The latest news, events and opportunities from the SW WA Hub
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Welcome to the final edition of the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) newsletter for 2024.
As the year draws to a close, it’s a privilege to reflect on the Hub’s achievements over the past 12 months.
I’m delighted to see the results starting to come through from our transformational projects. These leading-edge projects are providing real-world outcomes ready to help farmers and communities prepare for and adapt to our drying climate.
Our collaborations, both within WA and across Australia, continue to deepen. In WA, the Hub’s Regional Nodes have kicked started demonstration projects, and our Regional Advisory Committees have come together to refresh WA’s drought resilience priorities. Nationally, the benefit of genuine co-design is evident. A prime example is our recent application to the Future Drought Fund’s Resilient Landscapes program for the Sustainable Southern Rangelands project with the SA and Southern NSW Hubs. This ambitious proposal is the result of collaboration between pastoralists, grower groups, land management and land care organisations, advisors, universities, and government agencies.
Our dry season resources – videos and podcasts – continue to gain traction, reaching more people and providing timely, practical advice to help farmers prepare for dry seasons. This year, we awarded bursaries to two university students, fostering collaboration with grower groups and promoting hands-on involvement in extension and adoption activities. Additionally, we were proud to support the next generation of agriculture professionals through the Climate-Smart Innovation Challenge, where 70 students from three WA Colleges of Agriculture developed creative solutions to agricultural challenges posed by a drying climate.
This year was bookended by exciting events: evokeAG and our two-day field tour in February, and our Drought Resilience Showcase and Field Tour last week. The Showcase was a personal highlight of mine. It celebrated diverse Future Drought Fund projects and brought together industry leaders dedicated to drought and climate resilience. I must commend the tremendous teamwork that made it all possible.
Looking ahead, we’re excited by the federal government’s commitment to fund the Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs into the future. While the Hub model might evolve following a review, this long-term support reflects confidence in our collective impact. At the SW WA Hub, we’re updating our strategy and planning activities for the next 18 months to ensure we continue delivering maximum value to WA farmers.
On behalf of the SW WA Hub team, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our partners and contributors who have generously shared their time and expertise this year. Your support is invaluable.
Wishing you all a safe and joyful festive season. Here’s to achieving even greater things together in 2025!
Dr Jo Wisdom | Acting Hub Director
South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
Dry Season Resources
Best of 2024: podcasts and videos
In 2023/2024, we launched the Dry Season Resources podcast and a series of short videos offering producers practical advice for preparing for dry seasons. These resources feature insights from farmers, consultants, researchers, and other industry professionals.
To date, we have produced 27 Dry Season Shorts videos, viewed more than 13,000 times, and 29 podcast episodes, downloaded more than 1,800 times, with new topics in development to support Western Australian producers.
A look back at our 2024 metrics show that the most popular topics were as follows:
Top 3 videos:
- Benefits and practical reasons for not applying nitrogen fertiliser on heavy country | Mick Caughey, grain grower
- Confinement feeding of sheep | Sandra Fowler, sheep producer
- How polymers contribute to sodic soil crop yields | David Hall, DPIRD Principal Research Scientist
Top 3 podcasts:
Latest podcast episodes
Find the latest episodes of the Dry Season Resources podcast below. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform to stay up to date and never miss an episode.
Selecting the weather tools that work for you
Dave Stead (Anasazi Consulting) and Phil Smyth (Nutrien Coorow) explore the growing array of weather tools and apps available to farmers. They discuss the rise of localised weather stations, the benefits and limitations of popular apps and the importance of understanding trends in weather models.
Thriving through flexible planning in the eastern Wheatbelt
Nic McGregor (AgVise Merredin) and Ben Whisson (ConsultAg Kulin) discuss the realities of farming in WA’s eastern Wheatbelt, highlighting the importance of getting the basics right: planning, execution, and cost control. They share strategies for adapting to tough seasons.
Hub Projects in Focus
Exploring renewable energy production opportunities in WA farming systems
The Diversified Farmland Income project is progressing well with recent activities offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating renewable energy generation within WA farming systems and regional economies.
A survey of 40 growers has shed light on the opportunities and challenges of wind turbine projects in the region. Growers emphasised the benefits of a collective approach to negotiations, highlighting room for better terms and fairer outcomes. However, concerns persist over strained relationships with neighbours, limited state government communication, and impacts associated with construction on local roads and housing. Financial motivations, such as debt reduction and succession planning, remain key drivers for participation, but hesitancy stems from skepticism about environmental benefits and reliance on taxpayer subsidies. A strong need for accessible, detailed information was identified, with suggestions for developing a resource to guide growers and local governments through these complex proposals.
The project team will be moving into the second phase of the project, which focuses on sustainability analysis. This will involve an economic assessment to evaluate the viability of integrating renewable energy projects into agricultural businesses, alongside analysing social impacts and environmental resilience.
This project is supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
PropaGATE: transforming WA agriculture with global AgTech solutions
Beanstalk, in collaboration with the Grower Group Alliance and the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA), has launched PropaGATE, a program bringing the world’s best agtech solutions to Western Australian farmers.
PropaGATE’s inaugural challenge focuses on wastewater treatment in agriculture, aiming to increase sustainable reuse and prevent nutrient run-off. Innovators with cutting-edge solutions are invited to visit the website to learn more and apply to be part of this program.
This challenge-led initiative works with farmers and agribusinesses to identify critical issues, scout global innovations, and trial solutions. Growers play a central role, from challenge identification to assessing and adopting technologies.
Funded by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and FIPWA’s Enterprise Support Program, PropaGATE’s first challenge is based in the Peel Region.
Drought Hub Team Out and About
Key leaders at the Drought Resilience Showcase gathered to celebrate collaboration and innovative drought resilience projects: L-R: Mark Sweetingham (Hub Steering Committee member), Graham Smith (GGA Board Director and Hub Steering Committee member), Dr Jo Wisdom (Acting Hub Director), Kieran Macdonell (Drought Hubs Management Director, DAFF), Deb Turner (Drought Hubs Management Assistant Director, DAFF), Dale Park (Drought Hubs Advisory Committee member), Rikki Foss (GGA Chief Executive Officer), Brent Finlay (Drought Hubs Advisory Committee Chair and Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee Chair).
Drought Resilience Showcase sparks ideas and connections
The SW WA Hub’s inaugural Drought Resilience Showcase and Field Tour last Wednesday and Thursday (11-12 December 2024) brought together farmers, grower groups, researchers, agribusinesses, and government agencies.
The two-day event provided a platform to collaborate and explore cutting-edge solutions and strategies for building drought resilience and fostering innovation in agriculture. The event highlighted innovative projects from around Australia that are specifically relevant for Western Australia's unique agricultural environment.
Acting Hub Director Dr Jo Wisdom reflected on the event’s success, which attracted more than 90 guests, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges facing agriculture.
“This event brought together a remarkable community of industry leaders committed to enhancing the resilience of our agricultural sector,” Dr Wisdom said.
“The Showcase was a testament to the value of collaboration and co-design. By engaging with stakeholders from the ground up, we can ensure that our initiatives address real needs and leverage the diverse expertise within our agricultural networks.
“The projects, funded through the Future Drought Fund and other Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) funding streams, demonstrate the power of this approach, both locally and nationally.”
Video recordings of the Showcase presentations will be available in early 2025 on our website (hub.gga.org.au).
Steve Curtin (Consult AG), Dr Jo Wisdom (Hub Acting Director), Julianne Hill (Hub Adoption Manager), and Carly Veitch (AAAC(WA) President and AgAsset consultant).
Building resilience together: SW WA Hub presents at AAAC professional development session
Earlier this month, the SW WA Hub team was invited to present at the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (AAAC)'s professional development session in Perth, themed "Innovations in AgTech and Expanding Cropping in High Rainfall Areas."
Acting Hub Director Dr Jo Wisdom and Adoption Officer Theo Nabben introduced delegates to the SW WA Hub, sharing updates on our current and upcoming activities and programs. They also explored ways the SW WA Hub can work with AAAC members to help WA agricultural communities build resilience to a drying climate.
“This event offered an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from WA consultants about the information they need to better advise their clients – and how they prefer it to be delivered,” Theo said.
A big thank you to AAAC WA for hosting us, and to all the participants for sharing their perspectives and ideas.
Hub Adoption Manager Julianne Hill with DPIRD's Brendan Nicholas, Kristy Challenger and David Hall.
Celebrating World Soil Day in Esperance
Adoption Manager Julianne Hill and Adoption Officer Alison Lacey timed their trip to Esperance well! In addition to visiting SEPWA, a Regional Node of the SW WA Hub, Julianne and Alison caught up with DPIRD's David Hall (Senior Soils researcher), Kristy Challenger (Soils technician and master cake maker), and Brendan Nicholas (DPIRD Esperance Manager) on World Soil Day on 5 December. Kristy made a rich chocolate cake (no compaction layers) to share with the Esperance DPIRD team.
Staff Updates
Adoption Manager Julianne Hill retires after a remarkable career
After two impactful years as the Adoption Manager for the SW WA Hub, Julianne Hill is stepping into retirement. Julianne’s contributions to extension and adoption have been substantial, from travelling across WA to share climate resilience strategies with farmers to capturing their insights through videos and podcasts for the broader agriculture industry. Her leadership in managing the Regional Nodes, delivering parts of our Extension and Adoption training program and coordinating the Drought Resilience Showcase has left an indelible mark.
Julianne will be deeply missed by the SW WA Hub team, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Julianne reflects on her career:
“After beginning my working career in 1986, I’m hanging up the (Blundstone) boots and retiring!
I’ve been fortunate to have a fabulous career, working with many wonderful people.
From managing farms in the eastern Wheatbelt to roles with the Agriculture Protection Board (APB), DPIRD’s farming systems and beef teams, the GRDC’s Regional Cropping Solutions Networks, and Western Dairy, my journey has been rich and diverse. Most recently, my time with the SW WA Hub has been varied, fun, and incredibly rewarding.
Now, it’s time for a new adventure. With the farm sold and more time on our hands, my husband and I are ready to travel and enjoy life at a different pace.
Thank you all for your support over the years. My mobile number will stay the same if anyone wants to connect. Until we meet again – have fun and Merry Christmas!”
Julianne, thank you for everything. Enjoy your well-earned retirement!
Meet Douglas Hamilton, GGA's new Innovation Specialist and Broker
Douglas (Doug) Hamilton joined the Grower Group Alliance (GGA) in November 2024. He is a seasoned and passionate agricultural professional with extensive experience within a corporate setting in designing, funding, developing, launching and optimising a variety of AgTech solutions designed for the Australian grains industry. He brings broad networks across growers, industry and academia along with capability in leadership, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, product management, project management, IP management and innovation.
Doug's role is to foster and manage strategic relationships that drive innovation across WA agriculture with responsibilities for developing and facilitating innovation-related projects between research teams, other stakeholders, and the farming community. Doug works across GGA, including with the SW WA Hub.
Hub Regional Nodes
Watch the recordings of Facey Group's "Drought Resilience in Action" webinars
Facey Group, the South-Eastern Wheatbelt Node of the SW WA Hub, hosted a three-part webinar series themed "End of Year Highlights: Drought Resilience in Action". The video recordings are now available on their YouTube channel.
Natural capital opportunities in farming: Tom Picton-Warlow (MobileGlobal) introduces the SW WA Hub Transformational Project he is working on – an initiative focused on integrating Natural Capital into farming by partnering with growers and NRM groups to connect with potential investors and broaden business opportunities in agriculture. Watch the recording.
Water use efficiency and desalination: Dr Richard George (DPIRD) and Associate Professor Nik Callow (UWA), who leads the WaterSmart Dams project, explore efficient water usage, dam set up, run off and quality, and desalination opportunities. Watch the recording.
Innovative applications for improving crop health: Samantha Viljoen (Murdoch University) provides insights on the innovative SMART SPRAYS biodegradable polymer spray, designed to enhance crop water retention and boost soil health. This project is part of the SW WA Hub Transformational Program. Also, Tona Sanchez-Palacios (Murdoch University) presents on agronomic biofortification of wheat with zinc – exploring the effectiveness of foliar fertilisers in improving grain quality for food & animal feed. Watch the recording.
Relevant News, Events and Resources
GGA annual report now out
The Grower Group Alliance has published its latest annual report. A key metric shared in the report shows downstream revenue flowing to GGA members has reached a record high $10.8 million. This is forward project management fee revenue locked in for groups partnering in current active projects GGA is collaborating in. This revenue is distributed to groups through the life of projects aligned to delivery milestones as the project progresses.
Flick to page 22 to read about the SW WA Hub.
Changes to Bureau's long-range forecasts
The Bureau of Meteorology have made a series of changes to improve how it communicates and encourages people to focus on its long-range forecasts – which capture all ocean and atmospheric conditions that affect seasonal weather – rather than just a few climate indicators. The Bureau will reduce the emphasis given to climate indicators, previously referred to as climate drivers, like El Nino and La Nina. For those making decisions relating to agricultural enterprises, visit the Bureau’s long-range forecasts web page.
Changemaker Workshop: unlock your potential to create positive change
Two-day leadership development program for positive impact and drought preparedness
The Changemaker Workshop is a two-day leadership development workshop for individuals who are passionate about playing an active role in driving positive change within their communities. Organised in collaboration with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, this workshop aims to equip participants with essential skills and insights for creating meaningful impact.
Kalbarri workshop on 10–11 February 2025. Register.
Geraldton workshop on 13–14 February 2025. Register.
Ongerup workshop on 26–27 February 2025. Register.
Darkan workshop on 11–12 March 2025. Register.
Mount Magnet workshop on 24–25 March 2025. Register.
Perenjori workshop on 27–28 March 2025. Register.
New Australian Government Drought Plan now out
A new plan is now out to guide and explain Australian Government policies and programs for farming businesses and communities preparing for, managing through and recovering from drought.
The Drought Plan:
- provides a clearer explanation of what the government will and won’t do in drought
- outlines what programs are available for farmers before, during and after drought
- promotes better coordination of these programs across Australian, state and territory governments
- seeks to work with farmers, their communities, the agriculture and finance sectors, other government and non-government organisations on drought.
The 5-year plan supports the National Drought Agreement (NDA) signed earlier this year between the Commonwealth, states and territories, and explains how the Australian Government will meet its obligations under the agreement.
Like the NDA, the plan covers measures to get ready for drought as well as support for farmers in hardship, regardless of when and where conditions dry.
Find out about the Future Drought Fund
The Future Drought Fund (FDF) provides secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives and will help Australian farmers and communities prepare for the impacts of drought.
