Dry Season Resources

Virtual fencing could become a game-changer for Australian livestock producers, replacing kilometres of wire and hours of labour with a GPS collar and an app. But its potential goes well beyond convenience. By giving farmers unprecedented control over grazing pressure, virtual fencing is shaping up as a powerful tool for dry‑season management and climate resilience.In this episode, 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. They also discuss the research underway to help farmers assess whether virtual fencing stacks up economically for their own operations.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Doug Hamilton.Virtual fencing: breaking down boundaries in livestock grazing - SW WA HubVirtually Fence Free project (Future Drought Fund) - NQ Dry TropicsCommercialisation of Virtual Fencing for Livestock - SARDI / PIRSAVirtual fencing for improved drought resilience on South Australian farms - SA Drought HubVirtual fencing for improved drought resilience on South Australian farms - SW WA HubVirtual fencing provides productivity gains from strip grazing in broadacre farming - SW WA HubHub news - Drought Hub

Uncertain seasons require clear thinking, not more noise.In this episode, Rod Birch, a grain grower from Coorow, shares his approach to planning for and managing through dry seasons and broader uncertainty.Rod discusses the importance of focusing on core fundamentals, identifying key risks such as lower-than-expected rainfall, input supply and markets, and avoiding unnecessary noise when making decisions.The conversation explores planning across short, medium, and long timeframes, along with the role of good relationships and trusted advice in supporting decision making.While Rod speaks from a grain growing perspective, the principles apply across agriculture, reinforcing that although conditions change, the fundamentals of good planning remain the same.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Links on drought and mental health support - SW WA HubRiskWi$e - The National Risk Management Initiative - Grower Group AllianceNavigating extreme seasonal variability in WA’s Wheatbelt - SW WA HubHub news - Drought Hub

Input constraints are a challenge, not just currently in 2026, but also off the back of dry seasons when financial constraints can dominate decision making. In both contexts, smart allocation can make a real difference to whole of farm performance.In this episode, cropping farmer Dylan Hirsch from Latham WA and CSIRO research scientist Roger Lawes discuss practical strategies for making the most of limited inputs, with a strong focus on the highest input cost of nitrogen.They discuss how ranking paddocks by yield potential using historical data and remote sensing can help target limited inputs, while also considering how growers can adjust crop and rotation decisions when conditions or supply constraints change.Roger then shares insights from the national Grain Automate project, including a new calculator tool to help evaluate precision spraying investments.The conversation highlights the role of farm data in decision making to effectively optimise a constrained resource.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Doug Hamilton.Grain Automate Economic Model Calculator - Grain Automate - GRDC & CSIROSpray Program Calculator - GRDC & CSIROGrain Automate - GRDCHub news - Drought Hub

Seasonal climate outlooks can inform planning, but they are only one part of farm decision-making.In this episode, Dr Meredith Guthrie, from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Phil Smyth, northern Wheatbelt agronomist from Nutrien Coorow, talk about the 2026 seasonal outlook.Meredith explains current climate drivers, how to interpret climate model probabilities and how the potential development of an El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole may result in 2026 looking a bit like the difficult year of 2023.They then go on to discuss what these forecasts may mean for growers, including dry sowing, crop selection, managing input costs, and making the most of early rainfall opportunities.The conversation highlights the importance of using forecasts as guidance while focusing on sound management decisions throughout the season and how there is always space for hope.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Long-range weather, climate and water availability - Bureau of MeteorologySeasonal Climate Outlook - Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentLong-range forecasts: weeks, months and seasons - Bureau of MeteorologyHub news - Drought Hub

Water quality is one of the most overlooked factors in spray performance, yet it can have major impacts on efficacy, compatibility and long-term resistance risk.In this episode, agronomist Bill Campbell from Campbell Ag and Damon Cusack from the Fitzgerald Biosphere Group (FBG) discuss how water quality varies across Western Australia and what growers can do to better manage it.They explore common issues including hard water tying up glyphosate, high turbidity reducing the effectiveness of paraquat, and elevated pH shortening the half-life of certain insecticides and fungicides.The conversation highlights key results from FBG’s Water Quality Snapshot project, which revealed significant variability in water sources, even between dams on the same farm.Practical strategies include testing all water sources, ranking them by quality, matching water to product where possible, and investing in storage or treatment systems. The episode also points to useful tools and fact sheets available through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).A small investment in understanding your water could make a big difference to spray results and farm resilience.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) and is hosted by Doug Hamilton.Sprayer workshops – filter to “west” region and “workshops” - GRDCWater tests - CSBPWaterSmart Dams: Making Dams Work Again — Fitzgerald Biosphere GroupWater Evaluation Platform - University of Western AustraliaWater quality factsheet - GRDCSpray mixing and batch guides - GRDCWater Smart Dams project - Grower Group AllianceHub news - Drought Hub

Livestock monitoring and management is crucial for keeping animals healthy and productive during extended summer periods.In this episode, we are joined by Dr Izzy Drage, Field Veterinary Officer at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and Katherine Davies, Senior Development Officer in DPIRD’s Animal Systems group. They bring valuable experience in livestock health and practical on‑farm management.We discuss the practical and strategic approaches to managing livestock during prolonged dry and hot periods, touching on water management, feed planning, disease observation and prevention, and long-term climate resilience for livestock.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Livestock nutrition in dry seasons with hay, silage and containment feeding - SW WA HubWaterSmart Dams: capturing and keeping water in dams - SW WA HubManaging heat stress in sheep, beef and dairy cattle - SW WA HubAnimal biosecurity - DPIRDAnimal welfare in emergencies - Heatwave (and dry season) - DPIRDAnnual ryegrass toxicity in livestock - DPIRD"Condition scoring of sheep" factsheet - DPIRD"Confined paddock feeding and feedlotting of sheep" factsheet - DPIRDDPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory ServicesDPIRD field vet contactsElectronic identification for sheep and goats in Western Australia - DPIRDThe Emergency Animal Disease Hotline – how does it work? - Animal Health AustraliaEmergency animal disease preparedness - DPIRD"Growing weaner sheep" factsheet - DPIRDHypocalcaemia in sheep - Agriculture VictoriaLivestock ownership, identification and movement in Western Australia - DPIRDLupinosis - DPIRDPrevent chemical residues in livestock - DPIRDReportable animal diseases – Western Australia - DPIRDSaltland GenieSeason agricultural region - DPIRDSheep dry season management - DPIRDSheep feeding and nutrition - DPIRDSheep reproduction and genetics - DPIRDSheep tools, resources and calculators - DPIRDSignificant Disease Investigation Program - DPIRDSupplementary feeding and budgeting - DPIRDWater for livestock - DPIRDWaterSmart Dams – Making Dams Work Again - Grower Group AllianceWaterSmart Farms – water security and resilience in a drying climate - DPIRDHub news - Drought Hub

Quality soil data and precision agriculture can reduce risk and improve farm performance.This episode kicks off our new Innovation series, dropping every second instalment of the Dry Season Resources podcast. This series is hosted by Doug Hamilton, Innovation Specialist with the Grower Group Alliance and the SW WA Hub.In this episode, Doug is joined by Aidan Sinnott, consultant and director at VRT Solutions, and Giles McMeikan, agronomist at Farmanco. Both bring extensive experience in precision agriculture and the handling, processing, analysis and interpretation of on-farm datasets.They explore how soil surveying can be used to manage risk in modern farming systems, soil surveying technologies available to farmers, how soil data can help improve water use efficiency, and the practical implementation of variable rate technology (VRT).The conversation highlights the importance of well-managed on-farm data, strong collaboration between agronomists and precision agriculture consultants, and ensuring VRT does not compromise key profit drivers such as time of sowing.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) and is hosted by Doug Hamilton.VRTS Web Tools DirectoryFostering the adoption of variable rate fertiliser application for improved nutrient use efficiency - SPAAHub news - Drought Hub

More than one million hectares of broadacre farmland are estimated to be affected by dryland salinity in Western Australia, causing significant production losses. In this episode, Dr Richard George from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) reflects on four decades of work tackling dryland salinity across Western Australia.He unpacks the complexity of salinity in the Wheatbelt, tracing its historical roots and examining the pressures of land clearing, climate, and agricultural practices on salinity levels, and outlines practical management strategies that have emerged from years of research.The conversation also looks ahead, highlighting the potential of water‑smart farming approaches to better manage water in a drying climate and support more resilient agricultural systems.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Sandy soils series: Re-engineering sandy soils into productive land - SW WA HubDrought Resilience in Action webinar series: Making the most of salinity - Facey GroupManaging soils - DPIRDWaterSmart Farms – water security and resilience in a drying climate - DPIRDHub news - Drought Hub

Declining rainfall and reduced water availability since the 1970s have made efficient water use in food production more important than ever. In this episode, Dr Julia Easton and Professor Mark Gibberd from the Centre for Crop Disease Management at Curtin University discuss the 'On Farm Water Demand' project, funded through the WA Node of Food Agility CRC.On Farm Water Demand is a regional project that began with a community meeting and grew into a multi-farm trial using soil moisture sensors and irrigation monitoring to better understand water use in high-value crops like avocados, truffles, apples, wine grapes, and potatoes.With 27 farms involved, data was collected year-round to track irrigation and soil moisture. Farmers used this to fine-tune decisions, whether daily or seasonally, and to back up choices with evidence rather than just instinct. The project highlights how structured data supports business planning, water efficiency, and even climate adaptation modelling at a catchment scale.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Curtin 4 Agribusiness Profitability (C4AP) - CCDMSouthern Forests Drought Node - Southern Forests Food CouncilOn-Farm Water Demand - Food Agility CRCHub news - Drought Hub

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. They highlight why intent matters: true co-design is about making decisions with stakeholders, not steering them toward a pre-determined solution. Done well, co-design strengthens projects, builds trust, and fosters lasting relationships rather than burning bridges.Whether you’re working with a grower group, leading an on-farm team, or involved in broader agricultural projects, this episode offers practical insights into the essential elements of co-design, and how to make it work effectively.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.ThirdStoryCo-design in agriculture takes centre stage at SW WA Hub Breakfast - SW WA HubHub news - Drought Hub

Neil Lantzke, Principal Research Scientist in DPIRD’s Intensive and Irrigated Plant Systems team, shares his expertise on growing horticultural crops on the sandy soils of Western Australia’s Swan Coastal Plain.Neil explains why these soils struggle to retain nutrients and water, and highlights innovative agricultural practices that are being developed to address these issues. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of climate change on water resources and how these changes shape horticultural management. He shares practical insights and advice on various irrigation techniques, the potential of soil re-engineering, and the economic considerations that influence growers' decisions. This episode offers a detailed look at the strategies being used to sustain horticultural production in challenging environments.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Evaluating on farm water and nutrient recapture in Western Australia - Hort InnovationModern Soil Moisture Monitoring for Improved Drought Resilience - SW WA HubIrrigation calculator - Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentHub news - Drought Hub

Murdoch University’s Professor David Henry and recent PhD graduate Maria Pfeifle, now with DPIRD, explore the issue of non-wetting soils (also known as soil water repellency) in Western Australia.They unpack what it is, why it occurs, and what remains unknown, delving into the complexities of managing this persistent challenge.The conversation also examines how sandy soils, temperature, drought, organic matter, and microbial activity all influence the extent and impact of water repellency across the State.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Soil Water Repellence - Soil Quality Knowledge BaseHub news - Drought Hub

Dr Gaus Azam, a soils researcher at DPIRD leading the GRDC project “Re-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil”, joins Esperance agronomist Quenten Knight from Agronomy Focus to discuss the soil re-engineering work underway across Western Australia.Together, they explore how this innovative approach to soil management is improving water access for crops, increasing yields, and strengthening drought resilience. They share insights on the importance of understanding soil types, the practical applications of soil amelioration, and the benefits of enhancing soil health to improve crop yields and resilience during dry seasons.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Pre-emergent herbicides factsheet - GRDCGoogle Scholar: Dr Gaus Azam's publications Re-engineering soil profiles might happen sooner than expected (video) - GRDCRe-engineering soils to improve the access of crop root systems to water and nutrients stored in the subsoil - GRDCThe resilience of re-engineered sandy soils in wet and dry seasons in Western Australia (PDF) - Gaus Azam, DPIRDLess rain, more wheat: How Australian farmers defied climate doom - Reuters‘Moonshot’ investment tracks soil amelioration over time and space - GRDC Ground CoverHub news - Drought Hub

We’re kicking off our Sandy Soils podcast series with Dr Stephen Davies (DPIRD) and Dr Therese McBeath (CSIRO), co-conveners of the 2025 Sandy Soils Conference in Perth.Sandy soils cover more than half of Western Australia, including much of our cropping land. Their importance to food production and land use makes understanding and managing them vital to building climate resilience.Stephen and Therese share highlights from the conference, where experts from agriculture, mining, and natural resource management came together to drive collaboration and innovation. They also dive into the key challenges shaping sandy soils management in agriculture, from water repellency and compaction to salinity and nutrient leaching, and set the scene for what’s to come in this series.If you want to understand why sandy soils matter, and what’s being done to make them more productive, this is the perfect place to start.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.Sustainable Solutions for Sandy Soils, West Midlands - SW WA HubBuilding better soils from the ground up: insights from the global Sandy Soils Conference - SW WA HubSandy Soils Global Conference

What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields?Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opportunities and challenges of the renewables rollout. The three-part series shares insights from a grower survey funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, and examines what’s driving renewable energy interest in Western Australia’s ag sector - from financial benefits and long-term business resilience to the social, legal, and environmental realities on the ground.Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already in talks, this series is your independent guide to navigating the future of on-farm energy.The third and final episode of the series explores how regional communities can stay ahead of the renewable energy curve, featuring Vin Fordham-Lamont (CEO, Shire of West Arthur) and Karen Harrington (Shire of West Arthur, Deputy Shire President), hosted by Shannon Beattie.

What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields?Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opportunities and challenges of the renewables rollout. The three-part series shares insights from a grower survey funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, and examines what’s driving renewable energy interest in Western Australia’s ag sector - from financial benefits and long-term business resilience to the social, legal, and environmental realities on the ground.Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already in talks, this series is your independent guide to navigating the future of on-farm energy.The second episode of the series explores whether renewable energy projects are worth it for Western Australian growers, featuring Farmanco's Greg Easton (Farm Management Consultant) and icubed Consulting Senior Associate, Fraser MacMillan, hosted by Shannon Beattie.Diversifying farm income: integrating renewable energy into agriculture - SW WA Hub Hub news - Drought Hub

What happens when wind turbines meet wheat fields?Across Western Australia, more and more farmers are being approached by energy companies with big ideas - and big infrastructure. But what does it all mean for your farm? Farmanco’s limited podcast series, "Diversifying Farm Income: Integrating Renewable Energy into Agriculture", unpacks the opportunities and challenges of the renewables rollout. The three-part series shares insights from a grower survey funded through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, and examines what’s driving renewable energy interest in Western Australia’s ag sector - from financial benefits and long-term business resilience to the social, legal, and environmental realities on the ground.Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already in talks, this series is your independent guide to navigating the future of on-farm energy.The first episode of the series explores why renewable energy companies are knocking on WA farm gates, featuring Farmanco’s Kelly Ryan (Project Manager) and Williams and Harrismith grower Mark Fowler, hosted by Shannon Beattie.

Pastoralists Alys McKeough (Carey Downs Station) and Debbie Dowden (Challa Station) were sponsored by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) to attend the 2025 International Rangelands Congress in Adelaide. In this episode, Alys and Debbie share key insights and takeaways from the event, from global perspectives on rangeland management to the importance of international collaboration.Alys and Debbie also reflect on the important role of women in rangelands leadership and how their contributions are shaping more sustainable, environmentally conscious practices. They discuss the ongoing challenges facing remote communities and highlight the need for strong support systems to build long-term resilience across Australia’s rangelands.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.

Dr John Duncan from The University of Western Australia and Dr Daniel Kidd from the Grower Group Alliance discuss the recently released Water Evaluation Platform (WEP), which was created as part of the WaterSmart Dams project. WEP is a web application that allows you to simulate the performance of a dam and its catchment allowing the landholder to understand and analyse the different options available. The WEP was designed with industry experts and growers to support individual farms, private contractors, water planners, and local communities to make drought-resilient investment decisions.This episode highlights the different types of analysis possible through WEP, as well as the data required, and the process taken to get here. This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.WaterSmart Dams: capturing and keeping water in dams - Dry Season Resources PodcastCentre for Water and Spatial Science | UWAThe Ripple EffectWaterSmart Farms – water security and resilience in a drying climate. | Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentWaterSmart Dams Introducing the Water Evaluation Platform (short video)Water Evaluation PlatformHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, Dr Michael Young, from Farm Optimisation Group and Johno O'Halloran, a local farmer in Kojonup, explore how decision-making tools can help manage challenges. Decision fatigue is common, but using models and expert advice can reduce the load and improve outcomes.The episode discusses the farm optimisation model that lets you test different scenarios, helping farmers move beyond gut instinct with data-backed decisions. Whether you're fine-tuning livestock vs cropping choices or considering incorporating legumes, this tool helps you understand potential outcomes and key drivers. Importantly, it's not about a computer telling you what to do, it’s a decision support tool for experienced and new farmers alike, which can be used solo or with a consultant. This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Youngs Farm Analysis - ResearchIdentifying high-value tactical livestock decisions on a mixed enterprise farm in a variable environmentHub news - Drought Hub

Dr Nik Callow from the University of Western Australia shares insights from the WaterSmart Dams project, which aims to build resilient water supplies for cropping and livestock operations.The episode highlights the issue of dams receiving less water due to lower rainfall, low runoff from catchments, and ageing dams; all exacerbating water shortages, especially during consecutive low rainfall years.Solutions discussed include using repurposed tarpaulins to increase catchment runoff, daisy dam covers and vegetation to reduce evaporation, repurposing subsurface drainage systems, and decreasing leakage losses. Many strategies were grower-led, with the project aiming to understand and quantify benefits. Implementing a suite of solutions tailored to individual farming needs may yield better results for securing long-term water supply.Water quality is also addressed, with some farmers offsetting water treatment costs through increased herbicide efficacy.An episode on the Water Evaluation Platform (WEP) will be released soon.The WaterSmart Dams project is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Western Australian state government’s Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund, and is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Grower Group Alliance.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.WaterSmart Farms: Water Security and Resilience in a Drying Climate - DPIRDWaterSmart Dams: Making dams work again - Grower Group Alliance (GGA)Diving into WaterSmart Farms with Dr. Richard George (DPIRD) - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyCatching Every Drop: MADFIG's Role in the WaterSmart Dams Project (Roaded Catchment) - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms: Wongutha CAPS - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms Deep Drilling project with Dr. Richard George - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms: Unlocking Opportunities with Desalination - From Stockwater to Spray Quality - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms: Reverse Osmosis trials giving rural communities fresh water for the future. - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyNot all Water is equal: Water quality is the key to WaterSmart Dams (and Farms) - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyHub news - Drought Hub

Business, landscape/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.We are joined by agribusiness management consultant Richard Brake (Richard Brake Consulting), principal landscape ecologist/agroecologist Richard Marver (Contour Consulting) and rural counsellor and wellbeing health advocate Louise O’Neill (Farm Life Fitness). The three of them participated in the Pastoral Business Toolkit project led by the Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association (GNRBA).While isolation poses one of the greatest challenges for pastoralists, both in terms of mental health and business operations, seasonal variability remains a significant concern from a landscape and production standpoint. Our guests discuss how decision-making can be particularly challenging when each choice carries substantial weight for the business. Having access to the right resources can make these decisions far less overwhelming and more informed. They share key lessons from the Pastoral Business Toolkit.The Pastoral Business Toolkit project is supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.FRRR Pastoral Business Toolbox: Kanandah - GNRBAFRRR Pastoral Business Toolbox: Morapoi - GNRBAPastoral Business Toolbox heads to the Nullarbor - SW WA HubHub news - Drought Hub

2024 delivered a mixed season for Western Australian growers. It began with extremely dry conditions, then turned around with above-average rainfall through June, July, and August, leading to above-average yields in many regions. However, rising overheads and variable costs meant many farmers finished the year in a neutral financial position.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).Renae hosted the Cultivating Profit workshops in 2024, designed to give young farmers an introduction into farm finances. Krista supported and attended one of these events.Together, they explore the importance of planning ahead – rather than making decisions under pressure – and discuss key takeaways from the workshops, including how understanding financial ratios can support better decision-making. As Renae puts it: "The best time to prepare for a poor year is during your best years."This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Financial literacy for young farmers - SW WA HubHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode we are joined by a dynamic farming duo, Danielle Lannin England and Jonathan England, from AgInnovate. With a wealth of experience on-farm and in the wider agricultural industry, they share their advice after experiencing multiple dry seasons on their mixed sheep-grain farm in South Australia. Danielle, who originally hails from a farming family in southeast WA, is a highly regarded consultant with expertise in farm business management and decision making. She shares her perspective from the farm office and highlights the importance of maintaining community connections during tough times. Jonathan is a livestock expert with a focus on sheep production systems. He shares how adaptive management approaches, such as 3-week joining and confinement feeding strategies, can help maintain long-term health and productivity for farming operations. This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Top Tips for Season 2025 Insights from the Grain and Graze Program Lifetime Ewe ManagementAgInnovateHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, we hear about new technologies in landscape management in the rangelands. Our guests are Megan Willis, Senior Research Officer from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Richard Marver, landscape ecologist and director of Contour Environmental and Agricultural Consulting. Megan shares insights from her project exploring the use of virtual fencing to manage livestock across rangelands, with benefits including enhanced, real-time herd monitoring and improved mustering efficiency. Richard shares the potential use of drones to generate landscape-scale data to show pasture health and to help inform decision making for grazing management.Together, they highlight how new technologies such as these might be integrated into existing agricultural systems to assist producers and landholders manage their livestock operations.  This episode is brought to you by theSouth-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.SA Drought HubCommercialisation of virtual fencing for livestock - DPIR, SARDIContour ConsultingHub news - Drought Hub

Tam Connor, Learning and Development Manager, and Lance Mudgway, Landscape Planner and Hydrologist at the Mulloon Institute, explore the principles of landscape rehydration – using nature-based infrastructure and strategic land management to restore water cycles, enhance water quality, and build ecosystem resilience.They also discuss the Communities of Practice Project, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, which is empowering farming communities to adopt rehydration techniques and drive long-term landscape restoration.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Communities of Practice Project — Mulloon InstituteHub news - Drought Hub

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.The episode delves into the mixed success of recent trials, highlighting that deep sowing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution — it depends on soil type, seasonal conditions, and logistical considerations. Given its opportunistic nature, the discussion unpacks what’s needed to make deep sowing work effectively and when it offers the greatest benefits for farmers.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Time of sowing fact sheet: when to sow wheat to minimise risk – Western region – GRDCLong coleoptile wheats – for deep seeding and optimising sowing window options - GRDCEvaluating Deep Sowing of Oats in WA Production Systems - Facey GroupLong Coleoptile Project - Facey GroupGetting deep and meaningful with canola and wheat - GRDCLong Coleoptile Wheat webinar with Sarah Rich (Youtube) - FarmLinkHub news - Drought Hub

How can we make the most of rain when it falls, and what alternatives exist when it doesn’t? In this episode, researchers Samantha Viljoen (Murdoch University) and Dr Priscilla Tremain (University of Newcastle) share their innovative work on improving water security in agriculture.Samantha, a PhD candidate in the Bioplastics Innovation Hub, introduces the SMART SPRAYS project, which is developing a bioplastic-based spray to improve water harvesting and water retention in cropping systems. The SMART SPRAYS project is part of the SW WA Hub's Transformational Program and receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, Murdoch University and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration.Priscilla, a researcher on the Hydro Harvester project, explains how her atmospheric water generator extracts moisture from the air to create high-quality drinking water – anywhere, anytime. She explores potential applications, from providing water security to rural communities to ensuring self-sufficiency for farmers and livestock.With seasons becoming more variable, ensuring water availability is critical for communities and agriculture alike. Tune in to learn how these innovative solutions could reshape water management in an increasingly dry climate.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.SMART SPRAYS: maximising the benefits from rainfall - SW WA HubHydro Harvester: addressing drinking water shortages in drought-affected communities - University of NewcastleHub news - Drought Hub

Dr Penny Schulz from the SA Drought Hub and Dr Jeisane Accioly-McIllre from Western Beef Association Inc. share insights from their work on drought resilience strategies for livestock feeding.Penny discusses her pilot program on containment feeding, highlighting its benefits for productivity, pasture management, profitability, and drought preparedness. Jeisane brings her expertise from the ‘Better Hay and Silage’ workshops, equipping farmers with practical knowledge on producing, storing, and using hay and silage effectively.Together, they explore the importance of planning, training, and informed decision-making when managing livestock nutrition in dry seasons. They also share key outcomes from their projects and offer valuable tools and questions to help producers navigate feed management during challenging conditions.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Silage, is it all it’s wrapped up to be? - SW WA HubMy Farm DashboardContainment feeding to boost business performance and resilience - SA Drought Hub - Watch this site for the release of the RationApp, yet to be released.Easy Beef and Dairy Cattle Diets - Rumen8Hub news - Drought Hub

Join UWA’s Professor Shane Maloney and Western Dairy Extension Advisor India Brockman as they delve into the impact of heat stress in sheep and cattle, with a special focus on dairy cows in Western Australia.Shane discusses the Murdoch University-led project "The Benefits of Shelter Belts", which is evaluating the effectiveness of shelterbelts in WA's South West region.India introduces Dairy Australia's Cool Cows program. Discover the far-reaching impacts of heat stress, including reduced milk production, low milk protein and fat tests, lower fertility rates, and long-term health issues. Explore why "shade is king" in heat stress management and gain insights into cost-effective strategies for creating cooler environments for your livestock.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Shade options for livestock - Drought InfoShade and shelter project - Meat & Livestock AustraliaManaging heat load and heat stress in sheep and cattle at saleyards - DPIRDCool Cows: manual, 2023 (PDF) - Dairy AustraliaStrategies For Managing Heat Stress - Dairy AustraliaEllinbank Smartfarm - Agriculture VictoriaHub news - Drought Hub

Nic McGregor from AgVise Merredin and Ben Whisson from ConsultAg Kulin discuss the realities of farming in WA’s eastern Wheatbelt, highlighting the importance of getting the basics right: planning, execution, and cost control.Nic and Ben share strategies for adapting to tough seasons, including building cash reserves in good years, knowing your numbers, and investing in areas like water supplies and crop diversity. Both stress the need for informed decisions, consistent operations, and self-care - because the biggest risk to any farm business is its people (their advice? Book a holiday!).This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Mitigating risk in a dry and variable climate - GRDCRiskWi$e – GRDCRiskWi$e – The National Risk Management Initiative – Grower Group AllianceDe-risking seeding program – Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry and early sown crops – Baseline Survey Report (PDF)De-Risking the Seeding Program – AG ExcellenceHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, Dave Stead from Anasazi Consulting and Phil Smyth from Nutrien Coorow explore the growing array of weather tools and apps available to farmers. With advancements like smartphones and subscription-based services, farmers now have unprecedented access to weather data - but navigating the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming.Dave and Phil share insights on how to leverage these tools effectively to make informed decisions on-farm. They discuss the rise of localised weather stations, the benefits and limitations of popular apps like CliMate and Meteorlogix, and the importance of understanding trends in weather models.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Meteologix: Weather for Australia - Swiss Quality Weather ForecastingBureau of Meteorology developments in long-term forecasting accuracy – the implications for autumn sowing - GRDCFarming Forecaster: helping farmers make decisions on livestock production - CSIROMy Climate View: Innovative climate tool expands to support more farmers - CSIROFive forecast tools to help you make better decisions - Meat & Livestock AustraliaMyClimateView: how past and projected climate data can support on-farm decision making - SW WA HubYour weather questions answered - SW WA HubAustralian Bureau of MeteorologyYr - Served by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRKWindy: Wind map & weather forecastDPIRD weather stationsCliMateHub news - Drought Hub

Join Carly Veitch, farm management consultant at AgAsset and President of the Australian Association of Agricultural Consultants (AAAC), along with Ian Donaldson, senior manager of rural valuations at Rabobank, as they delve into the dynamics behind soaring land prices.In recent years, land values have surged, and with increasingly variable seasons, buying land is becoming a tougher choice for many. Carly and Ian discuss the factors driving these price hikes, the challenges this poses for farmers, and the various options for expanding land access. Ian also shares insights into how pricing differs across regions, particularly in mixed farming areas in the eastern states.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Hub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, Coorow farmer Rod Birch and Yuna farmer Jess Grove share their experiences managing extreme seasonal variability in Western Australia’s northern wheatbelt. With 2023 marking the lowest rainfall on record, and 2021, 2022, and 2024 presenting vastly different conditions, Jess and Rod discuss their strategies for adapting to these challenges, capturing gains in productive years, and building resilience for drier ones.Jess explains how her 2023 experience led to important adjustments, such as avoiding high-risk crops like canola and lupins in the absence of summer rain and switching to shorter-season varieties when rains finally arrived. Meanwhile, Rod shares how past good seasons allowed him to strengthen his business through strategic investments, and how thorough planning helps him make well-ranked decisions, even under adverse conditions. His approach, grounded in “optimistic realism,” emphasizes balancing risk, reducing costs, and prioritising long-term resilience.Jess and Rod also delve into practical measures like improved water-use efficiency, addressing soil constraints, and enhancing technology to keep input costs low during lean years. Both Jess and Rod highlight the value of community connection, with initiatives like the “barefoot bowls day” that Jess organised to relieve stress and foster support.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Reducing costs and forward planning during a dry year (Video) - Rod BirchDe-Risking the Seeding Program – AG Excellence AllianceRiskWi$e - GRDCRiskWi$e - The National Risk Management Initiative - Grower Group AllianceDe-risking seeding program – Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry and early sown crops – Baseline Survey Report (PDF) Hub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, we explore how changing rainfall patterns are reshaping seeding strategies and risk management across Australia.Our guests are:Rachel May, Farming Systems Adoption Officer for the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, who leads the “De-risking the Seeding Program.” This initiative supports 14 farming groups in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia (including Facey Group and Corrigin Farm Improvement Group) to improve dry seeding practices.Peter Newman, a farm business consultant with Planfarm, is based in Geraldton, WA. As WeedSmart’s Western Extension Agronomist, he shares valuable insights on weed management during dry seeding.We discuss whether it’s time to rethink approaches to the opening rainfall, and if less risky crops like wheat should be sown before canola. Peter also reflects on lessons from the dry seasons of 2006 and 2007 in the Northern Agricultural region.The “De-risking the Seeding Program”, funded through the Future Drought Fund, is in its early stages, with a recent survey highlighting the main drivers and knowledge gaps around early sowing.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Time of sowing fact sheet: when to sow wheat to minimise risk – Western region – GRDCDe-Risking the Seeding Program – AG Excellence AllianceBenchmarking resources - PlanfarmWeedSmart Australia - Industry Voice On Weed ControlRiskWi$e - GRDCRiskWi$e - The National Risk Management Initiative - Grower Group AllianceDe-risking seeding program – Adoption of key management practices for the success of dry and early sown crops – Baseline Survey Report (PDF) Hub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, Mullewa farmer John Flannagan and Tom Holcombe, Field Operations Lead at SwarmFarm Robotics, discuss the benefits of using SwarmFarm robots in WA's northern wheatbelt.John shares how the addition of two SwarmFarm robots, alongside a WEED-IT precision sprayer, has significantly reduced labour, chemical, and fuel costs on his family’s farm. The conversation highlights how these technologies have not only boosted operational efficiency but also helped conserve valuable soil moisture.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Clocking up a week's work in just one day - Groundcover (GRDC)Fallow tool for the low-rainfall zone - Groundcover (GRDC)Adaptation to climate change through strategic integration of long fallow into cropping system in a dryland Mediterranean-type environment - ScienceDirectIntegrating long fallow into wheat-based cropping systems in Western Australia: Spatial pattern of yield and economic responses - ScienceDirectBots on the ground: farming's new army - Groundcover (GRDC)Hub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, we explore strategies to navigate the evolving challenges of livestock management while boosting productivity and system resilience. Chapman Valley farmer Jason Stokes shares his approach to managing seasonal variability, including break conservation, confinement feeding, and diverse pasture use. Daniel Real from DPIRD delves into the Feed365 and Pasture365 projects, highlighting innovative solutions to provide year-round feed and minimise reliance on supplementary feeding during critical feed gaps.The Pasture365 project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Drought resilient landscapes with profitable native shrub and legume systems across southern Australia — Fitzgerald Biosphere GroupFeedbase planning and budgeting tool - Meat & Livestock AustraliaConfinement feeding - Meat & Livestock AustraliaPastures365 - Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation HubFEED365 - DPIRDFEED365 - Grower Group AllianceHub news - Drought Hub

Join Ben White from Kondinin Group and Kelly Cussons from Cussons Media as they dive into four compelling case studies showcasing innovative drought resilience strategies employed by farmers across Australia.These case studies are part of a comprehensive, farmer-focused extension and adoption program designed to uncover and share the most effective drought resilience techniques, strategies, and technologies in use today.Funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this project produced 24 insightful reports, all available at Droughtinfo.com.au.This episode is particularly valuable for farmers in Western Australia, offering fresh perspectives and practical solutions to enhance resilience during dry seasons.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.

Join us as we dive into how MyClimateView is empowering growers to make informed decisions in the face of a changing climate. In this episode, Stephanie Dickson from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and Jen Riseley from Pomewest share insights on leveraging historical and predicted climate data tailored to specific regions and crop types.Stephanie walks us through the key features of MyClimateView, highlighting how users can customise thresholds and growing seasons, and utilise historical data to draw meaningful comparisons between the current season and similar past seasons. She emphasises the importance of personalising the platform to maximise its utility in your farming operations.Jen brings her expertise from the orchard industry, explaining how MyClimateView serves as a vital tool in her work. She discusses how the platform aids in strategic decision-making for long-term planning, such as orchard upgrades and varietal selections. Although it might be a resource you consult annually, Jen explains how MyClimateView can play a crucial role in shaping your farming future.MyClimateView was developed as part of a Future Drought Fund project called ‘Climate Services for Agriculture’.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.

In this episode, we talk about virtual fencing and its applications in farming.Virtual fencing enables farmers to remotely manage and contain livestock without the need for physical fences. Livestock wear GPS-enabled collars that communicate with reception towers, creating a virtual boundary set by the farmer.Our guests today are Esperance farmer Scott Wandel and Andrew Zipsin from Gallagher. Scott is currently trialling the Gallagher eShepherd neck bands on his farm and has observed numerous benefits, including improved pasture management and reduced labour. He also envisions the technology’s long-term potential in enhancing calf growth and supporting cropping activities, especially during dry periods when grazing on barley stubbles.Andrew provides insights into the development of this innovative technology, explaining how it works and its future applications for farmers.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie interviews Farmanco consultant Ben Curtis, and West River farmer Joel Ebert. They discuss key agronomic decision-making times of the year such as deciding on top up nitrogen, when to sell grain, and if fungicides are needed. They also discuss some of the emotional choices that farmers are making on that journey, such as buying land and succession planning.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.

Farmers Tony White, from Miling, and Peter Daw, from Ravensthorpe, participated in the Western Australia Drought Pilot program over a decade ago. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), aimed to help farmers better prepare for and manage dry seasons.In this episode, Tony and Peter share the strategies they have incorporated into their farm businesses since completing the program. They discuss how the program’s support, which included a $40,000 grant for capital improvements and an additional $20,000 for other expenditures, has made a lasting impact on their operations and preparedness against drought.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.

In this episode, we catch up with Dan Parnell, Regional Extension Officer at Western Dairy, and Borden farmer Paul O’Meehan to delve into the world of silage.Silage isn't widely used in the wheatbelt, but Paul has been growing and utilising it near Borden for many years, and opened one pit after 5 years.Dan, a consultant, delivers TopFodder workshops, which focus on producing high-quality silage and hay. Recently, he has been doing this work through a project funded by the Future Drought Fund titled "Better Making and Use of Hay and Silage - Mitigating drought and season variability effects for WA's livestock industry".Through this project, the TopFodder program is used to upskill dairy, beef and sheep producers in WA on successfully making, storing and feeding silage. The project enables these producers to improve the quality of traditionally produced hay, which will further improve the quality feed for their stock in times of drought.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.TopFodder Workshops – contact Western Beef - Western Beef website: westernbeef.org.au Jeisane Accioly: 0403 327 216 or [email protected] Dan Parnell: [email protected] Silage (TopFodder) Manual - Dairy AustraliaHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, we talk with Brad Plunkett and Christophe D’Abbadie about profitable and drought-resilient grazing systems for the Southern Rangelands.Brad and Christophe, both economists at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), have conducted extensive research on profitable and sustainable rangeland management systems in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.Their work is particularly notable for its focus on strategies that allow pastoralists to manage consecutive drought years effectively.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Modelling shows optimal beef system for Southern Rangelands - WA GovernmentSouthern Rangelands Revitalisation Program - DPIRDC. d'Abbadie, R. Kingwell, P. Vercoe, B. Plunkett, A. Peggs, Heavy steers and heifers run at low stocking rates enhance drought resilience in a pastoral region of Australia, Agricultural Systems, Volume 218, 2024Cunyu Station Visit: An example of profitable, sustainable pastoralism (PDF) - Rangelands WARangeland heavy steers and heifers run at low stocking rates provide resilience to drought (YouTube) - Christophe D’AbbadieHub news - Drought Hub

On this episode, we are joined by Meredith Guthrie from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Michaela Alexander from the Bureau of Meteorology. Together, they discuss various weather tools that can help us gain deeper insights into our forecasts.Meredith and Michaela highlight several tools that farmers can use to better understand weather forecasts, explaining their strengths and practical applications.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Weather predictions, risk and decision making. Perspectives on making better decisions on risk management from weather and seasonal forecasts - GRDCGIWA Crop Report - April 2024 - Grain Industry Association of Western AustraliaThe Australian water outlook - Bureau of MeteorologySheepLinks - FutureSheep - DPIRDWeather station network - DPIRDRainfall to date tools - DPIRDExtreme weather events tool - DPIRDSoil water tool - DPIRDThe BOM Weather appMetEye - Bureau of MeteorologyClimate outlooks—weeks, months and seasons - Bureau of MeteorologyAbout the Bureau's climate model: ACCESS–SDR.SAT - Drought Resilience Self-Assessment ToolMy Climate ViewHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, we explore different livestock feed options for dry seasons.Joining us are Hayley Norman, a pasture researcher from CSIRO, and Emily Stretch, a farmer from Kojonup. They talk about the impact of the current dry season on livestock operations on WA farms and share alternative feed options farmers can consider.A key topic is the use of saltbush as a feed alternative in dry years. Hayley and Emily explain how farmers can make use of less productive land for growing shrubs and other feed options. They also discuss the health considerations for livestock when switching to these alternatives.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Case Study: Weaning Management - DPIRDInformation about perennials, case studies, establishment, feeding and shrub spacing calculator - Saltland GenieSaltbush systems video featuring WA farmer, Rod Stokes - CSIROMaking Silage - Dairy AustraliaSaltbushes for dryland salinity management in Western Australia - DPIRDSaltbush: A grazing option? - FutureBeefGrain and Graze 2 program — FarmLinkThe spread of kikuyu - Meat & Livestock AustraliaPDS Spotlight on Productive saltland pastures for southern WA - Meat & Livestock AustraliaDrought resilient landscapes with profitable native shrub and legume systems across southern Australia — Fitzgerald Biosphere GroupHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, Renae Piggott, a consultant with AgAsset, and Matt Hyde, a young Dalwallinu farmer, talk about the impact of a dry season on WA farms' cash flow.Farmers may need to pull different levers to change or modify farm operations to minimise the impacts of a dry season on their business.Renae and Matt give an introduction to the four key ratios farmers should know to help them make informed financial decisions. They discuss the importance for business owners to have a clear understanding of where they sit financially, particularly around cash flow.They also highlight the importance of having a plan with trigger points throughout the season. This plan should be built on evidence-based information and scenarios farm businesses have experienced in the last five years or more. Some useful tools and rules of thumb are also discussed. The Dry Season Resources podcast is produced by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and hosted by Shannon Beattie.Cultivating Profit workshop with Renae Piggott (PDF)Season 2024: information for WA farmers - DPIRDFarm decision making - GRDCProcesses help to guide good farm decision-making - GRDCFarm decision making - how does your risk profile affect your business decision making? - GRDCDrought budgeting and banking - Drought InfoAustralian Grain Leaders Program 2024 participants - Grain GrowersRainfall to date tool for Western Australia - DPIRDHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode, we turn our attention to getting good crop establishment with early sowing.Our guests are Glen Riethmuller, Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), and Stuart Faulkner, a mixed farmer from Beacon, WA.Good crop establishment and rapid, early growth can improve water efficiency, increase yields and help the crop to compete against weeds. However, early sowing comes with its risks. It can increase the risk of frost during critical growth stages and haying-off in a dry finish. Glen and Stuart give their tips for getting good crop establishment when sowing early. The Dry Season Resources podcast is produced by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and hosted by Shannon Beattie.Livestock management in 2023-2024 (PDF) - DPIRDClimate outlooks - Bureau of MeteorologyMaximising sowing opportunities under dry soil conditions in the high-rainfall zone - GRDC$8.2M national project to boost canola establishment - CSIRO2024 WA Crop Sowing Guide - DPIRDTen tips for early sown wheat (PDF) - GRDCCrop establishment and precision planting (PDF) - GRDCHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie discusses the role of digital technologies in agricultural businesses with Smart Farms coordinator for Stirlings to Coast Farmers, Phil Honey, Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO, Roger Lawes, and Latham farmer, Dylan Hirsch. A range of technologies have been developed in the agricultural industry that provide growers with new insights into their farm businesses and have potential to improve efficiencies and productivity. However, these technologies often have limitations and farmers often lack the time, tools and skills to process data from multiple different sources to effectively utilise them. Phil, Roger and Dylan took part in a SW WA Hub project funded through a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Innovation grant aimed at understanding growers’ attitude to digital technology. They assisted growers to better understand the opportunities presented by the latest digital technologies and how they can address farming system challenges and improve in-season decision making when faced with a variable climate. Emerging technologies in agriculture (PDF) - AgriFuturesAgtech Decoded: growers critically analysing the role of new technology in on-farm decision making – what are the possibilities? - SW WA HubTechnology supporting SA agriculture - PIRSAHub news - Drought Hub

In this episode of the South-West WA Drought Hub's Dry Season Resources podcast, host Shannon Beattie catches up with Brad Milsteed, farmer and founder of 6Bs (Blokes, BBQ’s, Bonfires, Beers, Bonding and Bullshit) and Owen Catto from the Regional Men’s Health Initiative. They discuss grassroots approaches to support men’s and whole of community mental health and wellbeing that operate across regional WA.Are You Bogged Mate? - Are you bogged mate? aims to boost awareness and start a conversation with the broader community about the rising issue of depression and suicide rates among men in rural areas. 10 wellbeing Tips - What are our Shock Absorbers?The Regional Mens Health Initiative6Bs websiteLifeline 13 11 14Hub newsletter subscription