The role of grower groups in fostering innovation
- a grower’s 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
• Liaising with grower groups as WA Coordinator of Partners in Grain (PinG)
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 its– NETWORK– SUPPORT
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.
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.
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
ideas– Relate it back to your own business to implement
• Connects different people.– Across generations, areas, farming systems, social circles– Encourages group projects, collaboration & support for
common goals
… 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.
• Funds– Self-funded or accessing funding, it all helps growers
improve and innovate– Enables research projects & other opportunities– Enables paid coordination of a group
• Coordination– Having someone responsible ensures things get done– Growers are too busy with the ‘everyday’– Makes it easy for growers to attend without organising
The importance of SUPPORT …
… The importance of SUPPORT
• Shared Infrastructure– Bus. Weigh trailer.– Soil Moisture Probes. Deep Soil Sampler– Portable Cool Room. Pizza Oven. Marquee.– Yuna Community Centre: $120,000
Summing up Innovation on Farms
I see the process of innovation as:1. Discuss2. Evaluate3. Decide4. 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.
Current YFIG business …
• Low rainfall agronomist• Finalise the Community Centre• Regional project with NEFF• Crop establishment techniques
• Summer weeds booklet• Secretary remuneration• Grower tour
• 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…
THANK YOU
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