Grower Group Alliance - South-West WA Drought Hub
Grower Group Alliance - South-West WA Drought Hub

Regional Nodes: ‘Many Hands’

Strong drought resilience starts with local knowledge.

Until the completion of the Nodes program in June 2026, the Hub’s Regional Nodes acted as trusted, on‑the‑ground connectors who understand what producers in their area need. They gathered and shared insights, coordinated local activities, and helped farmers access practical, evidence‑based solutions.

Because they live and work in their regions, the Nodes can quickly identify emerging challenges and opportunities. They support farmers by hosting and contributing to field days, workshops, demonstrations, and other events that make new ideas easier to understand and adopt. Their local presence ensures that innovation reaches the people who can use it most.

How the program worked

The Many Hands program supported Regional Nodes across eight regions, helping them run locally relevant events, demonstrations, and extension activities.

Those events also provided a platform to gather regional intelligence and understand what matters most to primary producers. Conversations often extended beyond drought preparedness to include seasonal conditions, markets, input costs, climate projections, carbon, and energy transition, which are issues that shape day‑to‑day decision‑making.

By working closely with the Regional Nodes, the Hub helped ensure that knowledge is shared widely and supports all aspects of risk management.

The Regional Nodes comprised four grower groups, three natural resource management organisations, and one food council:

Events hosted by Regional Nodes

2023/24 was a record-breaking dry season for the Lower South West on the back of a drier than usual winter. This workshop focused on building drought resilience on farm, confinement feeding and deferred grazing, drought and desalination case study and natural capital accounting.

Node: South-West NRM
Date: 23 October 2024
Location: Boyup Brook

Helping farmers to prepare for a drier season, with a focus on feed budgeting, time of calving/lambing, early weaning, strategic culling/destocking, weather and soil monitoring.

Node: South West NRM and PHCC 
Date: 4 March 2025
Location: Coolup

A series of half-day workshops showcasing topics focused on water management including the WaterSmart Dams and WaterSmart Farms projects looking at desalination, feed supply, and confinement feeding.

Node: South West NRM
Workshop 1: 26 March 2025 – Dumbleyung
Workshop 2: 27 March 2025 – Kojonup

A practical two-day workshop focused on upskilling the regional pastoral workforce in low-stress cattle handling. Building resilient, adaptable businesses that are better equipped to manage seasonal variability, respond to drought conditions and meeting animal welfare expectations across the supply chain in trying conditions. Learn more.

Node: Rangelands NRM
Date: 30 June and 1 July 2025
Location: Lyndon Station (Gascoyne region)

Gascoyne Catchments Group Annual Forum: Rehydration and building resilience landscapes  – 7 November 2024, Coral Bay

Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association Annual Forum: industry presentations on climate resilience, financial management and mental health management and a presentation on the “Pastoral Business Toolbox for the Southern Rangelands pastoral industry” project – 31 October and 1 November 2024, Kalgoorlie and Mt Vetters Station

Building Resilient Herds: Cattle Reproductive Health Workshop – a series of sessions focused on herd productivity, reproductive efficiency, pasture use, landscape management strategies – 22 July 2025, Gascoyne Station

Node: Rangelands NRM

Video series

4 Videos

Facey Group’s Drought Resilience in Action webinar series examined Hub and Future Drought Fund project in greater detail, showcasing progress, innovations, and practical insights into building drought-resilient farming systems.

Watch the webinar recordings:

Node: Facey Group

Demonstrations hosted by Regional Nodes

This project is looking to identify an appropriate carbon accounting tool relevant to the diverse horticulture farming operations in the Southern Forest region. The pilot facilitated primary producers to strengthen their knowledge, initiated their carbon journey, and identifed emission-reduction strategies that address climate and drought resilience. Learn more.

Node: Southern Forests Food Council

This project aims to establish a dynamic, interconnected network with other local grower groups to enhance regional collaboration in supporting farming decision making and drought resilience practices within the region. It aims to provide growers real-time forecasts and optimise resource management using tools such as GIS mapping, Spraymate and wind forecasting to reduce inputs and waste. This will improve planning with delivery of reliable yield predictions for better resource allocation and long-term strategies. This project will be a collaboration between two Wheatbelt-based Nodes.

Node: Facey Group

This project focuses on microclimate forecasting and data security. It aims to address the resistance by farmers to share their individual property generated data and increase their confidence in their role as data originators. From this, the project will investigate microclimate forecasting in the region by encouraging and building the readiness of farmers to share their own de-identified farm data. This project will be a collaboration between two Wheatbelt-based Nodes.

Node:Merredin & Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG)

This project aims to demonstrate that the production value of grazing landscape can be increased or maintained by increasing the landscape’s and soil’s ability to retain moisture within the system, lessening the impact of severe droughts.

Node: Northern Agricultural Catchment Council (NACC)

Range of ‘mini projects’ across the region.

  • Targeted drone spraying to reduce on-farm water use, labour and herbicide costs – testing the efficiency and effectiveness of utilising drones for targeted ground spraying and quantify the potential savings in water.
  • Regional saltbush fodder trials, workshop and field trip – exploring sustainable livestock feeding and integrated crop and pasture solutions – Also providing a comprehensive workshop and field trip to educate farmers and advisors about the benefits of saltbush as a sustainable fodder sources for livestock. With Fitzgerald Biosphere Group (FBG), Jerramungup
  • Building long-term drought resilience through grower group led perennial planting/ground cover initiatives – planting deep-rooted perennials to provide sheep fodder in times of drought/dry seasons. Wth Southern Dirt, Kojonup

Node: Stirlings to Coast Farmers

This study will compare the feed quality (e.g. crude protein, fibre, metabolisable energy) of annual and perennial pastures at key seasonal stages, including before and after summer rainfall which can reduce annual pasture quality but help perennials grow. The project aims to demonstrate the value of perennial pastures to maintain feed value at key stages.

The project will also provide data suitable for incorporation into Rumen8 software to support livestock diet creation and decision-making.

Six farmers will be engaged across the south-west of WA.

Read the report.

Node: South West NRM

This demonstration aims to extend the successful initial pilot by engaging a new group of producers in the Southern-Forests region to strengthen their understanding of carbon accounting, establish farm-level baselines, and identify practical emissions-reduction and resilience strategies.

Building on the findings from the first pilot, this stage will:

  • Expand participation to up to ten new farming enterprises, representing the diversity of horticultural and mixed-farming systems in the region.
  • Provide additional support and training to improve producers’ confidence and data capability.
  • Further refine the use of the Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre (PICCC) Greenhouse Accounting Framework (GAF) tools, ensuring they are accessible and relevant to local conditions.
  • Develop regionally applicable insights into emission sources and reduction opportunities that also enhance drought resilience.

Learn more.

Node: Southern Forests Food Council

This pilot study aims to investigate causes of bruising damage in harvested potatoes, including during harvest, handling, transport and processing. Bruising damage contributes to increased crop waste and lower water use efficiency in all sectors of the potato industry, including the fresh market, processing and seed potato sectors.

Reducing potato waste due to mechanical damage in fresh market and processing crops will increase water use efficiency in the paddock as marketable yield will increase for each megalitre of water applied. Water used to produce a potato crop in Western Australia varies between growing location, with between 5 to 7 megalitres (ML) per hectare required per growing season.

Read this PotatoLink article to discover the study’s results: Finding the hidden knowcks – SmartSpud technology reveals where potatoes are most at risk of bruising

Node: South-West NRM

News

  • Article, Regional Nodes

Celebrating five years of regional drought resilience

The Hub recently invited representatives from its eight Regional Nodes for a celebratory meeting and networking dinner, marking five years of collaboration to strengthen drought and climate

Read more
  • Article, Regional Nodes

Growing the Bucket

The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council (NACC) is investigating an approach titled “Growing the Bucket” aimed at mitigating the impacts of declining rainfall and increasing intensity of extreme weather events across agricultural landscapes. This work is being undertaken at a demonstration site near Cataby.
Read more
  • Article, Regional Nodes

Perennials versus annuals: new funding helps measure feed quality through the season

As part of their Drought Node role with the SW WA Hub, South West NRM has been awarded a small grant to perform feed tests on six farms over the next five months. The tests will compare feed quality (e.g. energy, protein) of perennial pasture versus annual pasture in late spring, mid-summer and early autumn.
Read more
  • Article, Field Notes, Regional Nodes, Transformation Murdoch

Enhancing water use efficiency in wheat: SMART SPRAYS demos

Murdoch University and the Bioplastics Innovation Hub ran demonstrations at three spring field days for their Hub-supported project SMART SPRAYS - maximising the benefits from rainfall. The trials highlighted how these materials can capture and retain water, potentially reducing evaporation losses and redirecting rainfall to where crops need it most.
Read more
  • Article, Field Notes, Regional Nodes

Co-design in agriculture takes centre stage at SW WA Hub Breakfast

The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) delivered a thought-provoking stakeholder breakfast at GGA’s Forum25, exploring the practice of co-design in agricultural projects.
Read more
  • Article, Field Notes, Regional Nodes

Stock handling workshop builds skills and confidence in the Gascoyne

The Gascoyne Catchments Group Inc recently hosted a two-day, hands-on stock handling workshop at Lyndon Station, led by renowned stockman and educator Steve Burke. The

Read more
  • Article, De-risking the seeding program, Field Notes, Innovation Farmanco, PropaGATE, Regional Nodes, Showcase, Transformation Murdoch, Transformation Whole, X-hub Contour Consulting

Watch the presentations from the Drought Resilience Showcase

The SW WA Hub's Drought Resilience Showcase 2024 brought together farmers, grower groups, researchers, agribusinesses, and government agencies who are committed to enhancing the resilience of Western Australia’s agricultural sector. Watch the video recordings from the day's presentation.
Read more
  • Article, E&A training, Regional Nodes

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 South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub).
Read more
  • Article, Field Notes, Regional Nodes, Water quality testing

Supporting farmers with water quality testing in Merredin

On Tuesday 11 February, the SW WA Hub’s newest extension team members, Mary-Anne and Cassie, headed east to the DPIRD Research Station in Merredin – probes and calibration solutions in tow. During their visit, they teamed up with staff from MADFIG and DPIRD to deliver a hands-on workshop on water quality testing.
Read more
  • Media Release, Innovation Farmanco, PropaGATE, Regional Nodes, Showcase, Transformation Murdoch, Transformation Whole, X-hub Contour Consulting

The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Hosts Successful Showcase and Field Tour

The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub hosted its inaugural Showcase and Field Tour on Wednesday and Thursday 11-12 December 2024. The event brought together farmers, grower groups, researchers, agribusinesses, and government agencies who are committed to enhancing the resilience of Western Australia’s agricultural sector.
Read more
  • Article, Regional Nodes, Transformation Murdoch

SMART SPRAYS project featured in Facey Group’s ‘Drought Resilience in Action’ webinar series

In December 2024, Facey Group, the South-Eastern Wheatbelt Node of the SW WA Hub, invited PhD student Samantha Viljoen on their Drought Resilience in Action webinar series to talk about the SMART SPRAYS project. The video recording is now available.
Read more
  • Article, Field Notes, Regional Nodes, Transformation UWA Natural Capital

UWA hosted educational workshops on natural capital production landscape opportunities

UWA hosted educational workshops to share insights on natural capital production landscape opportunities. These sessions delved into the potential of a Natural Asset Company equity structure to drive significant changes in Western Australia.
Read more

Resources

  • Case study

Drought adaptation in the lower South-West: beef, dairy, vineyard, orchard

Explore case studies covering techniques and strategies adapting to the challenges of our drying climate, published by South-West NRM.
Read more
  • Podcast

Building better projects through effective co-design

In this episode, we’re joined by Jethro Sercombe, Director of Innovation Practice at Third Story, and Tanya Kilminster, SW WA Hub Knowledge Broker, for a deep dive into co-design in agriculture. Together, they unpack what co-design really means and explore how it can be applied to agriculture-related projects to achieve stronger outcomes.
Read more
  • Webinar

Making the most of salinity (Facey Group)

This webinar explores how WA farmers are transforming salty country into productive, resilient landscapes. Dr Hayley Norman (CSIRO) and Dr Chris McDonough (Insight Extension for Agriculture) unpack practical approaches to managing saline soils, selecting salt-tolerant forages, and rehabilitating damaged areas.
Read more
  • Webinar

Coleoptile and root traits for strong wheat establishment (Facey Group)

Dr Sarah Rich (CSIRO) explains how coleoptile traits can unlock new sowing opportunities to improve wheat drought resilience. Huyen Phan (UWA) explores how the rhizosheath supports nutrient uptake, water access, and long-term crop performance.
Read more
  • Podcast

Planning for financial security through uncertain times

In this episode, we’re joined by Renae Piggott, Consultant with AgAsset, and Krista Lancaster from Ninghan Spraying and Ag Services and Project Officer at the Merredin & Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG). Together, they explore the importance of planning ahead – rather than making decisions under pressure – and discuss key takeaways from "Cultivating Profit" workshops, including
Read more
  • Podcast

Opportunities and challenges of deep sowing

CSIRO Plant Physiologist Dr Sarah Rich and Facey Group CEO Tina Astbury discuss the Future Drought Fund project "Improving Sowing Opportunities for Increased Farm Resilience in a Changing Climate". They explore the potential of deep sowing, the current opportunities for adoption, and what’s on the horizon for this practice.
Read more
  • Webinar

Innovative applications for improving crop health (Facey Group)

Samantha Viljoen (Murdoch University) shares her research on the SMART SPRAYS biodegradable polymer spray, designed to improve crop water retention and boost soil health. Tona Sanchez-Palacios (Murdoch University) explores agronomic biofortification of wheat with zinc, examining how foliar fertilisers enhance grain quality for food and animal feed.
Read more
  • Webinar

WaterSmart Dams: maximising efficiency and quality (Facey Group)

In this webinar, Dr Richard George (DPIRD) and Dr Nik Callow (UWA) share insights from the WaterSmart Dams project into efficient water use, dam setup, runoff management, water quality, and desalination opportunities.
Read more
  • Webinar

Natural capital opportunities in farming (Facey Group)

In this webinar, Tom Picton-Warlow (MobileGlobal) introduces the Hub-led project on natural capital, which is helping growers and NRM groups integrate natural capital into farming, connect with potential investors, and broaden business opportunities in agriculture.
Read more
  • Podcast

Getting the most out of on-farm technologies

Smart Farms coordinator for Stirlings to Coast Farmers, Phil Honey, Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, Roger Lawes, and Latham farmer, Dylan Hirsch, talk about the role of digital technologies in agricultural businesses and how they can address farming system challenges and improve in-season decision making when faced with a variable climate.
Read more
  • Case study

Analysing the role of new technology in on-farm decision making

This case study provides an insight into how growers have utilised data-analytics to inform in their decision making process.
Read more
  • Case study

Glenflorrie biodiversity survey case study

A biodiversity survey was conducted on Glenflorrie Station as part of Rangelands NRM’s ‘Fast tracking WA and NT to align with nutritional feed base mapping technology advancements at a national level’. It was a pilot survey to determine if the method used would be practical for pastoral stations in Western Australia and consequently across the nation.
Read more

Other resources

Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt podcast – MADFIG

This series is dedicated to building innovation and resilience against drought in the Eastern Wheatbelt region. Listen to the episodes below.