The latest news, events and opportunities from the SW WA Hub
No images? Click here
Welcome from the Director
Welcome to the May edition of the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) newsletter.
While conditions remain variable across the regions, many producers are carefully weighing up decisions for the months ahead. The conversations we’re hearing reflect a strong focus on planning and adapting, whether it’s for this season or for the long term. To support this, our latest Dry Season Resources podcast episodes offer timely, practical insights from guests who share their experiences navigating financial planning in uncertain times and maintaining a balance between business, production and mental wellbeing. If you’re on the road, I encourage you to tune in.
The events calendar is also starting to fill. We’re pleased to confirm that Forum25, the Grower Group Alliance’s flagship event, will take place from 31 July to 1 August 2025 at Joondalup Resort. It’s always a valuable event for connection and collaboration, and we’re looking forward to hosting a Hub stakeholder breakfast as part of the program.
This month we’re also inviting expressions of interest for our 2025 study tour to Victoria and Tasmania.
The week-long tour will offer a group of producers the chance to explore innovation in agtech, water management and climate adaptation in livestock, mixed, and horticultural farming systems. It’s a unique chance to see how others are tackling similar challenges and to share ideas with peers from all sectors across Australia. If you’re interested, make sure to submit an expression of interest early, as places will be limited.
I hope you enjoy this month’s stories. 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 episodes of the SW WA Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast below. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast platform to never miss an episode.
Planning for financial security through
uncertain times
Renae Piggott (AgAsset Consulting) and Krista Lancaster (Ninghan Spraying and Ag Services and MADFIG) explore the importance of planning ahead and discuss key takeaways from last year’s Cultivating Profit workshops. These workshops are designed to give young farmers an introduction into farm finances.
The triple bottom line: lessons from the Pastoral Business Toolbox
Business, production, and mental wellbeing are deeply intertwined, each influencing and reinforcing the others. This episode explores the interconnectedness of these three pillars of the triple bottom line in livestock production in the Southern Rangelands. With Louise O’Neill (Farm Life Fitness), Richard Marver (Contour Consulting), and Richard Brake (Richard Brake Consulting).
Dry Season Shorts: fast, practical tips for dry times
Short on time? So are we. That’s why our Dry Season Shorts video series delivers quick, practical advice from people tackling dry seasons head-on.
Watch our latest clips:
- Mental wellbeing during dry seasons | Louise O'Neill, Farm Life Fitness
- Managing infrastructure, land and grazing pressure | Nicholas Forrester, Kanandah Station
- On-going condition of stock in the Rangelands shows good drought management | Ross Wood, grazier and GNRBA
- Planning for dry years in the good years | Richard Brake, Richard Brake Consulting
General News
A group of twelve joined the Hub study tour to South Australia in 2023.
Study tour will explore agtech and climate innovation in Vic and Tas
We're organising a one-week study tour to Victoria and Tasmania in September 2025 for producers from South-West Western Australia.
Designed to help farmers navigate a drying, warming climate, the tour will showcase practical innovations in water management, agtech, and climate adaptation in intensive livestock, mixed, and horticultural systems. By exploring diverse production systems, participants can gain fresh perspectives, discover transferable practices, and build a broader understanding of the tools and technologies helping different sectors respond to climate challenges.
It’s also a chance to connect with fellow growers, researchers and industry leaders who are tackling similar challenges across the country.
Keen to be part of it?
Places are limited (12–20 participants), so register your interest now at the link below. Dates and costs are still to be confirmed. Those who complete an expression of interest will be the first to receive updates when registrations open.
Save the date for Forum25: GGA’s premier industry event returns
Mark your calendars! The Grower Group Alliance’s flagship event, Forum, will take place from 31 July to 1 August 2025 at the Joondalup Resort. Held every two years, this highly anticipated event brings together grower groups, researchers, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the agricultural sector for two days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration.
The program will kick off on Thursday evening with a welcome networking event, followed by a full-day conference on Friday.
As part of the program, the SW WA Hub will host an invitation-only stakeholder breakfast on the morning of Friday 1 August. Stay tuned – further details will be shared soon.
Growing confidence in extension and adoption
GGA network staff, industry consultants, researchers and extension professionals connected over two days of learning in Perth on 8 – 9 May at the Extension & Adoption Training led by the SW WA Hub.
Designed to build skills in modern agricultural extension, the training provides practical tools to support farmer adoption of innovations and new practices.
PhD candidate Mahnaz Afsar, UWA said the program “guided us through the key steps in planning effective extension activities, including identifying target audiences, stakeholder analysis, defining levels of change, and aligning strategies accordingly".
Sidharth Kurumangal Sasikumar, Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator at Facey Group added, “the training was engaging with hands-on activities. The group discussions made it easy to learn and share ideas".
Three additional modules were delivered online, covering event planning, monitoring and evaluation, and facilitation techniques. The training is part of GGA’s broader capacity building program.
Tanya Kilminster: Bridging science and resilience in agriculture
From rumen microbiology to statewide knowledge brokering, Tanya Kilminster’s career showcases the powerful blend of science, community, and collaboration in WA agriculture.
Now the Knowledge Broker at the SW WA Hub, Tanya’s path has taken her from medical science labs to the heart of regional WA – always driven by a passion for practical, farmer-focused impact.
Her story, featured in the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration's Scientist Spotlight series, reflects the value of building strong relationships between researchers, farmers, and industry to ensure resilience in a changing climate.
Hub Projects in Focus
Low dam levels intensify water quality challenges
The 2024-25 summer saw lower dam levels across many parts of the region compared to last year, highlighting the growing importance of farm water planning as we face consecutive dry seasons.
The pilot project “Investigation of Methane Emissions from Farm Dams in Western Australia”, led by the University of Western Australia (UWA) and supported by the SW WA Hub, experienced first-hand how reduced water volumes can exacerbate water quality challenges.
While the project team successfully collected data on water quality dynamics in farm dams, they also encountered more fouling of the oxygen sensors than initially anticipated, including the presence of fly and mosquito eggs, despite the use of preventative copper plating.The attached images of the sensors serve as a visual reminder of the kinds of operational challenges that can arise when monitoring water quality in farm dams.
This project highlights the importance of regular water quality monitoring to safeguard livestock health and productivity during dry summers, when dam levels are low.
Field data analysis will continue through July and August, with findings expected to be available in October.
This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Natural Capital is an Asset: Dr Fiona Dempster talks nature and investment at MIG workshop
Earlier this month, Dr Fiona Dempster, Deputy Director at the UWA Centre for Agricultural Economics and Development, presented on “Private Investment in Natural Capital Production Landscapes” at a Mingenew Irwin Group carbon workshop.
“Natural Capital – our soils, water, biodiversity – isn’t just background,” Fiona explained. “It’s something we can measure, manage, and value. It can be an asset class.”
The workshop was the first time the research team publicly shared findings from a project exploring how growers and investors view Natural Capital.
Supported by the SW WA Hub through funding from the Future Drought Fund, the project aims to bring farming and sustainability together in a way that attracts real investment.
Regional Nodes
MADFIG to host 'Cultivating Profit' workshop with Renae Piggott
The Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG), a Regional Node of the SW WA Hub, is inviting early-career farmers and advisors to its upcoming Cultivating Profit workshop at the Beacon Country Club on Wednesday 25 June, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Designed to build financial literacy, confidence, and practical business skills in the next generation of agriculture professionals, this interactive three-hour workshop offers a valuable introduction to farm finance.
Farm Management Consultant Renae Piggot from AgAsset will guide participants through the four key financial ratios that underpin business ‘health’ and explain the practical levers that can be used to strengthen financial outcomes.
This program received funding from the Future Drought Fund through the Foundation For Rural & Regional Renewal.
Ticket enquiries: admin@madfig.com.au
Soil Stories
South-West WA Regional Soil Coordinator, Bridget Watkins, checking out an Alpine soil – a little different to Western Australian soil!
Regional Soil Coordinators visit the Snowy Mountains region with the Smart Soils Community of Practice
By Bridget Watkins, Regional Soil Coordinator
Twice a year, the Regional Soil Coordinators (RSCs) from around Australia come together in a different part of the country to connect, collaborate, and learn. These gatherings provide valuable exposure to the diverse soil types, management practices, and challenges faced across our landscapes, while also strengthening national networks and knowledge exchange between local soil experts, farmers, and the RSCs.
The most recent meeting took the RSCs to the Monaro region and Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. Starting in Canberra, the group travelled through Cooma and Jindabyne, visiting multiple sites along the way. These visits were generously supported by local soil professionals from South East Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, who facilitated insightful discussions and shared their expertise.
Topics covered included erosion management techniques, rotational grazing practices, the benefits of regular soil testing to inform nutritional application, and the use of technology to assess areas at risk of mass movement in soil structure.
The trip was coordinated by Soil Science Australia, as part of their role convening the Smart Soils Community of Practice – a national network supporting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and climate-smart agricultural outcomes. The Community of Practice helps RSCs and other soil experts and stakeholders across Australia access practical tools, learn from each other’s experiences, and drive improvements in soil management at both local and national scales.
The Regional Soil Coordinator project provides opportunities for researchers, primary producers and community groups to collaborate and share knowledge related to soil health and management. This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. The project is led by the SW WA Hub, partnering with SoilsWest at Murdoch University.
Relevant News, Events and Resources
Victoria Hub to host Drought Resilience 2025 conference
The Victoria Drought Resilience Innovation and Adoption Hub will host the Drought Resilience 2025 conference in Geelong, Victoria, from 9–11 July 2025. This event will bring together experts from across the sciences, health, law, business, technology, humanities, arts disciplines as well as Traditional Knowledge to explore collaborative approaches to support drought resilience.
Hub Knowledge Broker Tanya Kilminster will be presenting on the role of grower groups in advancing climate and drought resilience in Australian agriculture. Tanya will also then join a panel with fellow Hub Knowledge Brokers to further explore the role of farmer networks in conducting applied research for impact, and how the various models across Australia drive resilience and innovation. Both sessions will be a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of grower groups as key facilitators of climate and drought resilience.
Australia's national Climate Adaptation conference heads to Perth this July
Perth will host Australia’s leading event on climate vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation from 23–25 July 2025 at the Pan Pacific. The Climate Adaptation Conference brings together practitioners, researchers, policymakers and community leaders to share insights, build connections and strengthen the national adaptation community.
A key part of the program includes a primary industries stream on the afternoon of Day 1, spotlighting the challenges and opportunities for sectors like agriculture in a changing climate.
Hub Director Dr Jo Wisdom will present in this stream, delivering a session titled “Accelerated resilience – driving collaboration for rapid agricultural climate adaptation”. Her talk will explore how collaboration is essential to supporting climate adaptation programs allowing producers to respond more quickly and effectively to climate challenges.
Season 2025: 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 from DPIRD
- The Bureau of Meteorology’s rainfall outlook for June to August 2025 indicates near normal rainfall for the lower west of WA. The pattern of above normal temperatures is expected to continue through winter with forecasts of unusually high daytime temperatures over most of Australia... Read more.
MLA request for tender: Forage strategies for failing crops
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is seeking preliminary proposals for RD&A projects that will identify, evaluate and demonstrate strategies for utilising failing or weedy crops for forage either through grazing or conserved forage in the form of hay or silage.
Preliminary proposals must be received by MLA before 5pm AEST Friday 18 July 2025.
Locally Relevant News from the Future Drought Fund
Applications for Drought Resilience Lab Cohort 4 will open on June 16
Beanstalk’s Drought Resilience Lab is back for its fourth cohort! Backed by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this 12-week program supports agtech founders, researchers, and industry disruptors in turning their technologies into market-ready solutions to tackle future drought and climate challenges.
The program will run for 12 weeks, starting in September 2025 and concluding in December 2025. Applications will be open from 16 June to 27 July 2025.
To learn more about the program, join the information webinar on 17 June.
Water for pigs and poultry: PIWA summary seminar
Join Pork Innovation WA (PIWA) for their final Water Management for Pigs and Poultry seminar on Friday 20 June, 3-5pm at the Ingot Hotel, Belmont. Hear key project outcomes from PIWA's Managing water in a changing climate project, funded by the Future Drought Fund, as well as information on water quality and how climate projections for southwest WA may influence future water security. RSVP by 11 June to contact@piwa.com.au.
Hay and silage webinar offers insights and tips for the future
Western Beef's recent webinar outlines the summary of quality results for Western Australian hay and silage samples submitted by the 2023 and 2024 Better Hay and Silage participants. The Better Hay and Silage workshops, led by Western Beef, were supported by the Future Drought Fund.
A number of other useful resources to assist with improving hay and silage outcomes can be found on the Western Beef website.
FRRR grants help to strengthen rural communities
The Foundation For Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is offering grants to support communities to activate and strengthen local climate solutions through its Strengthening Rural Communities program.
- The Small & Vital stream gives small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds that can benefit and help secure their future success. Small grants up to $10,000 and targeted larger leverage grants up to $50,000 are available. Applications close 24 June.
- The Prepare & Recover stream supports communities to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from previous disasters. Grants up to $25,000 are available. Applications close 24 June.
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.
