in fostering innovation a growers perspective Some background on us Farming in Chapman Valley Locally involved in Yuna Farm Improvement Group YFIG Regionally linked to North East Farming Futures NEFF Group ID: 300298
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Slide1
The role of grower groups
in fostering innovation- a grower’s perspectiveSlide2
Some background on us…
Farming in Chapman Valley.
Locally involved in Yuna Farm Improvement Group (YFIG)
Regionally linked to North East Farming Futures (NEFF) Group
Liaising with grower groups as WA Coordinator of Partners in Grain (PinG)Slide3
Some background on YFIG…
Began in 2000.
Up
until 2008 was a boys
club.
30 farm businesses. No staff.
1 cash sponsor. 240ha crop.Freedom to set its own agenda.HUGE impact locally through itsNETWORKSUPPORTSlide4
Innovation on our farm
2008. Began investing into Controlled Traffic Farming.
New
to our area. New to us.
Removed
sheep. Removed fences.
Discs on sandplain. Wide rows.Full stubble retention.Completely different in our area.Slide5
CTF Innovation & YFIG
Having the network of growers & industry ensured discussion.
YFIG peers questioned the concept.
Tours allowed other to see our system & us to see others.
Everyone wanted to monitor & measure changes.
YFIG & DAFWA soil renovation trial.
CTF interest from further afield.Slide6
The importance of a NETWORK …
Encourages growers to share ideas & learn from each
other.
Step outside
your own business &
family thinking
See, hear & question other growers successes, failures and ideasRelate it back to your own business to implement
Connects different people.
A
cross generations, areas, farming systems, social circles
Encourages group projects, collaboration & support for common goals Slide7
… The importance of a NETWORK
Provides forums
Field Days & Field Walks
Update Days
Seminars & Training
Events run by a group seek outcomes (unlike social discussions)
Links to industry
Groups can access support that individuals can’t.
Groups are easier to partner with than individuals.
Bring expertise to the area.Slide8
Funds
Self-funded or accessing funding, it all helps growers improve and innovate
Enables research projects & other opportunities
Enables
paid coordination of a groupCoordination
Having someone responsible ensures things get doneGrowers are too busy with the ‘everyday’Makes it easy for growers to attend without organising
The importance of SUPPORT …Slide9
… The importance of SUPPORT
Shared Infrastructure
Bus. Weigh
trailer.
Soil
M
oisture Probes. Deep Soil SamplerPortable Cool Room. Pizza Oven. Marquee.Yuna Community Centre: $120,000Slide10
Summing up Innovation on Farms
I see the process of innovation as:
Discuss
Evaluate
Decide
Act
Through NETWORKS & SUPPORT grower groups can play a really important role in helping growers with the first 2 steps.
The next 2 steps are up to the individual grower.
The majority of growers are always innovating.Slide11
Current YFIG business …
Low rainfall agronomist
Finalise the Community Centre
Regional project with NEFF
Crop establishment techniques
Summer weeds booklet
Secretary remuneration
Grower tourSlide12
Grower groups do play a role in fostering innovation.
The scope of that role depends on the group.
Bigger is not always better.
Industry needs to see groups (& growers) as partners with common goals.
Grower groups need to remember their purpose – to provide opportunities to members.Don’t forget the growers who don’t have direct access to a group.
Take home messages…Slide13
THANK YOU