This event was a Rice Extension initiative, co-hosted by WMLIG and made possible through funding from AgriFutures Australia and the Murray Local Land Services.
In July 2019, following the success of the 2018 Business and Technology Forum, Rice Extension again partnered with the Western Murray Land Improvement Group to launch the Breaking New Ground forum. This event was designed to give growers the tools to become more resilient to drought and begin farming for the future by providing access to information on business management, the latest technology, dealing with drought, mental health and wellbeing.
"We found that agtech and farming practices are changing so rapidly, the potential is endless, but often growers weren't exactly sure what might be appropriate for them and where to go first. We designed the forums to bring the information to growers and give them the tools to pioneer new practices and technology in their own businesses to improve productivity" - Rice Extension Officer, Charleton Glenn.
Presenters were selected to provide information and tools to improve existing, or pioneer new practices and technology in their own businesses.
The forum was well attended with 46 farmers and industry members participating. There was an encouraging inter-generational mix of age groups, with 42% of attendees between 52-65 years, 31% under 35 years of age.
The range of topics presented included precision agriculture, farm benchmarking, managing livestock during drought, the availability of drought funding and services, off-farm investment and using electronic identification to collect and utilise flock performance data.
"We found that agtech and farming practices are changing so rapidly, the potential is endless, but often growers weren't exactly sure what might be appropriate for them and where to go first. We designed the forums to bring the information to growers and give them the tools to pioneer new practices and technology in their own businesses to improve productivity" - Rice Extension Officer, Charleton Glenn.
Presenters were selected to provide information and tools to improve existing, or pioneer new practices and technology in their own businesses.
The forum was well attended with 46 farmers and industry members participating. There was an encouraging inter-generational mix of age groups, with 42% of attendees between 52-65 years, 31% under 35 years of age.
The range of topics presented included precision agriculture, farm benchmarking, managing livestock during drought, the availability of drought funding and services, off-farm investment and using electronic identification to collect and utilise flock performance data.
As a result of the workshops, participants suggested they would make changes to their business by:
We would like to thank our wonderful presenters for giving their time to attend the event, including: Peter Brick - Decipher Ag, Tim Haines - Farmanco, Scott Ison - Murray Local Land Services, Tony Flett - Rural Financial Couselling Services, Scott Mildren - Provincial Wealth & Paul O'Donnell - Brian McCleary & Co Accountants, Elise Bowen - Sheep Data Management.
- Implementing soil testing zones in their paddocks, use satellites or drones to collect in-crop information and apply fertiliser using variable rate technology.
- Engage a farm benchmarking consultant to get more information about their business performance.
- Start using electronic identification for their livestock to improve enterprise performance.
We would like to thank our wonderful presenters for giving their time to attend the event, including: Peter Brick - Decipher Ag, Tim Haines - Farmanco, Scott Ison - Murray Local Land Services, Tony Flett - Rural Financial Couselling Services, Scott Mildren - Provincial Wealth & Paul O'Donnell - Brian McCleary & Co Accountants, Elise Bowen - Sheep Data Management.
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