. Project – Canola Nitrogen
management in low rainfall mallee
√ 1
Business risk management. Project – farm
business workshops
√ 1
VRT. Project – what are farming using VRT
seeing?
√ 1
Top Ranked Issues – Note there are 7! July 2012 • Weeds • Soil Characterisation, soils and nitrogen, water
use efficiency • Break crops • Variable Rate Technology • Non-wetting February 2012 • Water use efficiency (includes Yield Prophet) • Non-wetting
Appendix 1: Project Updates
Julianne Hill
19
How can I relate them to 7 Deadly Sins?? • Weeds – Wrath!! Totally self explanatory if you ask me • VRT – Lust! The best variable rate system and how to get it to talk to the
rest of your gear – it’s something the neighbour always secretly lusts after.
• Water Use Efficiency – Envy! Those buggers down south don’t seem to have the same issue with water use efficiency – well maybe they do, but their issue is trying to find ways to use up all the water they get!
• Break Crops – Greed! We just can’t seem to find the perfect PROFITABLE break crop
• Non-wetting – Gluttony! You can never seem to have enough water……the soil still won’t wet up. And the fact that it showed up at both planning meetings!
Sloth didn’t fit into any of them. Farmers are not slothful (is that a word?), except maybe on a Sunday morning after footy.
What Australian farmers do have is Pride. They are proud to say they are
farmers, and they have pride in producing the best product in the best possible way.
THANKS! • We look forward to a long and happy relationship
with DAFWA, CSIRO, private agronomists and consultants, agribusinesses and farmers – all of who are helping to partner our projects to make them a reality
• Also to our Regional Cropping Solutions Networks – who come up with so many project ideas
Julianne Hill 0447261607
Sally Thomson and Cam Weeks 9964 1170
Appendix 1: Project Updates
Julianne Hill
20
GGA Update – August 2012
Grain and Graze 2
Increase WUE in mixed crop/livestock systems while also improving whole-farm profitability, sustainability and ground cover.
On-farm research
Decision tools – whole-farm modelling
Relative Advantage
Risk and Uncertainty
Supporting farmers to make better decisions about how their cropping and livestock enterprises integrate
Your position towards risk
Everyone has a different position on risk.
No position is right or wrong, it is what you
are prepared to live with.
The right risk is when your head, heart and
gut align
Quiz
You are a farmer running a particular mix of
livestock and crops.
Your farm operating profit (gross income less
variable, overhead and labour costs) this year
was $200,000.
Quiz
Next year you have the choice of keeping the
same enterprise mix and getting a certain
farm operating profit of $200,000
OR
you could change enterprise mix. If you
change enterprise mix you have a 50%
chance of getting $400,000 and a 50%
chance of getting nothing.
Quiz
You have 2 choices
A. Choose the same enterprise mix and get the $200,000.
B. Change the enterprise mix with a 50% chance of
$400,000, a 50% chance of $0.
Which do you choose?
Appendix 1: Project Updates:
Danielle England
21
Quiz
Those that chose A, what if ....
A. Change the enterprise mix with a 60% chance of
$400,000, a 40% chance of $0.
B. Change the enterprise mix with a 80% chance of
$400,000, a 20% chance of $0.
C. Change the enterprise mix with a 90% chance of
$400,000, a 10% chance of $0.
Grain and Graze 2 on-ground . . .
Risk and Uncertainty
Support for consultants and agronomists, discussion opportunities for agronomists, banks, farmer groups
Workshops, regional forums
Relative Advantage
Workshops, paddock walks, forums, Facebook discussions, Webinars, grower group support
Decision tools – whole-farm modelling
Time of sowing, grazing crops, break of season
Economics of grazing crops
Grain and Graze 2 on-ground . . .
Trials
Pasture cropping (Esperance, Kojonup)
Twin Sowing and Summer Sowing Serradella and
Bladder Clover (Wickepin, Esperance)
Stubble management (Cunderdin, Wickepin)
Grazing crops (Mt Barker, Moora, Kojonup, Esperance)
Opportunities for grower groups
Host a Grain and Graze 2
Farmer forum (2013)
Paddock walk
Workshop – R&U – on-farm technologies
Speakers for field days
Join
Mailing list (email)
www.westernaustralia.grainandgraze2.com.au
www.facebook.com.au/GrainandGraze2WA
Danielle England
0429 676077 or [email protected]
More information
Appendix 1: Project Updates:
Danielle England
22
Project Title
The ‘economies’ of managing soil organic carbon
Project Activities
Innovative practices to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas
emissions and increase carbon stored in soil
• Field-based, grower managed demonstration sites implementing
innovative methods targeting soil organic carbon (SOC)
• Monitoring SOC change under variable farming systems (100
sites)
• Identifying beneficial/perverse outcomes associated with
changing SOC levels in grain production systems
Soil Organic Carbon
SOCpotential
Optimise water and
nutrient efficiencies
Add external sources
of carbon
Potential SOC Defining
Soil Type:
clay %, BD,
mineralogy, depth.
Attainable SOC
SOCattainable
Limiting
Climatic Factors:
Rainfall, solar radiation,
temperature.
Actual SOC
SOCactual
Reducing
Management:
Crop species, rotation, stubble
management, disease, soil and nutrient
losses, water and nutrient inefficiencies.
So
il C
arb
on
Sto
rag
e S
itu
ati
on
Influencing Soil Carbon
from Hoyle, Baldock and Murphy, Rainfed Farming Systems, 2011 (book)
Trial example
Liebe soil biology long term site
Grower group managed since 2003
20 t/ha of OM
every three years
8 t/ha
Soil Type
Carbon Stock (t/ha; 0-30 cm)
Perennial
Pasture
(kikuyu)
Annual
Pasture
Deep Sand 45.5 40.3
Shallow Duplex 42.9 48.4
Esperance sand plain
Perennial vs. Annual Pasture
• Beef production, 525 – 675 mm annual rainfall
Soil monitoring examples Soil monitoring examples
Albany sand plain
CC=continuous cropping
MC= mixed cropping (B/C/P)
AP= annual pasture
PP=perennial pasture
425 – 700 mm annual rainfall
Appendix 1: Project Updates:
Fran Hoyle
23
Project Outcomes
Increase carbon stored in soil
Landholders able to:
• Assess profitability and risk of managing SOC
• Better understand function & economic value of SOC
• Adopt credible methods to measure SOC
• Access regional data on SOC benchmarks
Project Funding
This project is supported by the Department of Agriculture & Food
WA, through funding from the Australian Government Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Carbon Farming Futures - Action
on the Ground program and GRDC.
Appendix 1: Project Updates:
Fran Hoyle
24
By Lachlan McDougall (UWA)
Ken Flower (UWA- WANTFA)
Matthew McNee (WANTFA)
Summer grazing of stubbles:
Soil water relationships Outline
Project justification
Hypothesis been investigated
Aims and objectives
Methods
Brief results
My grower group connection
Summary
Project background
Soil health in no-till cropping soils.
Livestock soils interactions in pastures systems.
Project background
Water Use Efficiency (WUE)- the concept of yield
benchmarking French and Schultz 1984a & 1984b
Stored soil water
Hypothesis to be tested
It is hypothesised that grazing crop residues in the
summer fallow period will not significantly impact
on soil properties, soil water infiltration and crop
establishment compared with ungrazed residue
Aims and objectives
Increase on farm WUE.
Create more sustainable
farming systems.
Identify antagonistic
relationships between
livestock and cropping.
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Lachlan McDougall
25
Methodology
Paired plot design across 4 farms in two regions
4 block, paired plot per site (5x 5m plots)
1 2 3 4
Block number
Methodology (2)
Pre seeding testing
Moisture levels (0- 1.6m)
Infiltration (Cornell sprinkler infiltrometer)
Ground cover (% and dry biomass)
Soil samples (0- 10 and 10- 20cm)
Penotrometer (to 10cm)
2 post seeding
Moisture levels (0- 1.6m)
Germination
Weeds
Disease and or pests
Results so far
Post harvest grazed Post harvest ungrazed Pre seeding grazed Pre seeding ungrazed
0
2
4
6
8
10
Crop residue dry mass (t ha-1)
C H S G R P
Soil water
Soil water (mm 1.6m-1)
0
200
400
600
800
C H S G R P
Grazed pre seeding Ungrazed pre seeding Grazed post seeding Ungrazed post seeding
My grower group connection
Two birds and happy coincidence.
More support
Real situation
Industry experience
Understanding the relationship from farm to lab
and back again.
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Lachlan McDougall
26
Summary
Interaction between livestock and cropping soils not
widely understood.
Farmers want to make calculated decisions.
Grower group connection has made the process
more fluid, its mutually beneficial.
Questions ??????
References
FRENCH, R. J. & SCHULTZ, J. E. 1984a. Water Use Efficiency of Wheat in a
Mediterranean-Type Environment. I The Relation Between Yield, Water
Use and Climate Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 35, 743-764.
FRENCH, R. J. & SCHULTZ, J. E. 1984b. Water-use efficiency of wheat in a
mediterranean-type environment .2. some limitations to efficiency.
Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 35, 765-775.
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Lachlan McDougall
27
Rebecca
Jenkinson
ADAPTING TO A DRYING
CLIMATE: GENETICS X
ENVIRONMENT X
MANAGEMENT
INTERACTIONS OF WHEAT
Background
Aims & Objectives
Research plan & method
2011
2012
Conclusion
OVERVIEW
Changing weather patterns and drying climate
Understand the way wheat moves under different stresses
Gap between potential and actual yield
Assist growers in reaching potential yield for crops
Need to assess genetics, environment and management
Placing wheat under different management strategies can
alter plant development
BACKGROUND LONG TERM RAINFALL AND YIELD CHANGES
Discuss the significance of yield improvement in relation to
management practices (M) and cultivars (G) and the way they
interact with the environment (E).
Relate tactical and strategic crop management methods that
are used by primary producers to assist them with drying
climatic conditions.
AIMS
Overall Objective
To examine the interaction between genetics, environment and
management and the effects they have on the yield of wheat.
OBJECTIVES
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Rebecca Jenkinson
28
Overall Objective
To examine the interaction between genetics, environment and
management and the effects they have on the yield of wheat.
Objective 1
To determine whether changes in seeding rates will increase or
decrease the speed in which certain wheat varieties mature
during a given growing season.
OBJECTIVES
Overall Objective
To examine the interaction between genetics, environment and
management and the effects they have on the yield of wheat.
Objective 1
To determine whether changes in seeding rates will increase or
decrease the speed in which certain wheat varieties mature
during a given growing season.
Objective 2
To establish an optimum plant density for specific wheat
varieties that will not result in poor quality characteristics.
OBJECTIVES
Overall Objective
To examine the interaction between genetics, environment and management and the effects they have on the yield of wheat.
Objective 1
To determine whether changes in seeding rates will increase or decrease the speed in which certain wheat varieties mature during a given growing season.
Objective 2
To establish an optimum plant density for specific wheat varieties that will not result in poor quality characteristics .
Objective 3
To investigate and assess the relationship between sowing time and speed to maturity of the designated wheat varieties.
OBJECTIVES
Overall Objective
To examine the interaction between genetics, environment and management and the effects they have on the yield of wheat.
Objective 1
To determine whether changes in seeding rates will increase or decrease the speed in which certain wheat varieties mature during a given growing season.
Objective 2
To establish an optimum plant density for specific wheat varieties that will not result in poor quality characteristics.
Objective 3
To investigate and assess the relationship between sowing time and speed to maturity of the designated wheat varieties .
Objective 4
To examine the interaction between rainfall received during the growing season and final yield of wheat.
OBJECTIVES
Hypothesis 1
The maturity of a wheat plant will accelerate with an increase in seeding rates.
Hypothesis 2
An increase in plant density (seeding rate) will result in higher screenings as the plants compete for water and nutrients.
Hypothesis 3
Sowing wheat varieties later in the season will result in accelerated maturity of the plants and decreased yield.
Hypothesis 4
Wheat plants that have access to more rainfall will yield higher than plants in water stressed environments.
HYPOTHESES
Three trials/experiments
Trial 1
Seeding rate field trial (2011)
Trial 2
Time of sowing field trial (2011)
Trial 3
Seeding rate glasshouse trial (2012)
RESEARCH METHOD
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Rebecca Jenkinson
29
Wyalkatchem and Cobra (LPB07-0956)
Arrino, Goomalling and Katanning
100, 150, 200 and 250 plants per square metre
Goomalling site monitored weekly
Plant samples collected from Goomalling
Yield taken from all sites
TRIAL ONE - METHOD
Field trial - Randomised block design
Plant counts
Dry weights
Zadock score
Yield and quality
Rainfall
TRIAL ONE – DATA COLLECTION
RESULTS 2011
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yie
ld (
t/h
a)
Cobra Wyalkatchem
RESULTS 2011
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
Za
do
ck
Score
Wyalkatchem 250ppm Wyalkatchem 200ppm Wyalkatchem 150ppm Wyalkatchem 100ppm
Cobra 250ppm Cobra 200ppm Cobra 150ppm Cobra 100ppm
Wyalkatchem, Cobra (LPB07 -0956) and Magenta
Goomall ing
23 rd May, 5 th June and 21 st June
Yield data col lected from al l TOS
TRIAL TWO - METHOD
Field trial - Randomised block design
Yield
Quality data
TRIAL TWO – DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Rebecca Jenkinson
30
RESULTS 2011
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
LPB07-0956 MAGENTA WYALKATCHEM
Yie
ld (
t/h
a)
23rd May 5th June 21st June
Wyalkatchem, Cobra and Magenta
Glasshouse
Mimicking Northam and Merredin 30yr average Rainfall
100, 180 and 250 plants per square metre
Seeding rate, fertilizer rate and rainfall worked back to pot
area
Rainfall changes
Plant heights recorded weekly
Zadock score recorded weekly
Temperatures changes
TRIAL THREE – METHOD
GROWER GROUPS AND RESEARCH
Advantages of grower groups
Importance of industry experience
Need for more opportunities
Hands on work
Need for ground truthing of results that have been presented
using models
Primary producers provided with more information
Understand development of common varieties
Relevant options that can be used on farm
Profitable growth needs to account for; genetics, environment
and management
CONCLUSION
Appendix 2: Young Scientists
Rebecca Jenkinson
31
Evaluation Results from ORID technique, Annual Forum 2012
OBJECTIVE - What speaker, activity or idea stood out to you today?
Garry Reynolds
- Good messages about partnerships/sponsorships and building brands
- Linking public/private/private – how to get buy in
- The message of getting to know the person was fantastic – very
valuable
- Great ideas – but how do we put the ideas into practice?
- How to secure a deal
- Captivated and interested by presentation; Very enjoyable and
thought provoking
- Punchy message, engaging speaker; What a refreshing speaker;
Impressive
- Good advice on how to get ahead
- Creating alliances
Barry Marshall
- Good speaker, interesting and inspiring
- Good insight into broader science initiatives – provided context
- Good to hear speaker outside of ag
- Though more relevant to medicine, very interesting insightful and
interaction
- Stimulating, humorous and motivating
- Never give up!
Mark Pownall
- Got me thinking; Thoughtful presentation
- Some seriously good PR issues raised single voice
- How we might promote the industry to town folk
- Talking about the negative aspects of Ag – frustrated there was no
solution!
- Perceived idea of ag needs to be rebranded – maybe GGA can put the
press in touch with good farmers for positive stories
Tony White
- Great to hear from one of us
- Grower experience interesting
- Understanding more of the world wide situation
- Photos are always great
Students – Lachlan McDougall & Rebecca Jenkinson
- Great to hear views of confident and passionate youth in our sector
- We all talk about capacity building and the lack of graduates – these
two students were great!
‘Show me the money’ panel session
Hon Terry Redman - Minister of Agriculture
The need for reinvigoration in the industry despite the challenges with
profitability (or perceived)
Good messages from all, I got something out of every speaker
REFLECTIVE
What did you enjoy?
- Barry Marshall & Garry Reynolds – made us think outside our usual
square
- Networking & catching up with everyone; Great to move around the
tables; Networking opportunities were good; Liked the moving from
one table to another; Opportunities for interacting over tea and lunch
- Loved variety and involvement; Good interaction, good speakers;
Variety of speakers and mix of attendees; Variation of speakers
- Mark Pownall
- Meeting movers/shakers of GGA committee
Appendix 3: Evaluation summary
- Outside industry speakers; Mix of speakers
- Insights from eastern states was very informative
- Enjoyable event – all topics relevant. Well thought out agenda
- Meeting grower group people from other states
- Meeting so many enthusiastic industry people
- Enjoyed the sharing of ideas and discussions
- Enjoyed concurrent’s and the diversity in the topic areas
- Great networking – key people in the industry at all levels
participating
- The CBH lady had specific tips for approaching sponsorship
- Excellent presentation and Q&A with the minister
- Strategic planning stuff flowing in to the second day – acknowledge
industry input is required but maybe in a different forum
- The panel sessions – found them very intriguing and well set out in
terms of being able to pick which session interested you most to
attend
- The whole day was great, I really enjoyed it
- Love the way the GGA and GRDC uses on ground people to develop
research projects
What did you find frustrating?
- Perceptions of ag and lack of education
- Strategic review session in the afternoon needed to be better
directed
- The session on setting future directions for GGA was a bit rushed
- There weren’t any new ideas expressed – I don’t leave the day feeling
I have learnt something new
- Money talk did not discuss funding enough – how to get it – where to
go
- Bottles of wine – give them something from our industry!
- Shallow/broad Wed review info
- Wanted more networking time – sessions running overtime cut back
when networking was possible; Not enough time between sessions to
chat; Not enough networking time on day 2
- Student talk should have centred on what students are available to
do research projects
- Facilitator wasn’t quite in sync with issues of the day
- Facilitator – hearing repeat information instead of facilitator focusing
on useful gaps in knowledge or processes
- Mark Pownall – one sided and negative
- When there was no time for questions
- Sponsorship session – not what I was expecting
- Day 1 – missed focus on the real issues around how we add value
- Day 2 summary of strategic review – made the GGA look 3rd rate in
front of the industry
What are you still struggling with?
- Filling in evaluation form – keep it short and easy!
- Struggled to some extent with how to best facilitate collaboration
- Relevance of early speaker to the ag industry
- How I can work to improve the image of ag
- Struggled with DAFWA support for grower groups
- Final session difficult to engage with at end of day and not really
aware of what had occurred on day 1 – better off at start of the day
INTERPRETIVE – What new information or insight did you learn, and what
are the implications?
- Different funding ideas for grower groups
Appendix 3: Evaluation summary
- Need to put more attention to developing partnerships with
sponsors/agribusiness and listen to what is valuable to them
- Diversification is a must!
- Willingness – mainly to collaborate as a collective
- Don’t give up (Barry Marshall), positive and professional approach to
funding (Garry Reynolds)
- Farmer brand or image needs improving
- Approach to sponsors or partners will be reported back to
sponsorship subcommittee – very insightful
- Farmer insight was good – need to do an overseas study tour
- Need on farm diversity
- Funding opportunities with Shire sponsorship
- The new projects that are happening around the regions
- Met new people from grower group which will help collaboration in
the future
- Thinking about how mining changed its image, so can agriculture!
- Learnt a lot about approaching potential sponsors/partners. The
implication will be developing some plans and identifying companies
to approach
- Partnerships and collaborations are crucial to success
- Ways to engage potential partners
- UWA student/Ag engagement program
- Structure of precision ag – very novel
- Nothing much – but certainly reflected a lot on how to put the issues
Garry talked about into practice
- The value of having a value proposition
- Mark Pownall – we need to give agriculture a better image
- The progress made in the last 10 years
- The changing scene of RD&E and how we can contribute/ad value in
the future
- Got a few tips from the show me the money session that I will take
back to the group
- How to strengthen relationships
- Reminded that grower group energy is still very strong
- The function of the GGA
- Commitment of GRDC
- Keep the good people we have in Ag
- Still a lot of energy and enthusiasm from GGA
- How other groups work and the level of assistance or lack of support
they receive from community etc
- Would now like a mentor, which I hadn’t thought I wanted before.
Garry inspired me.
DECISIONAL – How can you use the information you learnt today?
- Re-focus our approaches to agribusiness for partnerships
- Consider the need to improve member communication
- Use of industry calendar
- Linking grower groups & NRM more closely
- Share with other grower groups
- During sponsorship negotiations
- Speaker ideas
- Educating our committee
- Suggestions for committee to implement to streamline management
- Relay it to our local growers and try to incorporate some
learnings/direction at local events
- Future work with grower groups and application for sponsorship
- By implementation
Appendix 3: Evaluation summary
- Improve attendance at events by collaboration
- Going to include the information in our newsletter
- I will be sharing the information with grower group members and
industry staff. Some of the new ideas will be incorporated into our
work plan
- Who to approach for what
- How to best support grower groups in our region
- Build better relationships – develop strategies to do them
- I will review sponsorship package and approach potential sponsors
- Formation of networks for future references
- Future interactions with grower groups
- Forum provided insights for a research project I’m working on
- Apply in the workplace to improve current structure/delivery of
processes
- Promote it to our group
- Through better collaboration and contact between groups
- Use some things I have learnt to improve the output of information
and involvement of the committee/farmers in projects and grower
group meetings
- In our farming business – principles are the same
- Need to link better with some groups that have been neglected
- The book of who’s who – great info for us
- New strategy to approach funding bodies
- Diversification – introduction into farming systems; learning off of
what other countries around the world are doing.
- Industry wants for education in Ag – I will try to contact as many new
networks as possible and work together to achieve goals in capacity
building & education
Picture the GGA in 3 years time
What would you like to see accomplished?
- Offer more services to grower groups – social media,
communications, guest speaker idea/database with feedback on
them
- Link national Ag groups; Greater collaboration between states
- Regional network – link to AEGIC
- Integrated more with the whole chain so that information from
market and product end users can flow back to growers
- Regional GGA offices; Have regionally based staff
- I already find the GGA calendar useful, but a new improved version
would help things along; Live calendar
- Stronger assistance to groups around resourcing writing funding
applications
- Health checks to groups – perhaps a scoring system (private scoring
of course)
- GGA/NRM partnerships/relationships further developed
- Taking an even greater leadership role – I think they are showing
some good leadership now but they need to do that more overtly.
- Advertising positively for the agriculture sector
- Virulent, self reliant and profitable grower groups in WA
- Increasingly positive and profitable industry
- Greater farmer involvement in the forum
- Stronger and more interactive
- I would like to see some farming systems work
- Work towards education about grower groups and agriculture in
general youth and students
Appendix 3: Evaluation summary
- Education – use links and networks and grower groups to link
mentors with PICSE and uni students – educate, experience,
knowledge, networks, new opportunities
- Can the GGA be the link between the city media and corporate and
the country though the grower groups and the great examples of
good farmers
- A well funded organisation that extends the research and deals with
the hard issues in ag
- More active role in facilitating links between RD&E providers; Have a
greater role in coordinating D&E
- Continue to act as a conduit and ‘dating manage’ between grower
groups and industry
- Streamlined funding – approach from private & public to work
together rather that all grower groups applying for the same ‘pot of
money’
- Facilitate linkage gaps between grower groups in geographically
similar areas
- Overseeing a smaller number of larger more sophisticated groups
- Increased engagement around strategic management, planning and
marketing of the GGA
- A file of policy templates – i.e. delegation, OHS, sponsorship
- Promote positive farmer profile on website
- Focus on how to measure the outcomes
What can we offer to grower groups and industry?
- Funding, funding, funding – support with grants – even just emailing
all EO’s to ensure they are aware of all funding opportunities
- Training sessions for grower groups (piggy back on crop updates or
AAAC event to utilise time in Perth)
- Training sessions on funding, advertising/promotions etc – could be a
three-day course
- More involvement from other industry organisations that haven’t
been so involved
- Greater reach across the state in terms of advertising and education
- Governance training pre next year’s forum. Sharing of policies
Other comments
- Just keep going as a great resource and touch point for all grower
groups
- We value your advice and guidance where to find the tools we need
or ideas to help us
- GGA as a collective – voice of growers (not left to fabulous staff),
Susan at helm – with mini Susan at side, some recognised branding
- Continue to provide a strong and seamless link with all grower groups
with information and resources
- Sustainable, well resourced groups are a fabulous goal
OTHER COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GGA
- Keep on doing what you are doing, Great Job!; Do it again
- Perhaps a bi-annual network event – or one each state to take on a
national focus each year
- Next year – session on farm safety + chem safety + health
- Address education in schools to create awareness
- Provide an iPad summary as a take home resource of annual
achievements
- The big ideas was good
- Needed more time for deeper info on strategic review. When getting
industry feedback today use the project topics not the stuff you used
Appendix 3: Evaluation summary
- A great forum – thank you!; Thanks for a great two days, keep up the
good work!; Great 2 days!; Great event – excellent mix!
- Facilitator was excellent
- Prepared Q&A to the minister was great
- Grower groups need to more accountable with calendar clash – get
neighbouring groups e-news, websites, build relationships with local
industry
- I do a regional calendar of ag events – it’s taken a while to develop
the network of people I send it to (and don’t forget to include media)
and for people to contribute events (particularly those that are
located externally to the region) but it is starting to work now, with
reduced overlap plus increased collaboration.
- Well done and thank you for inviting us and the support to attend
- When you run go on an interstate GGA trip, allocate two sessions to
talk to other groups to discuss common issues
- Fantastic with what’s achieved on little recourses
- Enjoyable, interesting and worthwhile day
- Have more events like this – small and great for networking!
- There are numerous competing stakeholders – GGA and grower
groups need to understand an respond to bulk opportunities and
threats
- DAFWA relationship managers to attend with their groups
- One of the best forums I’ve been to
- Facilitator could have been more positive
- Well attended but would have been good to see more farmers there
Appendix 3: Evaluation summary