Collaboration between LEADA and SANTFA Alex Milner-Smyth (SANTFA) & Jordy Wilksch (LEADA) Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

SANTFA – The South Australian No-Till Farmer’s Association Established to assist farmers in the adoption of no-till farming methods Strong history of research & development and member engagement through crop walks, conferences and quarterly journal Currently represents more than 750 members, who collectively farm more than 1.1million hectares Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

LEADA – Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Association Established in 2005 (post bushfires) to address local issues on LEP Diverse farming systems, rainfall and soils on LEP Found identity through work with canola and blackleg Membership of approximately 85 ± 25 Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

History of collaboration Sharing information during the planning phase of trials Sharing board members – Michael Treloar, Bruce Morgan. Co-hosted grower days Demonstration of group-led innovations (Aqua Jet) Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

Improved project design – build on shared knowledge Better access to relevant technical information Increased communication - better relationships between groups Increased attendee numbers at grower days Better value for sponsors, more sponsor involvement Combined outcomes Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

Access to a wider pool of speakers and topic experts Reduction in financial risk (splitting expenses) Minimisation of saturating regions with too many grower days Sharing, not duplication, of ideas and research Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013 Combined outcomes (continued)

Managing sponsor expectations ‘I’ll just join one group’ – ensuring groups still build real value for their members Ensuring topics are regionally relevant and in-line with both group’s strategic direction What would happen if one group disbanded or didn’t want to hold a grower day anymore?  Potential Risks Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

Access to a wider network of research and researchers Ability to access specialist key note speakers outside existing networks Increased grower interest and turnout to field days Demonstration of new innovation (Water Jet) Benefits - LEADA Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

Ability to use local knowledge (venues, topics, etc) when organising grower days from 500km away! Access to non-SANTFA members - good for funding partners and sponsors Combination of ideas from both groups keeps grower day topics from becoming stale Development of relationships encourages communication and results in the sharing of ideas and future collaborative arrangements – i.e. trials and extension work Benefits - SANTFA Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

SANTFA / LEADA grower day – spring 2013? Input of ideas (GRDC / LEADA stubble management project) Network established for sharing upcoming events to an audience beyond one group’s database. Opportunities for future collaboration Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

Questions? Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013

LEADA Jordy Wilksch – Chair Person P: E: SANTFA Alex Milner-Smyth – Executive Officer P: M: E: For more information on LEADA or SANTFA Ag Excellence Forum – 25 th -26 th March 2013