Transformational projects make strides towards agricultural resilience in WA
Six transformational projects led by the SW WA Hub and funded through the Future Drought Fund (FDF) are making meaningful strides toward long-term agricultural resilience in Western Australia.
Natural capital project showcased at agricultural economics conference
Ram Pandit, the UWA project lead for the SW WA Hub’s transformational project on natural capital, presented preliminary project findings at the Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society (AARES) 69th Annual Conference held in Brisbane from 11 to 14 February 2025.
evokeAG 2025: sparking connections for a resilient future
Last week, members of the SW WA Hub team headed to evokeAG 2025 in Brisbane, joining industry leaders, researchers and innovators to explore new opportunities in drought resilience.
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.
Mapping, monitoring and yarning on Country
During the season of Birak (December–January), the Transformative Aboriginal Agricultural Methods (TAAM) project team mapped sites on Gimlet Ridge and Weelhamby farms where landscape interventions, such as leaky weirs, will be installed to slow water flow and improve the landscape’s hydrology.
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.
Exploring renewable energy production opportunities in WA farming systems
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.
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.
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.
From spuds to stockfeed: tackling agricultural waste
Early trials showed that treated potato waste could replace barley in animal feed without compromising nutrition. However, challenges such as high moisture levels and bacterial content have highlighted the need for practical solutions to make the process more cost-effective for large-scale use.
Hub Regional Node hosts workshop to help producers prepare for drought
On 23 October, South-West NRM, a regional Node of the SW WA Hub, hosted a ‘Preparing for Drought’ workshop at Rylington Park in Boyup Brook. The event brought together experts and organisations dedicated to building drought resilience.
Promoting resilience: SW WA Hub leads sessions at 2024 Agronomy Conference
Grower Group Alliance team members, including CEO Rikki Foss, Acting Hub Director Dr Jo Wisdom, and Hub Adoption Manager Julianne Hill, attended the 2024 Agronomy Conference in Albany, themed “Adaptive Agronomy for a Resilient Future.” The conference highlighted innovative practices that drive resilience in agriculture, a key focus for the SW WA Hub.
