The latest news, events and opportunities from the SW WA Hub
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Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the May edition of the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) newsletter.
A key role of the SW WA Hub is supporting the people who help turn research and innovation into practical on-farm change. Our Extension and Adoption training program continues to build the skills of grower group staff, consultants and researchers working alongside producers across Western Australia. More than 160 delegates have already participated in the program, and I encourage anyone interested to register for the last two sessions of the 2026 series: our brand-new module, Using AI in Extension, on 9 June, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning on 18 June.
This edition also features the latest episode of the Hub’s Dry Season Resources podcast, exploring the growing potential of virtual fencing in dry season management. Esperance producer Simon Fowler and SARDI researcher Bianca Agenbag discuss how the technology could help producers better manage feed reserves, improve pasture utilisation and respond more flexibly during challenging seasons.
We are also seeking grower input through a survey led by UWA PhD student and Hub bursary recipient Chloe Rout.
Chloe's project explores whether intercropping legumes with canola could improve climate resilience while maintaining profitability in WA farming systems. The survey closes this Sunday.
Finally, I encourage you to explore the upcoming regional demonstrations, workshops and events being delivered through our Regional Nodes program. These local initiatives continue to strengthen preparedness for dry seasons by sharing knowledge and connecting communities across the region.
If this newsletter was forwarded to you, why not subscribe to receive the SW WA Hub’s latest updates, events, and opportunities directly in your inbox?
Kind regards,
Dr Jo Wisdom | Hub Director
South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
Dry Season Resources
Dry Season Resources podcast
Find the latest episode of our Dry Season Resources podcast below. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to never miss an episode.
Use of virtual fencing to build farm resilience
Virtual fencing could become a powerful tool for dry‑season management. Esperance farmer Simon Fowler and SARDI researcher Bianca Agenbag unpack how the technology is helping producers maximise pasture utilisation, run virtual feedlots through feed gaps, and protect precious feed reserves when seasons turn tough.
Have feedback or suggestions?
If you have ideas for topics we could cover, we’d love to hear from you.
Email us at swwadroughthub@gga.org.au.
Upcoming Hub Events
Participants at the Hub's Extension and Adoption training program, building practical skills to support grower adoption of new technologies and management practices.
Building skills to support grower adoption of new practices
Turning agricultural research into on-farm change doesn’t happen on its own; it requires effective extension.
The fourth annual series of our Extension and Adoption training is helping agricultural professionals build the skills needed to support growers adopting new technologies and management practices.
Modules one to four of the 2026 series have already been delivered, with participants learning how to prioritise projects, plan extension activities, improve facilitation skills, and plan extension events.
Upcoming modules include:
- Tuesday 9 June (online): Using AI in Extension ***New course
- Thursday 18 June (online): Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
More than 160 delegates have been trained by our team through this series.
Grower group staff, industry consultants, and extension or research professionals looking to enhance their ability to support farmer adoption of new practices are invited to register.
Price
Hub consortium partners and GGA network members have access to subsidised tickets: $55 plus ticketing fee.
All other industry delegates: $110 plus ticketing fee.
Hub Projects in Focus
Women in farming gather to build resilience and connection
In partnership with Women in Farming (WIF), we're supporting regional women in agriculture through the Gather & Grow program, providing grants to support locally led events focused on resilience, connection and community wellbeing.
Recent events run by WIF branches across the Wheatbelt highlighted the many ways resilience is being explored in farming communities, from fire- and water-resilient garden design workshops in Wagin, to practical succession planning sessions in Narembeen, and a resilience-themed Long Table Lunch in Tammin that brought women together to share stories, challenges and support.
Across all events, key learnings included the importance of community connection, practical and locally relevant knowledge-sharing, and creating safe spaces for discussion around often difficult topics. Feedback showed strong engagement, with participants valuing opportunities to connect, learn and build confidence to navigate future challenges together.
Understanding the perspectives of growers and investors on natural capital
The Hub-led project Barriers and opportunities for agricultural natural capital as an asset class set out to understand how agricultural natural capital – the soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity on farms – can be recognised and valued as a tangible asset for growers, while identifying barriers and opportunities for uptake.
Watch our project video to find out the key learnings from this project, and how SW WA Hub funding has supported innovation to strengthen resilience and sustainability in Western Australian agricultural systems.
The Ripple Effect workshops and field day: Enhancing Farm Dams
Earlier this month the Enhancing Farm Dams train-the-trainer workshops and field day brought together about 50 participants from grower groups, NRM organisations, landcare and catchment groups, alongside local farmers, for hands-on learning and knowledge sharing.
Delivered by The Australian National University, in collaboration with South West NRM, South Coast NRM and Oyster Harbour Catchment Group, under the GGA-led The Ripple Effect project, the workshops focused on practical ways farmers and land managers can improve the health and function of farm dams to support both agricultural productivity and biodiversity outcomes.
Topics included:
- Improving dam management
- Supporting on-farm biodiversity
- Strengthening water security
These workshops aimed to equip NRM staff with the practical knowledge and tools they need to confidently help regional producers, to implement farm dam enhancement practices in their local farming communities.
Subscribe to The Ripple Effect Followers List to keep up-to-date.
Regional Nodes
Local events and demonstrations help build drought preparedness this winter
Regional Nodes South West NRM in partnership with PHCC (soon to be 5 River NRM) and Stirlings to Coast Farmers in partnership with Oyster Harbour Catchment Group have been awarded small grants to run a series of demonstrations and events through June.
PHCC will be hosting a free screening of Rachel’s Farm within the Serpentine Jarrahdale region in June to inspire and educate landholders about regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, water retention and drought resilience. Keep an eye out for further information about this event.
STF have extended their Mini projects to include integrating several weather station systems into one platform for members to access, expanding the capability of the network to offer increased services. Another project will include an online training session focused on upskilling growers to implement variable rate technology (VRT) for nitrogen fertiliser applications.
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group are partnering with Stirlings to Coast Farmers to host a Distilling the Dry – dealing with challenging season workshop. A practical and interactive workshop on 4 June at Woodlands Distillery, Porongurup from 1:00pm. Register.
Soil Stories
Five key features of the Soil Quality Knowledge Base
By Bridget Watkins, Regional Soil Coordinator
The Soil Quality Knowledge Base is your comprehensive online platform with information, research and tools to understand and manage soil in agricultural systems. It combines decades of research combined with real experiences from farmers and advisors to bring together trusted, easy-to-use guidance.
Although designed with a focus on soil properties and management in Western Australia, the evidence-based, practical content applies to a range of regions and environments around Australia, and the world.
You can access content including fact sheets, case studies, videos, tools and practical tips to help you make better decisions on farm, and improve soil performance over time.
Detailed in this article are five key features of the Soil Quality Knowledge Base.
Bridget Watkins is the South-West WA Regional Soil Coordinator (RSC). The RSC project provides opportunities for researchers, primary producers and community groups to collaborate and share knowledge related to soil health and management. The project is supported by the Australian Government's Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust, and in South-West WA is led by the SW WA Hub in partnership with SoilsWest at Murdoch University.
Have Your Say
Can we grow nitrogen in our canola?
Intercropping legumes with canola may have several climate resilience benefits, including improved soil health, space profitability, pest and disease management, and reduced input costs. UWA PhD student and Hub bursary recipient Chloe Rout is seeking your insights to help identify the opportunities, understand barriers, and guide practical, resilient solutions for WA cropping systems. In your opinion, can intercropping legumes with canola put nitrogen back into the system while maintaining profit? Have your say before May 31.
Gascoyne Drought Resilience Plan open for feedback
The Gascoyne Development Commission, a consortium partner of the Hub, has recently developed the Gascoyne Drought Resilience Plan, which is now open for feedback, review and consultation to ensure the Plan reflects real experiences and priorities. To discuss the plan and the opportunities for regional drought reliance building, contact Kathryn McKay, Regional Development Officer at Kathryn.mckay@gdc.wa.gov.au.
How do you use long-term climate information when making decisions on-farm?
SW WA Hub consortium partner, CSIRO, is running a short 5-minute survey to understand what’s really happening on the ground. If you’re farming, they'd really value your input, regardless of your commodity or enterprise size. Your responses will help shape how climate information is developed and delivered to Australian farmers.
Relevant News, Events and Resources
Season 2026: information for WA farmers
Did you know? The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) provides seasonally relevant information and management options in the broadacre and south-west agricultural areas of Western Australia.
Latest updates and advice
- The seasonal climate outlook for May to July 2026 shows support for climate drivers indicating neutral rainfall for most of the southern rangelands, with the south-west agricultural region neutral to drier.
DPIRD’s Seasonal Climate Outlook Newsletter explains the latest in the forecast models and the seasonal impact that could have for the south west land division. Read the newsletters.
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought.
The loan provides up to $250,000 over five years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18 per cent), with a two-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.
It is available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state and territory programs.
Grants available for regional communities
The Foundation For Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has two grants currently available through their Strengthening Rural Communities program:
- Small & Vital for grassroots solutions to local issues. This round also includes additional funding for digital initiatives to support adults, including a targeted Larger Leverage stream, offering grants up to $50,000.
- Prepare & Recover for resilience and recovery initiatives in climate-impacted communities.
Applications close 24 June 2026.
Check out the program pages linked above for the program objectives and criteria, key dates and how to apply.
Locally Relevant News from the Future Drought Fund
Future Drought Fund 2024–25 annual report
The Future Drought Fund 2024–25 annual report showcases progress in strengthening drought and climate resilience for farmers and regional communities, including:
- 42 additional regional drought resilience plans finalised, bringing the total to 57
- more than 59,000 people benefiting from leadership opportunities or locally led actions
- establishment of a First Nations Advisory Group
- over 67,000 farmers accessing training and 36,600 users engaging with the My Climate View online tool
- design and development of the inaugural First Nations targeted grant, Strengthening drought Resilience on Country
- development of a new Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework.
The report provides insights into how programs, like the SW WA Hub, are helping farmers and rural communities plan and respond effectively to drought and climate challenges.
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.
