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This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Welcome from our Director
It’s been a huge few weeks across the Northern Hub region as we continue to connect, collaborate, and drive regional resilience.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Future Drought Fund Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries meetings with my fellow Hub Directors from across Australia. These face-to-face meetings continue to strengthen our collective commitment to supporting drought resilience at the regional level, while showcasing the depth of knowledge, teamwork and leadership from all eight Drought and Innovation Hubs across Australia are achieving, something I am very proud to be a part of.
A major highlight on this month’s calendar was the 12th International Rangelands Conference, held in the first week of June. The Northern Hub was proud to be a gold sponsor of this global event.
Following the conference, we were pleased to welcome several key international guests to the Northern Territory for the Climate Resilient Rangelands Workshop, held at CDU’s Katherine Campus.
Collaboration was also at the heart of the recent Farm to Feed Forum in Katherine, proudly supported by the Northern Hub. More than 100 producers, researchers, and industry stakeholders came together to explore how integrated cropping, cotton, and silage systems can build resilience into northern cattle operations.
We’ve kicked off the NACP Climate Roadshow, hosted by our own Emily Hinds, bringing tailored climate information directly to communities across the Territory—keep an eye on our socials to see when we’re near you.
Another highlight has been officially welcoming our amazing new Node Managers across the Northern Hub footprint. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing each of them on our social media channels—be sure to follow along and say hello.
Read more about these exciting projects, plus upcoming events and resources in our July newsletter below.
Until next time,
Leia Grimsey | Northern Hub Director
Hub Projects
North Australia Climate Program Roadshow
The Northern Hub sends the Northern Australia Climate Program on the road!
The Northern Hub has partnered with the Northern Australia Climate Program (NACP) to travel across the Roper, Sturt Plateau and Barkly regions, to deliver one on one weather and climate forecasting information sessions to the cattle and agricultural industries of the regions.
Climate extension officer Emily Hinds, and Dr Andrew Marshall, Principal Climate Scientist, highlighted the main climate drivers that influence our seasonal conditions, and provided an overview of the 2024-2025 wet season. Of interest to the participants, were the hot and dry conditions of January 2025, which saw the latest monsoon onset on record. Andrew demonstrated the role that the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), a tropical climate driver, plays in delivering monsoon bursts and breaks. Andrew states, “These drivers can bring above or below median rainfall and temperatures, it’s really important that people working in this industry better understand these drivers, so that they can make decisions for herd and land management".
The pair delivered roadshows to around 90 participants from cattle producers, fodder and mango growers, and those in research and extension work. The attendance from the NACP team at the NT Farmer’s Mataranka Resilience roadshow, coincided with an out of season rain event, that forced the cancellation of the excursion to a local mango farm. This event was discussed widely and gave further opportunity to learn about northwest cloud bands and the fundamentals of forecasting. The information delivered by the NACP extension team is part of the overall tools that the agricultural industry has at their disposal to reduce risk and prepare in advance of failed seasons and extreme weather events.
The Northern Hub is funding four roadshows of this kind in the coming months. If you are in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne regions of WA, or Central Australia NT, and you are interested in attending or hosting a free NACP roadshow at your property or workplace, please contact the Northern Hub.
Hub Team Out and About
International Rangelands Conference
Photo: (Left) Emily Hinds presents on the Climate Mates project. (Top right) Staff from Hub's around Australia gather at the joint stand. (Bottom right) Emily Hinds and David Gallacher from the Northern Hub showing the extend of the Hub's region.
The 12th International Rangelands Congress was held in Adelaide this month from the 2nd - 6th of June, with the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia well represented across the program of speakers. Australia is a world leader in rangelands management for sustainable beef production, and it was great to see this repeatedly demonstrated at this global forum.
The livestock team from NT government presented on a wide range of topics from heat stress to pasture utilization. NT DAF's Pastoral Extension officer, Stacey Holzapfel, presented on training the next generation of land managers, an initiative that has been greatly expanded with Northern Hub funding and is making inroads into northern WA.
WA DPIRD's Matt Fletcher discussed the spinifex project funded jointly by the Hub and DPIRD, which was successful in providing guidance to pastoralists and the industry in optimizing the utilization of spinifex as a feed source, while ensuring its sustainability for both economic and environmental resilience.
Northern Hub's Emily Hinds presented the Northern Australian Climate Program model of improving producers’ use of weather forecasts. The 50th anniversary of the Australian Rangelands Society was formally celebrated with a history of the society provided by former NABRC chair John Taylor.
Many thanks to David Phelps and the committee for their role in bringing this important event to Australia once again.
Climate Resilient Rangelands Workshop
Photos: Attendees at the Climate Resilient Rangelands Workshop
The Climate Resilient Rangelands Workshop, hosted by CDU’s Research Institute for Northern Agriculture (RINA) and supported by the Northern Hub, brought together local and international voices to explore practical solutions for managing rangelands in a changing climate.
Day one took participants into the field to hear from Jake Hennig (University of Arizona) and Jason Sircely (International Livestock Research Institute) on global approaches to rangeland rehabilitation and grazing management. The contrast between managing large predators overseas and dealing with feral pests in the Territory sparked lively discussion. Back on campus, Peter Ballerstedt explored the connections between animal agriculture and human health, adding further depth to the conversation.
Day two focused on collaboration, with researchers, landholders, and industry experts sharing insights and exploring future partnerships. A special thanks to the local pastoralists who spoke openly about the challenges they face—your input is essential in shaping research that makes a difference.
The workshop was attended by Northern Hub Node Managers Jessie Daniels and Courtney Luck, alongside Knowledge Broker David Gallacher and Director Leia Grimsey, who assisting in connecting local experience with national networks.
We also thank our international guests, event organisers Beth Penrose and the CDU RINA team, and everyone who travelled from across Australia to take part. These conversations are key to strengthening rangeland resilience across the north—and we look forward to continuing the journey together.
Farm to Feed Forum: Building Resilience Through Diversification
Photos: (Left) Northern Hub's Ben Madgwick, Emily Hinds and David Gallacher on BBQ duties. (Top right) Attendees on day 1 of the forum at Katherine Showgrounds. (Bottom right) Attendees listen to researchers at Katherine Research Station on day 2 of the forum.
More than 100 pastoralists, producers, researchers and agricultural industry members gathered in Katherine on the 19th and 20th of June for the Farm to Feed Forum, a collaborative event exploring how integrated cropping, cotton and silage systems can boost sustainability and resilience in northern cattle operations.
The first day of the forum delivered practical insights on real-world solutions – from the economics and nutritional benefits of silage to the value of cottonseed in supplementary feeding programs. Attendees also heard first-hand from industry leaders about how to navigate the integration of cropping into pastoral operations.
The end of day one was followed by sunset drinks and the Northern Hub sponsored BBQ dinner, held under the stars on the Katherine showground lawns. This was an opportunity to network with all the speakers and attendees, to share insights from the day's learnings.
Day two of the Farm to Feed Forum began at the Katherine Research Station, where attendees gained valuable insights into the latest cropping trials underway onsite. The day continued with a visit to a local property, where participants saw firsthand how cropping and silage are being effectively integrated into cattle operations. These practical demonstrations brought the forum’s key themes to life, highlighting how diversification is delivering benefits to pastoral operations.
Defining Drought in Our Region
Defining Drought with Fergal O'Gara
Opportunities & Updates
Apply for the Beanstalk Drought Resilience Lab
After three successful cohorts and working with over 60 innovators, Beanstalk’s Drought Resilience Lab opened its applications for Cohort 4 on 16 June 2025. This 12-week program helps researchers and early-stage innovators turn potential drought and climate solutions into market-ready ventures. Backed by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this program is driving future drought resilience for Australian agriculture.
What You’ll Get
Participants will benefit from one-on-one coaching to refine their business models, along with targeted masterclasses focused on commercialisation and scaling within the agriculture sector. The program offers direct access to investors and agribusiness leaders, providing valuable networking and partnership opportunities. You'll also receive pitch training designed to strengthen your communication and investment strategy. Best of all, the program is non-dilutive—meaning no equity is taken.
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for researchers working on drought-related innovations, early-stage innovators who are ready to validate their prototypes, and industry disruptors developing new solutions to build resilience in agriculture.
The program will run for 12 weeks, starting in September 2025 and concluding in December 2025. Applications are open from 16 June to 27 July 2025.
Grant Opportunity: Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program
The Innovation Challenges Pilot Program will provide $20 million in funding for high-impact projects that increase the drought resilience of Australian agriculture, farmers and communities by:
- Fast-tracking innovative and transformational solutions, at or above the applied research stage, to one or more drought and climate challenges listed below
- Providing a strong evidence base for scaling up of adoption of these solutions
- Involving a consortium of project partners including farmers or farming organisations.
Funding of up to $2 million is available per project through an open competitive grant process. Activities must be completed by 30 June 2028.
Projects must provide solutions to one of more of the following challenges:
- Advancing Natural Capital and Biodiversity for Drought Preparedness and Resilience.
- Innovating Water Management for Enhanced Drought Resilience in Australian Agriculture.
- National Innovation for Enhancing Community Resilience to Drought in Australian Agricultural Regions.
The grant opportunity is expected to be open for up to 11 weeks. Estimated period of release: July to December 2025
Upcoming Events
Drought Resilience Conference
9th - 11th July
Geelong, VIC
The conference aims to brings together experts from all disciplines to learn about and discuss the latest drought resilience research.
Grazing Edge
17 July, 2025
Alice Springs, NT
Grazing fundamentals EDGE is a one-day workshop designed to give you a broad understanding of the components of the grazing production system and the core principles behind optimising grazing land productivity.
Beef Up Forum
18 July, 2025
Alice Springs, NT
BeefUp Forums provide an opportunity for beef producers to learn something new, stay up-to-date with the latest on-farm research and technologies and meet others working in the industry.
To find out about more events in our region head to the Northern Hub website and check out our events page for more information through our up to date calendar.
Hub Resources
Forage Champions Project: NT Farmers Association
The Forage Champions Project aims to educate, guide, strengthen and support northern Australian growers in the forage and fodder industry by showcasing best practice management. Our goal is to enhance the productivity, profitability, adaptability, sustainability, and resilience of growers in northern Australia.
We have recognised five successful growers in the Northern Territory as ‘Industry Champions’ to highlight the diverse operations and strategies employed across the region. Each grower is featured in an individual Case Study, illustrating their unique challenges, achievements and approaches. These Case Studies provide real-world examples, valuable insights and practical guidance, offering lessons that can benefit others in the industry.
Climate Change Impacts on Country by Territory NRM
This factsheet explores how climate change is reshaping Country in Northern Australia, focusing on key species and ecosystems such as magpie geese, sugarbag bees, sea turtles, barramundi, dugongs, crocodiles, and floodplains. It outlines the effects of rising temperatures, sea level rise, extreme weather, and altered rainfall patterns on traditional food sources, nesting habitats, and cultural landscapes.
Developed with support from the Future Drought Fund through the Northern Hub, the factsheet combines scientific insights with on-Country implications, showing how environmental change threatens biodiversity, cultural practices, and livelihoods in the Top End.
Share Your Stories & Ideas
We’re excited to invite contributions for our upcoming newsletter. Whether you have an article, a community update, an event announcement, or a personal story to share, we want to hear from you. Your insights help enrich our newsletter and connect our community.
If you’re interested in contributing, please click on link below and fill out the form. We’re looking for a brief description of your submission, relevant details, and any images you'd like to include.
Let’s keep the conversation going and showcase the voices that make a difference! Please note that while we strive to include as many contributions as possible, some submissions may not be able to be included this publication.
Follow Our Socials
Curious about what we’re up to? Our Northern Hub Team is dedicated to making a difference, connecting communities, and creating positive change. From on-the-ground initiatives to local events and collaborations, we’re excited to share our journey with you. Click on the links below to explore more, stay informed, and get involved!
