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